What Happens If You Have A Medical Emergency Abroad?

Millions of people travel around the world, whether it be for business, school, or a fun vacation. We try to plan every detail from where to stay, places to visit, or the best restaurants in the area. While you can prepare yourself for a medical emergency, you cannot plan every detail of that. Medical emergencies at home are scary, but experiencing a serious illness or injury in a foreign country that requires emergency medical treatment brings a new level of fear during a time meant for happiness.

How To Plan For A Medical Emergency Abroad

Traveling abroad brings about the joy of seeing a new country, learning a new language, and experiencing things you cannot see, eat, or do at home, but how can you prepare for a medical emergency while overseas?

The most important thing you can do for yourself and those traveling with you is to ensure you are covered by your primary health insurance while traveling or purchasing travel health insurance. Thoroughly read through the policy you intend to choose before purchasing to understand what is covered, what you will be expected to pay, and how you will be reimbursed.

Other things that can help you to prepare for a medical emergency while traveling abroad include:

• Learn keywords of the native language of the country you are visiting. If this is not attainable, utilize a translator application on your cell phone to help you better communicate with those around you.
• Prepare yourself by keeping all important documents in a safe place and together for easy access. Ensure all travel documents, insurance cards, and personal identification cards are accessible by you or those you are traveling with.
• Take a look at Google maps before embarking on your journey,  Pinpoint where you will be staying, and map out the quickest route to local urgent care or public hospitals.

Receiving Medical Treatment In A Foreign Country

Receiving treatment for a major medical emergency at home may seem thoughtless. Your insurance policy will cover the cost of treatment, and the only thing you need to worry about is getting better. Having a medical emergency occurring while traveling abroad can be a different story altogether. 

Getting home early after a health scare that requires emergency medical treatment abroad can become increasingly difficult as you may not be cleared for air travel — the most popular travel course for returning home overseas. Repatriation can require travel by rail car or boat travel, which adds to the stress of additional expenditures to get home.

You can be required to pay for your medical expenses abroad with plans for reimbursement upon arrival home through a medical expense claim. Therefore, it is a good idea to plan to bring additional funds set aside for a medical emergency should you need it, and keep a copy of all receipts, invoices, and proof of payment to attach to the medical claim.

Are you experiencing a medical emergency abroad and need air medical transport?

A major medical emergency requiring extensive treatment can hinder the ability to return home safely, accrue unforeseen expenses, and add a great deal of stress to you and your family. At AirEvac International, our main goal is to provide air ambulance service 24/7 to safely return you home without compromising your health.