Dealing with Sickness While Abroad

You finally scored that overseas vacation of your dreams. Your bags are packed, tickets are purchased, and the tourist guide your travel agent gave you has been dog-eared with all the sights and activities you can't wait to dive into.

You have your passport, and your mini pocket dictionary of useful phrases. You've made a list of indoor activities and outdoor activities; you have even double checked any carry on supplies meet the new travel restrictions for sizes, bottles, and so forth.

You've planned and prepared for almost everything. Haven't you?

Not quite. Do you know what to do if you get sick?

Illness away from home is very common in travelers. Best way to deal with sickness while overseas is to prepare for it before you leave home.

Other than the customary vaccinations that you need to acquire before travel to some countries, there are several other necessary preparations that a traveler abroad should make to be safe rather than sorry.

Here is a simple guide for the American traveler should have before boarding the plane for their next overseas vacation.

First, be aware of the services offered by the US Embassies and Consulates in the country you intend to visit.

In many cases they can assist in locating medical services, transferring funds, and informing relatives in the case of a medical emergency.

Second, hospital and medical expenses are the responsibility of the traveler.

Did you know that the Medicare program does not provide coverage for hospital or medical costs outside the US?

Be informed. Know what your personal health care insurance will and will not cover before you travel.

Most companies will cover what they call "reasonable" health care expenses while abroad, but each policy has limits. Better to know what is and isn't covered ahead of time.

Third, traveler with pre-existing medical conditions especially, but recommended for every traveler, pack a medical information bag.

His bag should include, but is not limited to, your insurance policy identification card, a policy claim form, a letter from your physician describing any pre-existing medical conditions you may have as well as any prescriptions that you require (including the generic name).

If you require a daily prescription to travel with you they should also be included. Make sure they are packed in the original containers with the labels intact and legible. You will also want to contact the foreign embassy before travel to make sure none of your daily prescriptions are considered illegal narcotics in the country you intend to visit.

Next, map out a game plan. Know the services offered by your hotel. Can you recover from a minor illness in the comfort of your hotel?

Do you know where the hospitals are located nearest your retreat?

Do you have food allergies? A commonly overlooked cause of illness while traveling. A traveler with food sensitivity, who doesn't realize what they are eating, is asking for unnecessary medical expense.

Research the culture and its traditional foods prior to travel.

Finally, remember that the unexpected can always happen. Have fun but be cautious. With the proper planning there is no reason that sickness overseas should ruin your dream vacation.