You may be far from home, but you can lean on our support as a Travelex traveler. Here are our earthquake safety tips.
You may not expect the ground to move when you’re admiring a temple in Tokyo, sipping coffee at a street café in Santiago, or lying in bed at your California hotel in the early morning hours. But on any trip, there’s always the chance something could go wrong — like an earthquake at your destination.
Most travelers don’t plan for earthquakes, but if one happens, it’s important to be prepared and take steps to stay safe (and fast).
"If you’re traveling to an earthquake-prone area, it’s smart to have a backpack with some key essentials ready to go. The backpack should always be in arms reach, even when you are sleeping, and it should include as a minimum a torch, food, water, a back-up battery supply for your phone, and your travel documents.
Before you travel, download the Travel On app and grant location permissions so you can receive real-time earthquake updates and easily tap to call our 24/7 assistance team."
Frank Harrison, Regional Security Director Americas at Travelex Insurance’s 24/7 assistance provider, Zurich Travel Assist.
Let’s jump into our earthquake safety information so you know what to do if an earthquake shakes up your vacation plans — from finding shelter and staying aware to getting medical and safety support.
Need help right away? Call our assistance line.
5 things to do in an earthquake on vacation:
1. Stay calm and seek cover
2. Assess your surroundings when the shaking stops
3. Call your 24/7 travel assistance provider
4. Follow local guidance and evacuation procedures
5. File a travel insurance claim
What do I do in an earthquake during my trip?
Step 1: Stay calm and seek cover
When the shaking starts, your priority is to protect yourself without panicking. Here are earthquake safety tips based on where you’re located during an earthquake:
- I’m inside: Remain where you are and avoid running outside.
- I’m in bed: Lie face down and shield your head and neck with a pillow to minimize the risk of falling debris.
- I’m in the car: Pull your car over to the side of the road and come to a complete stop. Engage your parking brake to prevent rolling.
- I’m outside: Remain outside and move to a clear spot away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and power lines.
Next, you’ll want to drop, cover, and hold on:
- Drop to the ground to stay steady and avoid falling.
- Cover your head and neck under a sturdy piece of furniture like a desk or bed. Try to stay away from windows and other potential hazards. If the area around you isn’t safe to exit, stay where you are until the shaking stops. Avoid doorways, as they might not be as strong as they seem.
- Hold on to your shelter until the shaking stops.
Step 2: Assess your surroundings when the shaking stops
Wondering, “What do I do in an earthquake when I think it’s over?” Even after the shaking stops, it’s important to stay cautious. Aftershocks can happen without warning, and buildings or roads that seem safe may still be damaged.
Check in with yourself first to ensure you don’t need immediate medical attention. If you do, call local authorities (You can find their contact information in our Travel On app!) If phones aren’t working, try alternative means of communication such as radios or seeking help from nearby individuals. Create visible signals for rescue teams and use any available means to signal your need for help.
If you don’t need immediate assistance and are able, look at your surroundings and check for damage. If it’s safe, carefully leave the building, watching for debris, falling objects, and unstable ground.
Step 3: Call your 24/7 travel assistance provider
If you have a Travelex policy, use your 24/7 travel assistance services for support with medical care, evacuation procedures, and more.
You can contact our travel assistance provider for earthquake safety information by:
- Tapping the assistance button in our Travel On app
- Calling from the U.S./Canada at 1-800-555-0870
- Calling overseas at 1-416-977-1803
- Emailing [email protected]
Step 4: Follow local guidance and evacuation procedures
After the shaking stops, try to tune in to local news or alerts on your phone you have service. Listen for updates about evacuation routes, shelter-in-place guidance, or anything that might affect your safety.
Our assistance provider can also help you follow and understand local guidance. Don’t worry if you don’t speak the native language in your destination; the case managers can help translate important earthquake safety information or connect you with local support.
Step 5: File a travel insurance claim
If an earthquake shifted your trip plans, travel insurance can help offset unexpected eligible costs. With a Travelex policy, you may have coverage for your earthquake-related vacation mishaps like trip interruption and canceled flights. Before you depart, get more information on our earthquake coverage.
If you do have our earthquake coverage, file a claim when you’re in a safe area. You can submit your claim quickly and easily through our online claims portal.
Know what to do, wherever you are
Travel comes with surprises — not all of them planned. Our guides walk you through what to do in other situations you may face while away from home:
An earthquake safety companion, right in your pocket
Our Travel On app is designed to support policyholders before, during, and after their trips.
With location-based safety alerts, tap-to-call emergency assistance during your trip, destination details, and access to your travel insurance policy, it helps you stay one step ahead no matter where you are.
More ways we’ve got your back
Travel isn’t always predictable. Our plans are built to help with unexpected and inconvenient setbacks — offering support for what matters most, when you need it most.
Our most comprehensive travel plans offer coverage for these benefits and more:
Plus, you can choose from up to nine optional upgrades like pet care, cancel for any reason, and adventure activities.
Protect what matters before you go
You’ve put care into planning your trip — and we’re here to help care for you (and your finances) so you know what to do in an earthquake and many more travel mishaps. Get a quote now.