Tips for Prescriptions, Healthcare, and Insurance
The majority of international travelers, even novice travelers, are aware of the different standards of safety, hygiene, and medical care that can be expected in foreign countries. They also recognize that accessing medical care during travel can be challenging.
These uncertainties are often what prevent people with chronic medical conditions from traveling, but with the proper preparation and knowledge, traveling or living abroad with a chronic medical condition is possible.
The important thing to remember when traveling or living abroad with a chronic condition is to ensure you have access to everything you would have at home to cope with any pain or discomfort, manage your condition, and cope with any frustrations.
Consulting a doctor, pharmacist, and a qualified travel insurance representative means building a support network that will be able to assist you while you are away from home, making for a more relaxed and enjoyable trip.
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Visit Your Family Physician Before Departure
This may seem like common sense, but sometimes people living with a chronic medical condition, such as asthma or arthritis, have not seen their family physician in a long time or are so accustomed to feeling good that they forget what it is like to be suffering and in need of urgent medical care.
So, long before you board a plane, speak with your doctor to ensure long flights and foreign travel are advisable. Despite modern medical advances, certain conditions remain unfavorable for travel, particularly heart conditions that can worsen in variable altitudes and climates.
Be open and honest with your medical provider and provide a detailed outline of your travel plan. If you plan on traveling or living overseas for an extended period, ask your doctor if they know of any medical centers or invaluable medical resources that you should be aware of while away from home.
Consult your Pharmacist
Prescription drugs can be complicated. Whether you are prescribed something new based on where you are traveling or want to ensure that if you get sick while away, you won’t be prescribed drugs that could interfere with your current medication, consult your pharmacist.
Speak with your pharmacist and let them know where you are traveling and for how long. You may be surprised to learn how many medications can make you feel ill with too much sun or how some should not be taken with certain foods. Certain medications interact with food, supplements, and environmental factors such as climate and altitude changes.
Your pharmacist will also be able to inform you of the side effects to look for, let you know about overseas resources, and what to do should you run out of your prescription medication while abroad.
Protect Yourself with Travel Health Insurance
Do not assume your domestic health insurance will cover medical costs abroad. Many plans either exclude international care, limit reimbursement, or require you to pay expenses upfront and seek reimbursement later.
Travel insurance plans work differently. While most plans exclude pre-existing conditions, they typically cover new, unexpected illnesses, accidents, and medical emergencies that occur during your trip. Because coverage varies by plan, it is essential to compare options and select one that best suits your needs.
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Find a Local Healthcare Provider
If you find yourself in need of a local doctor while in a foreign country, there are several ways to find a good local doctor abroad.
A U.S. embassy can assist in locating the correct medical services you may require and assist in informing your family and friends back home of your situation, but don’t expect the same level of care and assistance as you would get through your insurance provider, since it’s not technically their job.
Before any international trip, it is essential to understand that medical practices and healthcare facilities abroad differ significantly from what you may be accustomed to.
There are also language barriers to consider, so it’s essential to be familiar with your medical history and take steps to protect yourself in case of a medical emergency.
Find the Best International Travel Insurance
- Compare top-rated travel insurance providers
- Get quotes for Travel Medical, Trip Cancellation, and more
- Choose the best plan for your trip and budget
Joe Cronin, President of ICI, is a leading expert in international health, life, and travel insurance. An MBA and founder of multiple global businesses, he helps expatriates and travelers access trusted, comprehensive insurance solutions worldwide.
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