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What to do if you want to visit Chernobyl

Don’t have a meltdown in a nuclear blast zone; before you go, get acquainted with your travel insurance dos and don’ts.

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Chernobyl – notorious for one of the most catastrophic nuclear disasters in history —is one of those eerie and abandoned places that evokes both fascination and fear. Sure, it’s a cool place to go, but will your travel insurance policy cover you if you head to Ground Zero in Pripyat?

Because you need to take extra precautions before going to a place where you could be exposed to radioactive contamination, here are a few things to consider before you go.

The Ukraine (and Chernobyl) may be a no-go zone.

That means the Ukraine may not be among the regions where you’re allowed to travel, according to the policy that’s tailored to your home country. Enter “Ukraine” into your details when requesting a quote. You’ll get a prompt that won’t allow you to go forward if it’s an area that’s not covered for your Country of Residence.

Travel insurance won't cover exposure to radiation.

Sorry folks, if you’re choosing to travel to a radioactive region, you’ve got to know what you’re in for. We don’t encourage, and don’t cover, knowingly putting yourself at risk, even if your curiosity with destruction and decay puts you on a mission to see a nuclear reactor. That means if you get radiation poisoning, you can’t send us the medical bills (but we won’t say no to a postcard!).

You may be eligible for emergency medical expenses unrelated to radioactive contamination.

So, you’ve made it to Chernobyl and purchased a travel insurance policy that covers the former Soviet Republic. If you practice caution (go with an official tour operator; wear protective clothing; avoid glass shards and debris), you could get coverage for unexpected accidents or illnesses as long as they meet the criteria and conditions spelled out in your policy.

More questions? Read our article on how to stay safe in Chernobyl or contact us if you’re unsure about coverage.

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