For most of us, vacation is a time of relaxation and tranquility. However, for the unlucky few, vacations can turn into a nightmare. There are plenty of stories of vacationers injuring themselves while hiking, eating uncooked foods, drinking contaminated water and urgently having to go to the local hospital where healthcare is minimally supervised. In this blog post, I'll explain how a membership with a direct primary care practice and a having your own concierge doctor can significantly alleviate and prevent travel health pains and problems. 

Before You Travel:

1) Know the health threats associated with your destination  

You should meet with your doctor and find out what potential health issues you may encounter at your destination. For example, if you are traveling to South America than you should take extreme caution because of the Zika virus outbreak. If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, the CDC urges strongly not to travel to South America because the virus causes serious birth defects. 

2) Schedule and receive vaccinations

Vaccines are your passport to adventure around the world. You may come into contact with different diseases based on the countries you are visiting. Schedule a health appointment with your doctor at least 4–6 weeks before you depart. This gives the vaccines enough time to start working and enough time for any vaccines that might require more than one dose. If you experience difficulty scheduling an appointment with your doctor than consider obtaining a membership with a direct primary care practice and signing up with a concierge doctor who is suitable for your needs and lifestyle. With the membership, you are granted same-day appointments, which makes scheduling vaccines hassle-free. 

3) Review your abroad health insurance coverage with your doctor

If your health insurance policy provides coverage outside the United States, remember to carry both your insurance policy identity card and a claim form. Certain health insurance companies will pay "customary and reasonable" hospital costs abroad but very few will pay for your medical evacuation back to the United States. Medical evacuation can easily cost $10,000 depending on your location and medical condition. Therefore, it is recommended that you purchase travel health and medical evacuation insurance. 

During Travel

4) Coordination of care 

It’s essential that any physician who treats you can easily and quickly access your complete medical record. If you are enrolled in a direct primary care practice than your concierge doctor can send your medical record electronically saving you time and money. 

If you tend to misplace or lose your medications than signing up with a direct primary care practice is a wise investment. Your concierge doctor can easily send your electronic medical record and prescription information to the local pharmacy for you to pick up that same day. 

If you are a member of a direct primary care practice than your concierge doctor can travel to your location upon request. He/she will coordinate your care to ensure that your health returns to normal. Also, with all-day access to your concierge doctor's cell phone, it has never been easier to gain immediate, helpful advice and recommendations from your doctor. 

Traveling can be scary. But, with a concierge doctor available all day and night to take your phone calls and meet you at your location, your health has never been more protected. And, everyone deserves to travel safely. It's up to you to decide if the risks of not obtaining a membership with a direct primary care practice are worth the potential life threatening risks of travel.