What To Do When You Fall Ill Overseas
No one likes being sick, especially on holidays
. Navigating different hospital systems, finding remedies and looking after yourself can be overwhelming and certainly wont aid in your recovery. Below are some considerations that should be taken into account before you go travelling and also what to do in the event that you fall ill.After You Book Your Ticket, Buy Travel Insurance
Before you do anything else purchase comprehensive travel insurance - especially if you are visiting underdeveloped countries. These countries are the places you will be more susceptible to food poisoning, which can sometimes mean a trip to the hospital for dehydration or gastro.
Research is a Great Start to Avoiding Illness
Many countries have a wide range of viruses that can make visitors sick. This can be due to a range of factors including limited vaccines, different foods and altered tolerances to hygiene and weather. Before visiting a country, research what preparation you can do to avoid illness. This might include injections to prevent diseases like malaria and other tropical infections, or even exercises to acclimatise yourself to the altitude or weather. Many travellers can tend to feel unwell a few days into their trip because their body is reacting to the change in surroundings. This is nothing to be alarmed by and will usually go away within a few days.
If you know any friends or family that have been to the country before, its a great idea to ask questions about their experiences as well.
Pharmacies and Hospitals
Pharmacies and hospitals in other countries vary in accessibility and quality. If you do need to visit a pharmacy, be cautious about what you buy over the counter government regulations may not be the same, especially in poorer countries. Your best bet is to visit pharmacies that are in known tourist districts as they will be more likely to stock brands and products that are more widely known.
If you do find yourself in a hospital, be sure to contact your travel insurer. They need to be aware of the circumstances that got you into hospital in the first place. Whether it was an accident or illness, there are important details they will want to know so they can pay your hospital bills without hassle or delay. If you are seriously ill overseas and require a lengthy stay in hospital, it may be recommended that you cut your trip short and return home. This is only usually done in serious circumstances, but usually will allow you better care and a speedier recovery.
Ultimately, your travel insurance will play a big part in helping you through your illness if it does get serious. Insurers will not only the medical bills, but often reimburse you for the costs if you need to come home. Travel insurance really is so important if you go travelling overseas as medical bills can escalate into their thousands for some of the most basic procedures.
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