When people think of traveling, they like to think about exotic destinations and fun. While it goes against the central idea of traveling, the reality is many people become ill while traveling. Now that the Swine Flu is making its rounds, it’s even more important to guard yourself against illnesses (and strongly consider travel medical insurance). In the event that you become ill on vacation, here’s what to do:
Monitor the Situation: Don’t make the mistake of jumping into false conclusions. If you have a fever or flu, it doesn’t mean that it’s definitely something as serious as the Swine Flu or malaria. Assuming you have brought along your supply of over-the-counter medication to treat common illnesses, just take the recommended amount and watch what happens. It’s wise to monitor the situation on the more common illnesses such as fever, cough, stomach upset, and others. Sometimes, it’s just the body’s reaction to differences in climate, humidity, food, air, or extensive traveling. If the situation improves, you should have nothing to worry about, go ahead an enjoy your vacation. Otherwise, you will need to go to the next step.
Minor Illnesses: For the treatment of minor illnesses like cough, cold, and common fever, go to a local clinic. The doctor will be able to give you prescribed medication which may deal with your illnesses much more effectively than over-the-counter medication. If the doctor believes you may have developed a more serious condition, he will recommend that you be admitted to a hospital. Since the cost of visiting a doctor in a clinic is rather affordable, pay for it first and submit the claim to the travel insurance company later.
Major Illnesses: Sometimes, it’s rather difficult to assess the seriousness of an illness. In this sense, it’s logical to consider if the illness is life-threatening. For instance, you have been having a diarrhea after consuming some food in a restaurant and the condition worsens even after taking some over-the-counter medication. There’s now a high chance you are suffering from a serious bout of food poisoning; you will have to be admitted to a hospital as soon as possible. In another scenario, you may have suffered a heart attack while watching a show so it’s a rather straight forward hospital case. If admitted to a hospital, it’s extremely important to contact the local representative of your travel medical insurance company so necessary arrangements can be made. The cost of hospitalization can be rather astronomical, it’s best to check to be sure your policy covers the country of your vacation, before purchasing it.
Inform Your Loved Ones: This may not be necessary if you only suffer a minor illness, but if you are to be hospitalized, inform your loved ones as soon as possible.
To become ill while traveling can be discouraging. For this reason, you should know what to do in such a situation.
