What could be worse than being on vacation, getting sick and not knowing where to go or what to do? This happens fairly frequently and travelers are forced to end their vacation to return home just to receive the proper care.

This applies to all travelers but is especially important for senior citizens, pregnant women, people with preexisting conditions, or people who will be in a foreign country for an extended period of time. In this article, I will explain pre-travel planning, what to do if you fall ill while traveling and how to find proper care overseas. 

Pre-Travel Planning

1) Be aware of your destination's health threats 

You should find out what potential health issues you may encounter at your destination. For example, if you are traveling to Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Summer Olympics than you should take extreme caution. Brazil, along with many destinations in the Americas, is experiencing an outbreak of Zika virus. If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, the CDC urges strongly not to travel to Brazil because the virus causes serious birth defects. 

2) Obtain necessary 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.

Each year unvaccinated travelers get measles and bring it home, which has occasionally led to serious outbreaks. Vaccination is the best protection against foreign diseases. Before departure, it is of paramount importance that you and your travel companions receive the proper vaccinations. 

3) Check your abroad health insurance coverage. 

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. 

4) Travel with your medical record and prescription medications.

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

If you have pre-existing medical problems than you should carry a letter from your doctor describing the medical condition and medications. Any medications you carry overseas should be left in their original containers and be clearly labeled. Some U.S. prescription medications are illegal in foreign countries and may subject you to arrest. Also, bring an ample supply of medication to cover you for your trip and if possible, for a few extra days in case there are delays or in case you run out. 

While Traveling: How To Find Proper Care 

There are a number of strategies you can use to find a doctor while you’re outside the U.S.:

1) Contact the State Department or local U.S. consulate to help you locate medical services.

2) Ask the concierge at your hotel for recommendations for physicians who speak English.

3) If you have travel medical insurance, your insurance provider can connect you with healthcare providers overseas in an emergency.

4) If your a patient of a direct primary care practice or a concierge medical practice than contact your personal physician as soon as possible. With 24 / 7 access to your physician's cell phone, you have the opportunity to contact him/her any time, day or night. He/she can also coordinate your care with the attending hospital and, if necessary, travel to your location. 

The above information may seem inundating and it may take a substantial amount of time to schedule doctors appointments for vaccinations, checkups, etc. You should try to schedule an appointment with your doctor 3 months prior to departure. If your doctor is too busy to take your calls or if you are in a rush to schedule vaccinations than consider the promptness and convenience of same day appointments offered through a direct primary care practice. 

Is direct primary care right for you?