I have traveled a lot but haven't bought any but I normally don't go running with the bulls! I guess that part it up to you, if you can stay ahead of them, well then no need.

It's a gamble...

Re: The Bulls. From what I've gathered from my not-too-extensive research is that the 'course' is 800 meters of twisty, narrow, cobble-stone streets with high walls to keep the bulls (and you) from getting out. The bulls run it in 3-minutes. Under normal conditions (ie, a track), I could do a 6-min mile pace and out run them. But like any boxer will tell you, "Everyone has a plan till they get hit in the face." So, my plan is just to run like hell and not outrun the bulls, just everyone else. Hence the medical evacuation insurance: If I take a horn to the spleen I'd rather get flown back to the US.

In the spirit of outrunning the other runners, perhaps you could forego the extra insurance and use the money saved to purchase airfare for one of your [slower] friends.

Did I mention that my 800-meter pace is slightly slower than a 6-min mile?

I'm curious. How, exactly, does one get into the bull run? Is there a qualifying event? :)

But like any boxer will tell you, "Everyone has a plan till they get hit in the face."

FYI: that wasn't any boxer, it was mike tyson. if you are going to use HIS saying, you should at least honor the man by trying to punch the bulls, bite their ear off and then run like hell.

But I'm vegetarian . . . :(

Check if getting gored by a bull is covered by insurance.

If not invest in some steel plates for your drawers.

Of course this implies you have tasted an ear...and there has got to be a good story behind that.

I don't know what the costs are with the medical evacuation. People I know who have taken motorcycle trips in places like Africa have done it, and it seems worthwhile in a case like that.

I dropped a motorcycle in Germany last summer and cracked some bones in my foot. I just used my employer-provided US health insurance card. Here are some thoughts after that experience:
-my total expense was something like 300 euros (including ambulance, exam, x-ray, cast, crutches, follow-up, pain meds, and anticoagulants); some of this was subsequently reimbursed by Cigna (after some hoop-jumping by me); this is much cheaper than it would have been in the US
-this happened in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, where the local hospital sees tons of ski/snowboard accidents (lots of experience with breaks, etc); maybe Pamplona is the best place to be treated if you happen to have a major puncture wound?
-I ended up with really cool European crutches, with reflectors on the handles, and met all kinds of interesting people in the waiting room.
-A cast and crutches got me all kinds of free special treatment in the airports and on the plane--golf cart rides, jumping the customs lines, jumping the security lines, etc.

--M