TRAVEL INSURANCE; DO YOU NEED IT?

Most times when I travel, I never think about anything going wrong. But I’ve traveled enough to know that things can and will go wrong; so I’m ready. From losing your wallet, to getting robbed and you have no passport or money! But one thing I believe most of us never thing about when traveling is what would we do if there is a medical emergency? 

What would you do if you had a sudden health issue while traveling? Would you know which doctor or hospital to go to? Would you know the local language to inform them of your issue or explain to them what you think is wrong? What if you required a medical evacuation to get proper treatment? How would you pay for it? What if you had to be medically evacuated back to your country? A medical emergency can cause a lot of money and most insurance don’t cover you while outside of your country. Also, most countries don’t accept insurance from other countries. So what would you do?

Many medical emergencies can be avoided with a little pre-travel planning especially if family members have medical issues or allergies. But what about those unpredictable medical emergencies such as accidents, or diseases, viruses and other contaminations that certain areas of the world exposes us to when we visit them? Cardiovascular problems such as heart attack and strokes. Broken bones. 

I always travel with a first aid kit regardless of where I’m going. Why, because sickness or medical emergencies happens anytime night or day and it always happen when you’re somewhere, or that time when everything is closed. So you got to be ready. Carrying a first aid kit is fine, but there are other steps you can take to protect yourself.  Always carry aspirin, diarrhea medication (such as Imodium) and an antihistamine for mild allergic reactions to environmental pollutants or food.

In addition to carrying a list of any medications you may need, it’s important to have a card with your family doctor’s name and contact information, plus a brief summary of your medical history. It would be good for the doctors treating you to know you have allergies or taking medications for chronic illness. Many people wear wristbands, neckless, ID tags (dog tags) stating they are allergic to penicillin drugs, codeine, or that they have a rare blood type, a stent or an artificial heart valve. Such information should also appear on your medical history card.

Here in America, when you call 911, and they show up. The ambulance will take a patient to the closest emergency room or any hospital that is accepting new cases, in a nonlife-threatening emergency. Travelers are usually unaware of the quality and quantity of medical facilities in a new area where they may suddenly find themselves, so it would be a good idea to ask the locals where to go.

Many people think that their regular health insurance policy will cover them if they experience a medical emergency while traveling overseas. Don’t bet on it because more likely your policy doesn’t. Know how to contact the U.S. Embassy; The Consular at the American Embassy in the country you’re traveling to should be able to assist you in a medical emergency by helping you to find good medical care and by notifying your family back home. You can also go online to access information about U.S. embassies worldwide. 

So, the next time before you go be sure to plan ahead by familiarizing yourself with the health care system and whether or not, your insurance is accepted in the country you'll be visiting. That way your vacation can be as worry-free as possible with lots of great memories.

MEDEX--- A United Healthcare Global Company who provides International Travel Insurance & Emergency Evacuation Assistance. Very affordable, and their plans are flexible depending on your travel plans. It is often a good idea to buy additional travel health coverage before traveling abroad. HealthCare International, HTH Worldwide, GoSure.com and other companies provide travel emergency insurance. You can find them on the Internet or through friends’ recommendations. 

--thejamericantraveler

The Jamerican Traveler is a Jamaican born living in America who has been travelling since 1993, and begin blogging with the main aim of inspiring others by sharing travel experiences one country at a time. Haven’t been everywhere yet, but it’s on their list. What's on your list?

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