Travelling during the extreme heat? What to know if you fall ill abroad
Global News
From the bustling streets of China to the historic cities of Europe, last week's temperatures spanned 40 to 52 C throughout these areas.
As scorching heat waves relentlessly sweep across many countries, Canadian tourists travelling abroad may fall ill to the extreme heat, potentially landing themselves in the hospital.
From the bustling streets of China to the historic cities of Europe and the sun-soaked beaches of the southern United States, last week’s temperatures spanned 40 to 52 C throughout these areas.
“The world is in a strange situation right now. And climate change is playing a key role in every season that we have and travellers will get affected,” said Martin Firestone, president of Travel Secure, an insurance brokerage in Toronto.
“The (wild) fires and the extreme heat are taking its toll on travel and for sure on the insurance companies.”
It may not even be heat stroke that poses the immediate danger; falling on the scorching pavement could inflict third-degree burns during extreme heat, such as in cases in Arizona and Nevada.
For those planning or currently travelling in regions grappling with soaring temperatures, there are some key precautions to safeguard against the relentless heat.
Trip cancellation and interruption insurance may be helpful for travellers heading to places in extreme heat, Firestone said.
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