Travel Insurance

It is essential that you take out medical insurance before travelling to Tajikistan The medical facilities available in-country are very basic compared to the norm in most developed countries. If you have an accident or fall ill while in Tajikistan, an emergency medical evacuation may be necessary. Most travellers cannot afford this without insurance. If you do not have adequate insurance you are risking your health and possibly even your life.

Buying travel insurance

Here is a checklist to help you choose an insurance policy for travel to Tajikistan:

• Not all policies are equal. Read the details of the policy carefully before buying.
• If your government advises against travel to Tajikistan, check with the insurer that this does not invalidate your policy.
• Check that the policy covers you for evacuation by air ambulance in case of an emergency, and that you are covered for medical evacuation expenses up to USD $100,000 (or equivalent). Some policies have an upper limit of USD $50,000 and this may be inadequate.
• If you plan to go climbing or hiking in the mountains, make sure that you are covered for these activities.
• All policies have exclusions, which may include: countries which your government advises against travelling to; conditions which could have been prevented (e.g. by vaccination); pre-existing medical conditions; pregnant women and newborn babies; winter sports. Check the exclusions carefully and ensure that the policy still covers you.

If you are booking your travel with The Great Game Travel Company, we can offer insurance cover for your trip. Please ask when booking, or contact Ashley Eves for further details.

While you are travelling

• Always carry your insurance documents with you. Don't leave them in your room - you never know when you might need them!
• Always carry your passport or other identity papers on you.
• Give your insurance details to the company arranging your travel and also to any other members of your party before you set off. If you are knocked unconscious or incapacitated, they will be able to call for assistance on your behalf. If you are travelling alone, make sure that your insurance papers are kept with your other documents in a place where they can be easily found.
• Carry a note of your blood group and any other important medical records on your person with your insurance documents. If you are allergic to any medications, put a note to that effect in with your documents.