Vacations are a time for resting, relaxing and taking in new sights. Whether you travel to the other end of your own state, the country or the world, it’s important to be prepared before you head out. Medical emergencies can happen anywhere, so you should be ready to address them.
Start with the Right Paperwork
You don’t leave home without your medications, but do you keep a list of what you take on you? Packages can be lost, accidents can happen and you could find yourself without your necessary blood pressure medication. Keep a list of medications on hand just in case something tragic happens to the supply you brought with you.
Your family doctor at home knows about your asthma and high blood 
pressure, but a doctor in another city will not have any idea what your medical conditions are. It’s wise to carry a summary of your medical history in your wallet. Along with your list of medications, it can inform emergency personnel of serious conditions you may have. Include contact information for your regular doctors and specialists. It will make it easier, faster and safer for them to treat you in the event of an emergency.
Research the Area You’re Visiting
It’s important to research the medical services available in the area you will visit. Quality healthcare is taken for granted in large American cities, but your relatives living out in the middle of may not have a facility near them that can help if you go into diabetic shock. Overseas destinations also may have a shortage of medical personnel and supplies.
If you have a known condition, try to vacation in areas where you will have access to quality medical care if you should have an emergency. There are fine medical facilities and treatment areas around the globe, so this doesn’t mean that you have to abandon your plans of seeing the world. It just means that you need to choose destinations with a little more care.
Invest in the Insurance
Medical insurance is available for travelers. It will not only cover your treatment, it will also cover the cost of getting to a medical facility if transportation is required. The annual cost is more reasonable than you might think, and the coverage can prove to save your life in an emergency. This is vital for people with chronic conditions, but it’s also important for healthy travelers.
When you’re packing for a trip, it can seem morbid to start including items specifically for medical emergencies. While people with known medical conditions should take more care in their travel arrangements, the fact is that anyone can experience a medical emergency at any time. Serious conditions like asthma and diabetes can go undiagnosed or treated until you are facing a life-threatening emergency. Make a list of your doctors’ contact information, medications and conditions. These little steps ahead of time can save your life should you have an emergency.
Joyce Newport is a guest blogger for apex rx site where you can find tips on staying healthy and saving money.
Leave a Reply