What to do if you are robbed while abroad
Travelling abroad is always a great experience, but unforeseen events can happen. That’s why knowing what to do if you are robbed while abroad is key to acting fast and avoiding a ruined holiday. This article explains the steps to take, how to prevent theft, and when travel insurance can help.
Steps to take if you are robbed while abroad
Cancel credit and debit cards
One of the first steps to take in the event of theft is to cancel your credit or debit cards as soon as possible. Communicate with your bank or use the mobile apps that many banking entities offer to block the cards. A quick cancellation will prevent thieves from abusing them
Go to the embassy or consulate
If your passport has been stolen while abroad or another important document, such as a national identity card, you need to go to the nearest embassy or consulate. They will help you arrange for a temporary document that will enable you to return home. You will sometimes need to provide two photographs and fill in a sworn declaration to confirm the loss or theft of your documentation. Remember that for European Union citizens there are agreements in place that allow for a certain amount of flexibility for travelling within the Schengen area without a passport, but you must have proof of the police report.
File a report at the local police station
Reporting the theft in the area’s police station is essential. This step is also vital for obtaining proof of the police report, which will not only help you process the replacement of your documents, but you will also need it to make any claims from your insurance company. This document is sometimes needed to avoid fraudulent charges and to protect your identity. Make sure you provide information about everything that has been stolen, such as your mobile phone, passport, money or any other item of value.
Notify your telephone company
If your mobile phone has been stolen, get in touch with your telephone company to block your number and prevent thieves from abusing the service. Some companies allow you to block your device remotely to protect personal information.
Contact your insurer
If you have taken out travel insurance, this is the time to contact the company. Even though the cover for theft is limited to documents and keys, contact SegurCaixa Adeslas so that we can explain the steps you need to take and the kind of assistance we can provide for your situation.
If your luggage has been stolen, SegurCaixa Adeslas covers this when it is the responsibility of the transport carrier, so when you are not being transported it is not covered.
How to prevent theft and avoid being robbed while abroad
Even though we cannot fully prevent a theft from happening, there are several measures you can take to prevent or reduce the risks of theft while travelling.
- Use hotel safes to store valuables and important documents.
- Upload a digital copy of your documents to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation website or on a safe storage service on the cloud.
- Avoid displaying items of value in public.
- Always keep your bag or rucksack in sight and use security pouches under your clothing.
- Take out travel insurance that provides cover in the event of theft while abroad.
- Make a list of emergency numbers before travelling, with the number of your bank, telephone company and insurer.
Knowing the risks at each destination can also help to prevent theft. Check the safety recommendations for each country on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation website.
How travel insurance can help you
Having travel insurance is one of the best ways to protect yourself in a situation of theft. Also, even though it is not always compulsory to travel with insurance, except in Cuba, it is highly recommended to have it when visiting countries such as the USA, China, Indonesia, Thailand and Turkey.
These are some of the ways in which having travel insurance with SegurCaixa Adeslas can help you:
- Lost or stolen luggage: compensation of up to 300 euros for lost or stolen luggage that has been checked in by the transport carrier.
- Support in arranging official documents after a theft: reimbursement of the costs stemming from replacing passports, visas or other important documents, up to a limit of 120 euros.
SegurCaixa Adeslas also offers cover in the event of delays and other travel incidents (cancellations, missed connections, etc.).
In short, having a good travel insurance policy is the best way to travel with full peace of mind. It will let you enjoy every experience and adventure without having to worry about any unforeseen events that may emerge. So, before you take your next trip, make sure you have the best protection in place and devote yourself entirely to the most important part: enjoying your trip to the full.