While cheap travel deals, such as cheap airplane tickets, discount hotel rooms, cheap auto rentals, and discount travel packages are a must for most people traveling abroad, prospective travelers should research how to handle a medical emergency in a foreign country.
If traveling for work, you should check with your employer to see what type of travel insurance is provided through your company. You also want to contact your health insurance company to see what is covered when you are traveling outside your home company.
Questions you need answers to include:
Will your existing medical insurance cover medical bills if you are hospitalized while overseas?
Does it include medical evacuation coverage?
What do you do if you miss a flight because of a medical emergency?
Most primary medical insurance plans pay for some emergencies for policy holders traveling outside of the country. Usually though such travelers have to pay medical costs at the time and then request reimbursement. This means having access to money while abroad is crucial.
Many experts recommend that if you do not have enough medical coverage from your employer or health insurance company that you should look into purchasing travel insurance.
Travel insurance policies should be examined closely prior to purchase. Many travel insurance plans only cover non refundable deposits for trips that are canceled. Travelers leaving the country need to look into more comprehensive insurance that includes both emergency medical expenses and medical evacuation coverage.
Before departing for an overseas trip you should:
See a doctor and get whatever vaccinations and medications are recommended for your destination. It is particularly important to have vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B and tetanus. Depending on your destination, you may want to protect yourself against rabies, typhoid and other illnesses.
Make copies of important information including your passport, health care cards, drivers license, and travel documents. Write down your blood type and any medical issues. Turn this information over to a friend, relative or travel assistance company.
Attach a sticker to your passport with an emergency phone number back home. In the event of any accident where you are unconscious having that stored information available can change the care you will receive.
Register with the U.S. State Departments Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
Sign up for a medical mobile app, such an iTriage and Vitals, that can direct you to a qualified doctor where you are traveling.
Pack a list of all medication you are taking. Pharmacies overseas often sell medicine over the counter that requires a prescription in the U.S.
If you are staying at a hotel, ask the hotel concierge if the hotel has a list of qualified physicians.
Do not delay seeking medical attention if you are not feeling well.
Keep all of your medical bills and translate them into English and dollars for your insurance company.
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