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Need medical help abroad? The 5 essential steps for successful medical assistance!

On August 25, 2024 , updated on August 25, 2024 - 4 minutes to read
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IN BRIEF
  • Understanding your medical needs : Clearly identify the nature of the medical assistance needed.
  • Find out about insurance coverage : Check the guarantees of your health insurance international.
  • Prepare the necessary documents : Gather all the paperwork required for care (medical records, authorizations, etc.).
  • Choose the right providers : Select recognized and reliable health establishments.
  • Plan post-care follow-up : Make sure you have a plan for medical follow-ups after treatments.

Going abroad can be an exciting adventure, but what if a health problem arises? Obtaining effective medical assistance is crucial in these situations. Here are the five essential steps to ensure you get the help you need, wherever you are.

Research and Preparation Before Departure

Before leaving your country, it is essential to do your research and prepare yourself properly. This includes seeing your doctor to assess your health, obtaining required medications, and checking for necessary vaccinations. Additionally, find out about the medical facilities available in your destination and note local emergency contacts. Being adequately prepared reduces the risk of health complications during your trip.

Subscribe to International Health Insurance

International health insurance is essential to cover medical costs in the event of illness or accident abroad. Make sure your coverage includes hospital care, medical consultations and repatriation costs. Also check the exclusions in your insurance policy to avoid unpleasant surprises. Good international health insurance offers peace of mind knowing you are protected wherever you go.

Know the Procedures for Seeking Medical Help

It is crucial to know the procedures for seeking medical help abroad. Familiarize yourself with local health systems, emergency numbers and recommended clinics. If you are in a country where language is a barrier, prepare some key health phrases in the local language. This will facilitate communication with local healthcare professionals and ensure rapid intervention when needed.

Retain Important Medical Documents

Always keep your important medical documents with you. This includes your medical records, medication prescriptions, and your insurance card. Having these documents on hand can speed up the treatment process and avoid unnecessary complications. Also consider digitizing these documents and storing them on an electronic medium accessible on the go.

Use Medical Repatriation Services if Necessary

In the event of serious health situations, medical repatriation may be necessary. These services are usually included in international health insurance policies. Medical repatriation allows you to return to your country to receive appropriate care. Make sure you understand your insurance’s terms and procedures for repatriation to avoid confusion during an emergency.

Evaluate and Learn from Experience

After receiving medical assistance abroad, it is important to evaluate and learn from the experience. Analyze what worked well and what could have been improved. Share your knowledge with other travelers to help them prepare. The experience gained can be valuable for your future travels and can help improve the quality of medical assistance abroad.

By following these five steps, you can minimize health risks when traveling abroad and ensure you receive quick and effective medical help when needed.

Stage Actions to take
1. Preparation Search for and choose suitable international health insurance.
2. Consult a healthcare professional Obtain medical advice about treatment abroad.
3. Gather the necessary documents Prepare health records and insurance forms.
4. Plan the trip Arrange transportation, accommodation and medical appointments.
5. Use medical assistance Contact the medical assistance service if necessary.

Need medical help abroad?

The 5 essential steps for successful medical assistance:

  • Preparation : Plan your trip with your medical needs in mind.
  • Documents: Make sure you have all the necessary documents, including your medical records.
  • Health insurance: Take out international health insurance covering treatment abroad.
  • Local contact: Identify a local medical provider and keep their contact information handy.
  • Communication : Inform your family and loved ones of your situation and medical needs.