Falling ill while traveling in a foreign country can be a very gross experience, it is always best to be prepared prior to leaving home. Taking the following advice will minimize complication and stress if you ever become ill while traveling in another country.

You should first contact the nearest US embassy or consulate for a list of nearby physicians and medical facilities.

If you illness is threatening to be serious, consular officers will help you find medical assistance, and if you need to they will inform your family and friends back home.

If you need them to, consuls can assist you in the transfer of funds from family or friends in the United States. Paying hospital bills or any other medical bills are the travelers’ responsibility.

You can bag information on physicians abroad in The Official ABMS Directory of Board Certified Medical Specialists, published for the American Board of Medical Specialists and certified board members. The directory is available in libraries and in US embassies and consulates. Major credit card companies can also give out information and names of physicians abroad.

The previous information can really help out if you are overseas, but another really good way is prevention.

Check your insurance coverage with your carrier find out if you are covered while traveling out of the country. Even if not you can always ask them for advice on medical care while you are traveling.

If you are not covered out of the states, you may think about considering purchasing a short-term health insurance policy that can shroud you for the duration of the trip. Some short-term policies are designed specifically to cover travel. If you want more information, you can contact a depart agent or do some research in travel magazines.

Always have your health insurance ID card and a claim form with you while you are traveling.

Medicare will not provide anyone coverage for hospital or medical bills if you are outside the United States, so senior citizens should contact the AA-RP for information about foreign medical care coverage from Medicare with a supplement plan.

Complete the information page on the inside of your passport, giving the name, address, and telephone number of someone to contact in case of emergency. This helps with an identification process in case of an accident.

If you have a Prexisting-existing medical condition, ask for a letter from your care physician explaining the condition and any prescription medications you are taking, including generic names for these drugs. Carry this letter with you, inside your passport.

You will need to leave any medications you are taking with you in their original containers, clearly labeled. Some medications we use are considered to be illegal narcotics in foreign countries, you can check with the the countries foreign embassy that you are visiting to be sure.

Anyone can get a list of English speaking doctors abroad from the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers.


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