You may not be able to prevent the unexpected, but you can be prepared. Before your next trip abroad, take these vital health precautions, and know what to do if illness or injury strikes overseas.
Check your medical insurance before you go
Review your health insurance policy to see what medical services are covered abroad. Contact your insurance company and ask these questions:
- Does my policy apply when I’m outside of the United States?
- Will it cover emergencies like a trip to a foreign hospital or a medical evacuation?
Research health facility conditions and immunization requirements
In America, we have access to the most advanced health care, and many diseases have been eradicated here in the U.S., but the reality is that is not the case in every country. Arm yourself with the facts about conditions in your destination. The U.S. Department of State and Centers for Disease Control websites provide excellent country-specific travel health info including vaccination requirements, medical facilities conditions and current health concerns.
Know how to call for emergency service
Did you know that 911 is not the universal emergency number? In Jamaica it’s 110. In Hong Kong it’s 999. Throughout the European Union it’s 112. Find the emergency number for your destination here.
Carry your health information with you
Carry a card that identifies your blood type, serious allergies, ongoing health conditions, generic names of any current medications and any other information that could be crucial to emergency medical personnel.
Choose an air medical membership from Travel Assurance Promise™
In the midst of a medical crisis far from home is no time to make critical decisions. Before you travel, give yourself peace of mind in an urgent medical situation with an air ambulance plan from our partner, Travel Assurance Promise™. In the event that a member becomes hospitalized while traveling, Angel MedFlight works hand-in-hand with Travel Assurance Promise™ to provide medically necessary air transport aboard dedicated medical Learjet 60s and 35s with experienced nurses and paramedics by your side every step of the way.
By doing your due diligence ahead of time, you’ll enjoy safer, more stress-free excursions.
