*This is a collaborative post... and one of the things that scares me most about ever going abroad. 

 Getting sick abroad is more common than you might think. And because you are away from your home country, it can be distressing.

In this post, we take a look at some of the ways that you can prepare before you travel and what to do if things go wrong. Read on to learn more.


Prepare before leaving

Don’t go abroad without adequately preparing first. Traveling can put you at a much higher risk of getting sick than simply remaining at home (particularly during a global pandemic).

Before you go, make sure to buy travel insurance that includes medical cover through a reputable provider. Policies should cover you for several tens of thousands of dollars worth of treatment which foreign medics can then claim back at a later date. (You don’t want to pay for medical treatment out of pocket. It's extremely expensive). Make sure that you always have your health insurance card or ID on-hand. Keep it in your wallet, so if you require treatment, you can show it to the medics.

Note that if you’re traveling from the US, medicare does not apply in other countries. You'll need to buy separate medical coverage for travel.

Make sure to take all your medications with you, ensuring that they're legal in your destination country. Countries differ in which drugs they permit. Substances that are perfectly legal in your country may not be abroad.

Lastly, you’ll want to catalog all of the English-speaking medical practitioners operating in your travel destination. This way, you can easily explain your condition, symptoms and medical history if you fall sick.


Find reputable clinics

As Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers point out, medical treatment can result in severe injury. A failed hernia mesh, for instance, is a medical emergency. So if you’re a medical tourist, make sure that you go to a reputable clinic. Find doctors who have positive online reviews. Look for clinics that other patients trust.


Find special care

If you are already abroad and illness strikes, contact the nearest embassy or consulate for a list of medical providers in the area. They should be able to direct you on where you need to go and who you should see.

If your medical condition is serious, you should be able to call your insurance company and get them to organize treatment on your behalf. Before you fly, make sure that the insurance company covers you in your target destination. If they don’t, then you may need to arrange treatment through other means.

If you fall ill abroad, don’t panic. Almost always, medical services are available, even if you are not a citizen. Just make sure that you carry your insurance confirmation and medical cards with you so that you can prove your ability to pay.