
When to go to the doctor when traveling
Traveling can be a fun and exciting experience, but it's important to be prepared and know when to seek medical attention if needed. Research shows that a significant percentage of individuals get sick during international trips, and there are various health risks to consider, such as mosquito-borne diseases, water and food-borne bacteria, and injuries. Before embarking on your journey, it is recommended to consult with a travel medicine specialist or a doctor familiar with travel medicine to get destination-specific advice and vaccinations. Additionally, it is crucial to have a plan for accessing healthcare services during your travels, especially for individuals with underlying medical conditions or those traveling for extended periods. Knowing the nearest healthcare facilities and understanding your insurance coverage, both domestically and internationally, is essential for prompt and effective medical care. By taking these precautions, you can ensure that your trip is not only memorable but also safe and healthy.
What You'll Learn
Prepare a health kit
Preparing a health kit is an important step in staying safe and healthy during your trip. Here is a list of items you should consider including in your travel health kit:
Prescriptions and Over-the-Counter Medicines:
- Any prescription medications you take regularly, with copies of all prescriptions. Ensure you have enough for the duration of your trip, plus extra in case of delays.
- Travelers’ diarrhea antibiotics and medicines to prevent malaria, if recommended for your destination.
- Pain and fever relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin.
- Anti-nausea or motion sickness medicine.
- Anti-diarrheal medication, such as loperamide tablets (Imodium).
- Cough and cold medicines, such as cough drops or cough suppressants.
- Antihistamines to relieve allergies.
- Antacid medicine for upset stomachs.
- Mild sedatives or sleep aids.
- Antibiotics, if prescribed by your doctor.
Supplies to Prevent Illness or Injury:
- Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol or antibacterial hand wipes.
- Water purification tablets or bottles.
- Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin as the active ingredient.
- Sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection, SPF 15 or higher.
- 1% hydrocortisone cream for rashes or irritation.
- Antibacterial or antifungal ointments.
- Oral rehydration salts.
- Antiseptic wound cleaner.
- Aloe gel for sunburns.
- Insect bite anti-itch gel or cream.
First Aid Supplies:
- Band-Aids/plasters or gauze in various sizes to cover minor cuts and scrapes.
- Butterfly bandages or tape to secure gauze and hold wounds together.
- Triangular bandages to wrap injuries or make a sling.
- Elastic wraps for wrist, ankle, knee, and elbow injuries.
- Adhesive tape to secure gauze or bandages.
- Safety pins to fasten splints and bandages.
- Antiseptic wipes to clean wounds and utensils.
- Hydrogen peroxide to clean and disinfect wounds.
- Cold packs to cool injuries, burns, sprains, and strains.
- Tweezers to remove splinters, bee stingers, or ticks.
- Disposable gloves to protect your hands when treating wounds.
- A thermometer to check for fevers.
- Calamine lotion to relieve itching from insect bites or poison ivy.
- Surgical scissors with rounded tips (ensure these are allowed by your airline).
Other Important Items:
- Copies of your passport and travel documents.
- Health insurance card and documents.
- Proof of yellow fever vaccination, if required for your trip.
- Contact information for emergency services, hospitals, and clinics at your destination.
- Contact information for your lodging, family, and healthcare providers back home.
- A list of your prescription medications and generic names.
- Extra pairs of glasses or contact lenses, if needed.
- A medical alert bracelet, especially if you have serious medical conditions or allergies.
Remember to keep your health kit easily accessible and ensure that all medications are in their original containers with clear labels. Always follow the recommendations of your healthcare provider and seek professional medical attention for any serious injuries or illnesses.
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Know your health status
Knowing your health status is an important step in preparing for travel. It is recommended that you make an appointment with your healthcare provider or a travel health specialist at least one month before you leave. They can help you get destination-specific advice, vaccines, and medications.
Discuss your health concerns, itinerary, and planned activities with your provider. This includes any special conditions such as pregnancy, allergies, or chronic health problems. Be sure to tell your doctor about past illnesses and surgeries, as well as any other underlying medical conditions. It is also important to disclose any medications you are currently taking or have taken in the past three months. If you are taking any medications, be sure to pack enough for your entire trip, plus some extra in case of travel delays.
If you have a serious medical condition, consider wearing a MedicAlert bracelet. You should also prepare a card that identifies your blood type, any chronic illnesses, medications you are taking, and your allergies. If possible, have this information translated into the local language of your destination.
In addition, it is important to be up to date on all your routine vaccines. Many diseases prevented by routine vaccination are not common in the United States but are still prevalent in other countries. Depending on your destination, you may also need to get additional vaccines or medications. For example, if you are travelling to Africa, you will likely need antimalarial drugs to prevent malaria. Check the CDC's website for specific recommendations for your destination.
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Get travel insurance
Getting travel insurance is a crucial step in preparing for your trip, especially if you're travelling to remote areas or international destinations. Here are some reasons why getting travel insurance is essential:
Financial Protection:
Travel insurance provides financial protection against unexpected events. If your trip gets cancelled or cut short, travel insurance can help cover the financial losses. It also assists with medical expenses if you get sick or injured during your travels, which leads to the next point.
Medical Coverage:
Most health insurance plans do not cover medical care abroad. Travel insurance with medical coverage ensures that you can access healthcare services without worrying about the financial burden. This is especially important if you have pre-existing medical conditions or are travelling to areas with limited access to quality healthcare.
Emergency Evacuation:
In the event of a medical emergency, travel insurance can provide coverage for emergency evacuation to the nearest appropriate medical facility. This is crucial if you are in a remote location or require specialised care.
Trip Cancellation and Interruption:
Travel insurance can reimburse you for non-refundable trip costs if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to covered reasons. These reasons can include illness, injury, family emergencies, or travel advisories.
Lost or Delayed Baggage:
Travel insurance can provide reimbursement for lost, stolen, or delayed baggage. This coverage ensures that you can replace essential items and continue your trip with minimal disruption.
24/7 Assistance:
Many travel insurance companies offer 24/7 emergency assistance services. These services can help you with rebooking flights, finding lost luggage, or locating medical or legal services.
Rental Car Coverage:
If you plan to rent a car during your trip, travel insurance can provide coverage for any damage to the vehicle. This can save you from paying high out-of-pocket costs for repairs.
Peace of Mind:
Ultimately, travel insurance gives you peace of mind. Knowing that you are protected against unforeseen events allows you to relax and enjoy your trip. It is a small price to pay for the security and assistance it provides.
When considering travel insurance, it is important to shop around and compare different plans to find one that suits your needs. Evaluate the risks associated with your travel plans, including your destination, activities, and health status. Read the fine print of the policy to understand what is covered and what exclusions may apply.
Additionally, consider using travel insurance comparison sites or consulting with a travel insurance agent to find the best plan for your specific needs. Remember, the cost of travel insurance is typically based on the length and cost of your trip, your age, the depth of coverage, and any optional add-ons you choose.
By investing in travel insurance, you're investing in your safety and well-being while exploring new places. Bon voyage!
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Plan for the unexpected
Before you travel, it's important to prepare for any unexpected issues that may arise. Here are some steps you can take to plan for the unexpected and stay safe during your trip:
- Get travel insurance: Find out if your health insurance covers medical care abroad. In most cases, travellers are responsible for paying hospital and medical expenses out of pocket. Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers health care and emergency evacuation, especially if you are travelling to remote areas.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): Enrolling in the Department of State's STEP program will help the US Department of State locate and assist you if you encounter serious legal, medical, or financial difficulties while travelling. STEP can also help your friends and family contact you in case of an emergency at home.
- Prepare important documents: Make copies of important travel documents such as your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, passport, and proof of school enrolment. Leave these copies with someone at home in case you lose the originals during your trip. It is also a good idea to carry your emergency contacts with you at all times.
- Stay in touch: Share your travel plans and check-in regularly with someone at home. This way, they can alert the necessary authorities and get help to you quickly if needed.
- Know your resources: Familiarize yourself with local resources and emergency contacts. This includes knowing the location and contact information of nearby hospitals, clinics, and the local US embassy or consulate. The US embassy or consulate can provide assistance in locating medical services and notifying your emergency contacts in case of an emergency.
- Prepare a medical kit: Pack a first aid kit with over-the-counter medications, insect repellent, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, and any other essentials. Include prescription medications in their original bottles and any necessary medical equipment, such as a blood glucose monitor for diabetes.
- Understand your health status: Consult with a healthcare provider or travel health specialist before your trip to discuss any special conditions, allergies, or chronic health problems. They can provide destination-specific advice and ensure you have the necessary vaccinations and medications.
- Learn about your destination: Research your destination to understand the health risks and recommendations specific to that area. This includes knowing the recommended vaccinations, the quality of local healthcare facilities, and any cultural or security issues you may encounter.
- Prepare for travel-related health risks: Long flights and changes in time zones can increase your risk for blood clots and affect your medication schedule. Consult with your doctor to learn how to prevent blood clots during travel and how to adjust your medication schedule to account for time zone differences.
- Take recommended medications: If your doctor has prescribed medication for your trip, be sure to take it as directed. Avoid purchasing medications at your destination, as counterfeit drugs are common in some countries.
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Accessing care abroad
Insurance:
Before your trip, it is crucial to understand your insurance coverage and what medical services are covered internationally. Contact your insurance provider to clarify their policies on international healthcare and emergency evacuation services. Some insurance companies may cover "customary and reasonable" hospital costs abroad, but it is rare for them to pay for medical evacuation back to your home country. Consider purchasing additional insurance that covers healthcare and emergency evacuation, especially if you plan to visit remote areas.
Vaccinations and Medicines:
Ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date, as many infectious diseases prevented by these vaccinations may still be common in other countries. Consult your healthcare provider or a travel health specialist to obtain destination-specific vaccines and medications. Share your travel plans, including destinations, accommodations, activities, and any special conditions, to receive specific advice and recommendations. Take recommended medicines as directed by your doctor and ensure you have enough supply for your entire trip, plus extras in case of delays.
Emergency Preparedness:
Prepare for potential emergencies by making a plan for how you will access healthcare while traveling. Enroll in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to stay informed about travel advisories for your destination and to facilitate communication with friends and family in case of an emergency. Leave copies of important travel documents with someone you trust at home, and ensure someone at home knows how to reach you. Carry your emergency contacts with you at all times.
Local Healthcare Resources:
Research local healthcare providers and facilities in your destination country. The nearest US embassy or consulate can assist in locating medical services and notifying your emergency contacts. They are available 24/7 for emergencies and can be reached at 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444. Additionally, travel agencies, hotels, and credit card companies may also provide information on local healthcare resources.
Medical Information:
Prepare a card that identifies your blood type, any chronic illnesses, medications you are taking, and any allergies. If possible, have this information translated into the local language of your destination. Wear a MedicAlert bracelet if you have serious medical conditions.
By following these steps, you can be better prepared to access care abroad and ensure a safer and healthier travel experience.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to see a doctor around one month before you travel. This gives you time to get any necessary vaccinations and medications, and to prepare for any destination-specific health risks.
Think about the following: your travel dates and destinations, your accommodation, your travel type, your activities, your medical history, your current health status, and any medications you are taking.
The doctor will advise on destination-specific vaccinations, medications, and health risks. They will also advise on how to manage any existing medical conditions during your trip, including how to keep up with your medication schedule and how to store your medications.
If you are in the US, your first port of call should be a hospital emergency room, urgent care centre, or clinic. If you are abroad, you can access public or government-funded hospitals or urgent care centres, depending on your destination. Your insurance company may also have a 24/7 hotline that you can call for advice.
If you are in the US, by law, insurance companies must cover emergency room services for medical emergencies. If you are abroad, your insurance plan may or may not cover emergency care, so you may need to consider travel insurance. Keep a record of any medications, phone numbers, dates, test results, and billing information.