Emergency number of the Emergency Assistance Center: what is it, and should you take it with you on a trip or while backpacking?

What are emergency numbers of emergency assistance centers?

• These are the numbers that you hope you never have to call, but that you are very happy about when you get your foot stuck between two boulders on the Everest.
• The emergency assistance center usually refers to (travel) insurance, or to, for example, roadside assistance or car insurance. If you have a burglary detection system, there is often an alarm/emergency call centre associated with it.
• Emergency Assistance Center is also called Travel Assistance Center or emergency call center

What can you use phone numbers of emergency assistance centers for when traveling and backpacking?

• For moments when you think "now I really need help" such as:
• In the event of an accident or when someone suddenly faints in the heat.
• When you have to go to the hospital, but have no idea whether that will be reimbursed.
• When your car gets stranded on a dirt road full of hippo tracks.
• When you need medical help, but don't speak a word of Japanese.
• When you are so sick that you don't know how to handle the situation anymore.

When do you take the emergency number of the emergency center with you when traveling or backpacking?

• Always! Make sure you have it on your phone and that you also have an offline backup, for example a note in your wallet.

Where can you find the emergency number of your travel insurance or emergency center?

• On your insurance card or in your travel insurance app.
• In the confirmation e-mail of your policy.
• On a note in your passport (old school, but smart).
• In your offline notebook or e-reader (tip!)
• With your travel companion (because what if you are out?).

How do you use the emergency assistance center of your insurance in case of emergency?

• Stay calm (or pretend).
• Call the number of your emergency center (sometimes collect call or via an emergency app).
• Clearly state:
  • Your name and insurance number
  • What happened
  • Where you are (address, city, or GPS via someone else)
  • What you need: doctor, ambulance, help with repatriation etc.
• Follow their instructions (they often arrange help and payment immediately).
• Note who you spoke to, at what time, and what they promised.

What do you do if you have no signal or lose your phone?

• Ask a local for help - they usually know who to call the fastest. Go to a local police station, hospital or pharmacy.
• Ask someone to let you call from their phone.
• Use an international landline (at a hotel or hospital).
• Make sure you have the emergency numbers on paper, so in your wallet or passport cover.