Question: What happens if you fall sick outside the USA?
From: See L. of Forest Hills, New York
Answer: What a practical question! I must admit, it made me stop and think and consider my actions when I next travel outside of the U.S. For those with private health insurance plans, it is important to check with your health insurance plan to learn if benefits are available when traveling to other countries. Even if your plan does, the problem remains whether that health plan is accepted by the country you are traveling to. Medicare and Medicaid do not provide coverage in other countries. You may want to consider purchasing a short-term supplemental health insurance plan that is specifically designed to cover international travel. For options, check the Bureau of Consular Affairs. Make sure the plan covers care as well as medical evacuation back to the U.S. as evacuation may exceed $50,000. Most of these policies can begin right away.
There are some other practical tips provided by the State Department when traveling. Register your plans with the State Department (free online at https://travelregistration.state.gov) so the State Department can better assist in case of emergency, whether the crisis is with family in the U.S. or where you are. Make sure to complete emergency information when applying for travel permits. Leave copies of the itinerary with family or friends. Familiarize yourself with services and environment where you plan to be-medical facilities, immunization needs, pollution, etc. If you are being treated for a medical condition, take along a letter from your physician describing the condition and the medications you are taking. You may want to check with that country’s foreign embassy (again through the State Department site at www.state.gov) to make sure the medications are not considered illegal narcotics. If you are injured or become ill abroad, the U.S. consular officer can assist in locating medical services, inform family members, and assist in the transfer of funds from the U.S. Remember that payment of hospitals and expenses are the responsibility of the traveler.
Ruthann Russo, PhD, JD, MPH, RHIT, is a healthcare expert with more than 20 years of experience working in and advising healthcare organizations.
Comments (1)
That is really good advice. It is so so so important to take out adequate insurance when travelling overseas. It isn't all that expensive and there are a lot of companies that do good 'cover all' policies which will insure for things like lost luggage, and if anything gets stolen, as well as providing health cover. You can even get specialist policies for study abroad programs from places like STA. Whilst most people never need to be airlifted home, a good number of people might need a couple of stitches, or a sprained ankle seeing to. I have learned to never travel without insurance!
Posted by Zoey | June 18, 2008 5:18 PM
Posted on June 18, 2008 17:18