DEUTSCH It's sad, but true. Travel insurance is the last thing any of us think we'll ever need. But during recent years, Bolivia has been in the news for all the wrong reasons, and some of them have just become too serious to ignore.
This is not a scare tactic. BoliviaBella highlights the beautiful and positive aspects of traveling or living in Bolivia. But there are things you need to be aware of for your own safety when you travel Bolivia and it would be irresponsible not to mention them. In addition, we partnered with WorldNomads.com, recommended by Lonely Planet, Footprint Travel Guides, Nat Geo Adventure, and other highly respected travel sites, to offer you a trusted travel insurance option. Five reasons why we did:
I woke up in hospital and had no idea how I wound up there. All I remember is enjoying a beer at a restaurant in the middle of the day, and then I draw a blank. What happened during the next 24 hours between that quiet lager and landing in hospital was a mystery, but I knew for sure I was missing $200 in cash, my credit card and camera. It turned out I had been drugged, kidnapped and robbed.
1. Bolivian roads are awful and not well-maintained and Bolivian drivers often don't have licenses, drive drunk, or drive too fast. Nearly 200 people died in bus accidents just in 2010 (72 in January alone) on various Bolivian roads, and tourists have at times been involved. Tour vehicles are also often not safe. This horrifying story more than any other, compelled us to take travel insurance more seriously.
2. Bolivia thrives on offering adventure tourism. Tours like the Death Road bicycle tour and Uyuni tours have resulted in several tourist deaths. Never underestimate how remote and distant some tourist attractions in Bolivia are (medical centers can be hours away) and may be poorly equipped. Tour operators often do not offer safety features or emergency plans. Learn to demand your tour operator provide safety guarantees.
3. Crime is on the rise. Bolivia has always had a problem with pickpockets and the theft of cameras, backpacks and other items. But during the past 3 years these and drug-related crimes have skyrocketed. In addition, crimes directed at foreigners, such as express kidnappings, "pildoritas" (a woman drugs your drink, her accomplice kidnaps you, robs you, then abandons you) and fake police officers demanding your documents, are becoming more frequent in some areas, especially La Paz.
4. Civil unrest is on the rise. The country has been very politically unstable during the past five years and has seen a serious spike in the number of protests, road blocks, and strikes. For travelers, this means your trip itinerary may change slightly, or your entire trip could be ruined. In 2010 over 100 tourists were stranded for 18 days in the Potosí/Uyuni area behind road blocks and protests. Their embassies could not get food to them or extract them.
5. Other things that can occur. You could get sick, the airlines could lose your luggage, your trip could get canceled due to weather, natural disasters (volcanoes anyone?), etc.
In researching travel insurance options, World Nomads stood out for its flexibility. You can read about it below. However! We only recommend products on this site that we truly believe might add value to your trip. You'll find more international insurance options here. World Nomads is recommended by many of the globally known travel companies like Lonely Planet, National Geographic, Hostelbookers etc. Read True claims stories.
Do I need Travel Insurance? Believe us, when you travel, things can - and do - go wrong when you least expect it. Adequate travel insurance helps to protect you (and your bank balance). If you're still not sure, read this.
What if I change my mind? Had a change of travel plans? Unlike other policies, World Nomads is flexible and allows you to extend your policy while you are still travelling.
What activities are covered? World Nomads cover most adventure sports from bungee jumping in New Zealand to white-water rafting in Colorado.
