How to Obtain Medical Advice While Traveling

The sudden onset of illness or injury can be frightening when traveling, especially if you are in a country where you don't speak the language. A few pretrip preparations and some resourcefulness on the road will help you obtain the best treatment possible.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Evacuation Plan
• Local Guidebooks
• First Aid Kits
• IAMAT Memberships
• Evacuation Insurance
• First Aid Classes
• Prescriptions
• Travel Health Insurance
• Telephone Calling Cards

1. Purchase and carry a good wilderness first aid book that covers the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of injuries and illnesses. Consult this book if you have any questions about the severity of an illness, early treatments and whether or not to see a doctor immediately.

2. Join the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers before departing on your trip. This is a nonprofit organization that will provide you with a list of doctors worldwide who are on-call 24 hours a day.

3. Fill any prescription medications that you anticipate you may need on your trip before your departure, and carry all information regarding the medication with you. You will not only need to know precisely when and how to use your medication but should also be prepared to identify side effects or allergies if they arise.

4. Invest in a travel insurance policy that will cover evacuation to a western medical facility. Not only will this insurance save you a lot of money and worry, but your insurance company will also be able to direct you to a doctor overseas and may be able to give you emergency medical advise via the telephone.

5. Carry the phone number of a trusted physician from your home country and a recommended specialist in travel medicine in case you need a second opinion or consultation while travelling.

6. Consult with your guidebook, hotel or tourist office for recommendations on local doctors. If you are in a very remote area, check with a police station, military base or missionary post.

7. Carry a phrase book with you and be familiar with the section that covers vocabulary on seeing a doctor.

8. Familiarize yourself with how and where to make international calls and where to access the Internet in the place you are traveling.

9. Bring a list of medical advice Web sites with you. Internet access is often available in remote places, even in less developed countries, and may be available when international calls are not.

Tips & Warnings

• The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers (IAMAT) offers phone assistance at [phone] and can be e-mailed at [e-mail].

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