Allianz Global Assistance, a leading Canadian travel insurance and assistance provider and a company of Allianz Worldwide Partners, suggests precautions Olympic and Paralympic Games-goers can take to reduce risks and enjoy the festivities more safely
Dublin (Aug. 3, 2016) – More than 7 million tourists will head to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to enjoy the XXXI Olympic and Paralympic Games, which take place from August 5th to 20th. Allianz Global Assistance suggests some practical measures Olympic Games-goers can take to reduce risks to their health and safety, and to help them enjoy the Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games to the fullest.
“Visitors from all over the world will go to Brazil to celebrate Olympic values and the achievements of the most incredible champions. Most will come back home with plenty of marvelous memories, but a few may have some unpleasant experiences. In order for the festivities to be unforgettable for everyone, there are a few precautions to be taken,” reminds Dr. Laurent Verner, Group Chief Medical Officer at Allianz Worldwide Partners.
Zika and other mosquito-borne illnesses
Zika is spreading fast and, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the virus is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, as it can cause birth defects. Pregnant women should consult their family doctor before travelling to Zika-affected regions, including Brazil.
Other mosquito-transmitted illnesses present in Brazil are dengue fever and malaria. The most effective way of avoiding any of them is to protect against mosquito bites:
- apply repellents to both body and clothing;
- wear clothing that covers the arms and legs;
- stay indoors during peak mosquito hours, (early in the morning and at sunset);
- avoid areas with stagnant water.
Travel clinics can also prescribe medication to protect against malaria and dengue fever.
Infectious diseases
- Vaccination against yellow fever is strongly recommended. Protection from vaccination lasts for up to 10 years, but must be given at least 10 days before travelling (where it is the primary vaccine) and must be spaced apart from other types of vaccine or booster shots.
- Standard vaccinations (diphtheria, tetanus and polio) should also be up to date;
- Depending on the length of stay, vaccinations against typhoid and viral hepatitis A and B, are advisable. Family doctors should be consulted for up-to-date advice.
Medical care and assistance
Medical costs in Brazil are high. For example, medical treatment for a broken leg in Rio de Janeiro could cost between $8,000 and $9,000 CAD.
Be sure to purchase travel insurance from a trusted provider, review your policy in detail and understand your coverage before travelling.
Crime
Rio de Janeiro has a high crime rate. Visitors should avoid wearing visibly-branded clothing in the downtown area. On the beach, keep a watchful eye on your belongings and ask your companions to look after them if you decide to go for a swim. Watch out for gangs of children: a common ploy is for them to pretend to be in a scuffle, but then break apart and snatch valuables from onlookers.
Rio de Janeiro, the carnival capital of the world, is surrounded by lower-income neighbourhoods called “favelas.” If you decide to visit them, you should only do so with an official guide.
Sun exposure
Travellers from the northern hemisphere who are not used to the strength of the sun in Brazil may not realize until too late how harmful it can be. Over-exposure to the sun can cause fever and nausea, as well as long-term damage to the skin. To reduce the risk of damage:
- apply high-protection sun screen;
- wear a hat or cap;
- drink plenty of water;
- limit physical activities in the heat of the sun;
- use a fan;
- spend no more than a few minutes in the sun between 12 noon and 4pm.
Emergency numbers in Rio de Janeiro
- dial 192 to call an ambulance;
- call 193 for the emergency fire and rescue service;
- contact your assistance or insurance company as soon as possible after any incident for help and support.
More useful advice
For additional advice to help you stay safe while travelling to Rio, visit the Canadian Government’s travel website.
About Allianz Global Assistance (Canada)
For more than 50 years, Allianz Global Assistance has supported travelling Canadians when they need it most with value-added travel insurance and assistance services. More than 700 employees support long-term partnerships with some of the best known brands in the travel and financial services markets. The company also serves as an outsource provider for in-bound call centre services and claims administration for health insurers, property and casualty insurers and credit card companies. Allianz Global Assistance is a specialist brand of Allianz Worldwide Partners for assistance and travel insurance, and is the registered business name for AZGA Service Canada Inc. and AZGA Insurance Agency Canada Ltd. For more information, visit www.allianz-assistance.ca.
About Allianz Worldwide Partners
Dedicated to bringing worldwide protection and care, Allianz Worldwide Partners is the B2B2C leader in assistance and insurance solutions in the following areas of expertise: global assistance, international health & life, global automotive and travel insurance. These solutions, which are a unique combination of insurance, service and technology, are available to business partners or via direct and digital channels under three internationally renowned brands: Allianz Global Assistance, Allianz Worldwide Care and Allianz Global Automotive. This global family of over 16,000 employees is present in 75 countries, speaks 70 languages and handles 40 million cases per year*, protecting customers and employees on all continents..
* For 2015, excluding Global Automotive
Source: Allianz Global Assistance
