If you love to travel, then you are likely already aware that healthcare systems are different all around the world, and they are not always compatible with the care we receive from home. From the way that costs are calculated to how prescriptions are issued can change from country to country and not having a continuity of care services can make things all the more confusing. Here, we’re going to look at how you ensure you take care of yourself and manage your expectations of care, so you are always getting the same or similar kind of treatment you expect no matter where you are.
Being left out of supply
If you have a chronic illness like diabetes, heart disease, or something else then you are likely used to have your prescription meds with you wherever you go. Indeed, you can take your pills overseas with you to keep managing your condition in the way that you’re used to. Figure out how long you are going for and make sure you have enough of a supply to last the whole trip. Just make sure that you have a signed letter from your doctor explaining your prescription. It should be no surprise that airport security can be skeptical of people bringing drugs on a plane, but the letter should be enough to convince any.
The hospital visit
If you are injured or you get ill overseas, you might be concerned as to how you’re going to deal with the medical bills. Travel insurance can help you cover it but there’s a good chance that the cover you’re already on could do the same at a lower cost to you. In particular, if you’re on Medicare, Medigap plans C, D, F, G, M and N all cover travel emergency health. Compare supplement plans, which can help you save on many costs at home as well as overseas. Otherwise, you may well find yourself paying out of pocket for any treatments.
The local baddies
It’s a good idea to do your own research on local health risks when traveling abroad. You can get nasty bugs from drinking water or eating street food in the wrong places. Most concerning of all, however, will the viruses you might contract overseas. Even if they’re not extremely common, you can never tell when outbreaks of diseases like Yellow Fever can strike in a country that has the mosquitoes that carry it. Check out the list of vaccines you should organize before taking any trip abroad. Most vaccines are relatively cheap and the costs treatment against some of these diseases can be huge and ongoing. It’s not worth taking the risk of going without.
You can ensure that your insurance covers you, that your prescriptions work the same, and that you avoid the most dangerous of diseases you might catch overseas. If you need treatment across the pond, how you receive it may change depending on where you are, but you can ensure it all fits the pricing model you’re familiar with.
Some countries have great healthcare.. good to do research beforehand. I think that we all need health care to be well and insurance helps
It is a good idea to know what you’re getting into before an overseas trip. Before my son went to Costa Rica, he went to see his pediatrician to make sure he got all the right vaccines and which areas to stay away from.