GoRoundTheWorld.com - RTW Travel - Before Departure

Wills, Living Wills, and Advance Directives

Preparation of a will or living will (a document related to an “advance health care directive”) is an uncomfortable task for some RTW travelers. Some travelers get the impression that they are signing a one-way ticket with no return; others simply don’t like to consider the circumstances that might surround the need for loved ones or associates to enforce such documents. To those travelers I would say that the preparation of such documents is suggested not because one is taking on undue risk by traveling, but, rather, because it would be exceedingly difficult to arrange for their preparation while overseas in the unlikely event they need to be.

Living Wills and Advance Directives

Advance health care directives, also known as advance directives or advance decisions, are instructions given by individuals specifying what actions should be taken for their health in the event that they are no longer able to make their own decisions due to illness or incapacity. A living will is one form of advance directive, leaving instructions for treatment. Another form of advance healthcare directive authorizes a specific type of power of attorney or health care proxy, where someone is appointed to make decisions on behalf of a traveler should he or she become incapacitated. These documents can outline, among other things, specific care procedures in accordance with religious customs or other personal practices. Some travelers prepare a combination of both documents, which is encouraged to ensure the most comprehensive guidance regarding their care.

Wills

Many prospective travelers have never completed a will. Wills are often one of those things that are put off until evidence starts to mount that the need may arise. Every RTW traveler should take the opportunity to complete one as part of their RTW trip preparations. If for no other reason, the document will be valid upon return from one’s RTW travels, and will save time in the future.

Preparation of The Documents

Wills and Advance Directives must be prepared in accordance with the laws and regulations where a traveler resides, or they may be unenforceable. If unenforceable, decisions made about a traveler’s health care or religious customs may be made by a government agency or trust on his or her behalf.

There are many online services which will help in preparing such documents. I am not a lawyer, so I do not know how advisable it is to use such services, but I will tell you that I used one of them to prepare my documents. If you have a complex situation or if you would like absolute certainly about the legality and enforceability of your documents, then I would suggest contacting a lawyer, barrister, or solicitor for advice about your circumstances.