You can’t plan for the unexpected, but you can be prepared. Learn what health precautions to take before you leave home and what to do if illness or injury lays you low overseas.

Unexpected illness is one thing. But avoiding serious injury is much more in a traveler’s control. Think about the kind of situation you’re going to be in, what the worst-case scenarios might be, and how you’d respond if something did happen. It’s astonishing how often you read about people surviving near-catastrophe in the wilderness and it’s clear that they hadn’t given any thought to what they were doing, and how it might get them into trouble.

Fortunately, there are plenty of steps travelers can take before and during their travels to minimize the financial costs and emotional trauma that often accompany serious and unexpected illness or injury in foreign countries.

Some of these steps are incredibly simple and can save essential minutes in an emergency. For example, how do you dial 911 in the UK? And Mexico? Also, always travel with your health information, so doctors can easily find crucial information, such as your blood type, allergies, and any medications you’re taking.

Like the Boy Scouts say, “be prepared”. And it doesn’t hurt to have a good insurance policy either.

See your doctor before you go.

Make sure you are in sound shape for the kind of trip you’re planning. If you haven’t had a recent medical check-up, get one. If you plan any unusual or strenuous physical activities, tell your doctor. Are there any required or recommended vaccinations for your destination? Don’t wait until the last minute, as some vaccinations require boosters. According to the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers, you should receive any necessary vaccinations six to eight weeks prior to departure.

Check your medical insurance.

Find out whether your policy provides sufficient coverage for medical bills and transportation while traveling. If it does not, buy a supplemental policy from an independent insurer. Also, check with your credit card company; some offer referral services and even reimburse medical and emergency evacuation expenses.

Know when to seek medical care.

Learn about the quality of the medical care in the country you’re traveling to so you can make informed decisions about what kind of treatment the local medical community is capable of providing.

Join a personalized international medical service.

International medical membership organizations will arrange for emergency case coordination, insurance claims assistance, legal help, and referrals to fully licensed English-speaking physicians overseas who will even make house calls to your hotel at reasonable fees.

Know how to call for emergency service.

In Egypt, it’s 123. In Bulgaria, it’s 160. Throughout the European Union, it’s 112. Check before you go.

Carry your health information with you.

Sure, you know your blood type and that you’re allergic to bee stings. But what about medications you’re taking, previous surgeries, ongoing health issues, and other background information that might be crucial to a doctor giving you emergency treatment? It’s easy enough to forget these things at the best of times, and even more so if you’re agitated or incapacitated. Better write it down and carry it with you.

Request a medical escort.

When you’re not sick enough for medical evacuation but you’re too ill or injured to travel home alone, book a medical escort, usually a licensed nurse or paramedic. Escorts make all travel arrangements, monitor the patient’s vital signs in flight and administer medications, I.V. fluids, and/or oxygen, as required. If your insurance doesn’t cover this service, expect to pay between US$10,000 and US$20,000.

About the Author

 Mahy Medhat

A storyteller with a wanderlust desire, who loves exploring the world with a penchant for culture and food. Mahy has been writing for numerous high-profile magazines and currently working on publishing her own book.