Posted on August 01, 2011 10:59
Prime Time Health
Kate Koehler
July 07, 2010
International travel can be a rich and rewarding experience. If you plan to travel this summer, you should already have your passport. It can take up to three months to get one. There are several things anyone planning a trip should keep in mind. While American consuls at U.S. embassies and consulates are there to help people who encounter serious difficulties or emergencies, it is best to avoid having a problem if you can. Here are a few things you can do to help prevent emergencies while traveling.
Learn about the country/countries that you plan to visit. Before you go, read up on the culture, people, and history for the places you will travel. Travel magazines and travel sections of major newspapers tell about places to visit and also give advice on everything from discount airfares to international health insurance.
Don't let health problems ruin your trip. Health problems sometimes affect visitors abroad. Information on health precautions can be obtained from local health departments or private doctors. General guidance can also be found in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's book, "Health Information for International Travel." It is available for $14 from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, or the CDC's international traveler's hot line at 404-332-4559.
Health Insurance. It is wise to review your health insurance policy before you travel. Medicare does not provide for payment of hospital or medical services obtained outside the United States. However, some Medicare supplement plans offer foreign medical care coverage at no extra cost for treatments considered eligible under Medicare. These are reimbursement plans. You must pay the bills first and obtain receipts for submitting them later for compensation. Many of these plans have a dollar ceiling per trip. If your insurance policy does not cover you abroad, it is strongly recommended that you purchase a policy that does.
Medication. If you require medication, bring an ample supply in the original containers. Do not use pill cases. Because of strict laws concerning narcotics throughout the world, bring along copies of your prescriptions and, if possible, carry a letter from your physician explaining your need for the drug. As an extra precaution, carry the generic names of your medications with you, because pharmaceutical companies overseas may use different names from those used in the United States.
Pack medicines and extra eyeglasses in your hand luggage so they will be available in case your checked luggage is lost. To be extra secure, pack a backup supply of medicines and an additional pair of eyeglasses in your checked luggage. If you have allergies, reactions to certain medication, foods, or insect bites, or other unique medical problems, consider wearing a medical alert bracelet. You may also wish to carry a letter from your physician explaining desired treatment should you become ill.
Medical Assistance Abroad. If you become ill, you can contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for a list of local doctors, dentists and medical specialists. If necessary, a consul will help you find medical care and, at your request, inform your family or friends.
Health precautions. Air pollution and high altitudes are a particular health risk for the elderly and people with high blood pressure, anemia, or respiratory or cardiac problems. Talk to your doctor before traveling. In high altitude areas you should spend the first few days adjusting to the change. Reactions to high altitude may include lack of energy, shortness of breath, occasional dizziness and insomnia.
If possible, drink only bottled water. Be aware that ice cubes may not have been made with purified water. Good rules to follow are: if you can't peel it or cook it, do not eat it. Diarrhea may be treated with prescribed or over the counter medication. You should consult a physician if the diarrhea is severe or persists several days.
Many of these tips also apply to travel at home as well. Don't let health concerns stop you from taking that great vacation. Just plan ahead and be prepared so you enjoy the trip and come home healthy.