Travel Emergency
Understanding What Counts as a Travel Emergency
What Is a Travel Emergency and How Do You Get Help
A travel emergency is any unexpected event that threatens your health, safety, or ability to continue your journey. This includes serious injury, sudden illness, a medical crisis, natural disasters, criminal attacks, or even terrorism. When traveling through Africa, these risks may feel more acute due to unfamiliar surroundings and less immediate access to support systems.
This is exactly why you signed up for the TravelSafe SOS app—to have expert backup in a critical moment. Our platform is designed to deliver fast, appropriate help when things go wrong during your travels.
What Happens When You Activate the Emergency Button
When you press one of the emergency buttons in the app, the TravelSafe SOS control center is instantly notified. The first step is immediate verbal reassurance. Speaking to someone within moments helps calm panic and restore clarity, especially if you’re alone or in unfamiliar territory.
Whether you’re facing a medical issue or a safety threat, our experienced operators will assess the situation and take action. A human voice in a crisis makes a world of difference—and our team has handled hundreds of real emergencies across Africa.
Important Information
Paramedic-Led Support for Medical Emergencies
In the event of a medical emergency, a trained paramedic will be available via phone to guide you through lifesaving steps. This may include instructions for:
- Performing CPR
- Stopping severe bleeding
- Stabilizing an injury
If video communication is possible, visual demonstrations can also be provided to support your efforts until help arrives. The goal is to offer real-time medical guidance while local responders are en route.
How TravelSafe SOS Responds to Your Emergency
Once your alert is received, we dispatch the nearest available security or medical team—or both—depending on the nature of the emergency. These responders are selected based on your live GPS location and urgency level.
In some cases, ground responders may be several hours away due to remote travel routes. If the situation calls for it and resources are available, an air evacuation may be coordinated. However, such services will require prior cost approval—either directly with your insurer or as a personal expense.
Service Scope and Limitations to Be Aware Of
It’s important to understand the scope of services provided through the TravelSafe SOS app:
- We coordinate dispatch of emergency services—but we do not fund them.
- Any costs related to responders, air evacuation, or treatment are the responsibility of you or your travel insurer.
- In non-life-threatening scenarios such as lost belongings, we may assist during office hours, subject to availability.
For full coverage details, consult the app’s terms and conditions.
What to Do If You Lose Your Passport or Travel Documents
The best way to ensure support in such situations is to preload your essential documents when setting up the app. These may include:
- Passport and visa copies
- Travel insurance policies
- Driver’s licenses
- Flight and accommodation details
Without this data, our ability to help is limited. Always keep physical copies of key documents in a separate bag from the originals in case of theft or lost luggage.
Should you need to contact an embassy or consulate, refer to our in-app directory. If you’re unable to reach them yourself, the TravelSafe SOS team will do so on your behalf.
Can We Contact Others for You?
Travel Insurance – Make Sure You’re Properly Covered
Before you depart, take out comprehensive travel insurance that reflects:
- Your destinations
- The duration of your trip
- The activities you’ll be doing
For example, if you’re visiting the Bazaruto Archipelago and plan to scuba dive, confirm that your policy explicitly covers diving. Too often, travelers assume they’re covered for adventure sports or remote evacuations—only to discover gaps when it’s too late.
Be honest and specific when listing your itinerary and planned activities. This ensures your emergency needs will be met without unexpected expenses or denied claims.
