What to Do If You Become Ill While Traveling in the U.S.

Becoming ill when on a trip is every traveler's nightmare. While illness while traveling creates problems, it can be manageable if you take some common-sense steps. Here are 7 tips to help you prepare for and deal with illness while traveling in the U.S.

1. Plan Ahead. Check with your health insurance provider about whether you are covered when traveling. You may be surprised to find that you are not. If you are covered, find out what procedures you must follow when accessing health care away from home, especially if you must use out-of-network physicians since this can substantially boost your out-of-pocket cost. Consider buying travel insurance that includes health coverage if your health insurance policy does not cover you when you are traveling or if you are concerned about the adequacy of your coverage.

2. Take Important Health Care Information with You. Prepare a list of important health care information for yourself and for any health-care professionals who treat you while traveling. The list should contain contact information including names, addresses and telephone numbers for your primary-care physician and for any specialists that you see for chronic conditions; your chronic medical conditions; any recent illnesses; a complete list of both prescription and nonprescription medications that you take regularly; your health insurance coverage information; and the name and telephone number for a contact individual such as a spouse or close friend. Keep copies of this list in your wallet, purse or travel bag and in your luggage. Also, be sure to take your health insurance card with you.

3. Take Medications. Take more than enough of any prescription medication that you take regularly with you on your trip. Also, if you are concerned that you might run out of a medication, ask your doctor to write a prescription for it that you can take with you.

4. Wear Health Alert Bracelets. If you have a severe chronic condition like heart disease, wear a health alert bracelet at all times so that any doctor who treats you while you are traveling will be aware of your special needs.

5. Take a Health Care Travel Kit. Take a rudimentary health care travel kit along when you travel. Among other things, it should contain your preferred over-the-counter pain medication, band aids and bandages, a thermometer, antibacterial cream, stomach upset medication, and a decongestant. All medications should be in their original containers. Keep your health travel kit in your carry-on bag not in your checked luggage.

6. Contact Insurance Company and Physician. If you develop a non-emergency illness that requires medical attention while traveling, contact your insurance company (even though you checked their procedures with them before leaving on the trip) and your physician for guidance and advice.

7. Ask the Concierge. If you need to see a doctor for a non-emergency illness while traveling, ask the concierge at your hotel for a recommendation. Some hotels even have a doctor on call who you can call and/or who will see you in your room. The concierge also may be able to help you get a prescription filled if necessary.

Source:

Amy Hoak, www.marketwatch.com, What to do if you get sick while traveling - MarketWatch