Preparing to travel for the World Cup - what Scotland fans need to know before heading to America

It’s the moment all Scottish football fans have been waiting 28 years for - to watch the national side play in the FIFA World Cup. 

You’ve packed all the essentials for having a good time but as many travellers have unfortunately found out, excitement can become a nightmare within seconds. 

Accidents and illness can happen anywhere and at any time – so if you’ve booked a last-minute trip to Boston or Miami make sure you take these steps to protect yourself in case the worst happens.

Top Tips for Tartan Army Travellers

• Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is important. Make sure you buy your travel insurance from a reputable place before you go away. Don’t look for the cheapest option - look for the best option that covers the length of time you’ll be out of the country as well as any activities you want to do. If you have any pre-existing conditions, you must tell your insurer. If you don’t, you’ll likely void your policy. 
• Package Protection: Try to book your World Cup trip as a package holiday as it can offer you more protection. For it to be considered a package holiday it must include at least two elements which are usually travel and accommodation and in some cases activities, where this is a significant part of the holiday. If you are in difficulty or involved in an accident your package provider should provide appropriate assistance, which may include helping you get home. 
• Cash or Credit: Booking any activities and travel with your credit card can offer you protection if the worst happens but remember: the activity must cost over £100 and no more than £30,000 and only the owner of that credit card can bring a claim. It’s also worth noting that some hospitals don’t accept certain travel insurance providers leaving you in the uncomfortable position of paying upfront. If you can, make sure you have a cash reserve to cover emergency treatment in case this happens.
• Check the Signs: The streets are going to be busy and traffic signals, including pedestrian crossings or “cross walks”, are different to the ones at home. Read up on what the different signals mean before you travel and stay alert. Always use pedestrian crossings. American courts can often find a pedestrian to be more at fault than a driver if a pedestrian crossing is not being used.
• Get Evidence: If the worst happens and you are involved in an accident while abroad for the World Cup you should take photos and videos of the accident location and your injuries, gather contact details of witnesses and, if you’re hospitalised, always ask for a copy of your medical records when you are discharged.

It’s also a good idea to double-check travel advice, visas, vaccinations and entry requirements through the gov.uk website before travelling abroad – including the USA entry requirements section before travelling to America. 

US authorities enforce the rules strictly and you must have the correct approval prior to travel through either a US Visa or an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA).

Border officials may also ask to see your electronic devices, texts, emails and social media activity – if you refuse you may not be able to enter the country. 

If there are any warnings about the country you’re travelling to it might invalidate your insurance.

Independent Legal Advice

Sadly, many travellers find themselves facing challenges if they are involved in an accident abroad even if they have travel insurance and have taken steps to protect themselves.

The law surrounding accidents abroad is complicated and intricate. Insurance companies try to keep payments low leaving travellers to fight for the support they were promised. 

Situations like this leave people turning to many places for help including embassies, the UK Foreign Office, an ombudsman or even social media and the news for help.

Often the only way to ensure a fair fight against these large organisations is to seek independent legal advice. Time limits to make a claim can be shorter in the US so it’s important you contact a lawyer as soon as you can.

How Digby Brown can help if you have an accident abroad

Digby Brown’s Foreign & Travel Team has decades of experience helping people who have been injured or become unwell while abroad.

We have recovered millions of pounds in damages for people who have been left in unfair circumstances, including people injured on planes and ferries.

Through our membership with the American Association for Justice (AAJ) we have access to a global network of specialist personal injury lawyers. 

Digby Brown understands how distressing an injury abroad can be. We are here to help. If you have been injured in an accident abroad, we can give you expert legal advice. Because it matters.