Nothing rains on the parade of an overseas excursion quite like a medical emergency. No one ever wants to face severe illness or injury, but when it happens on a family vacation, the stakes are considerably higher. Finding medical treatment, figuring out how to pay for it, making last minute changes to your travel schedule—these are tricky knots to untangle, especially during a crisis. Luckily, a little research and few new safe-travel habits can get you ready for any mishaps that may cross your path.
1. Check for Potential Hazards Early
There’s plenty to think about when you plan your family vacation—will the kids actually eat any of the food? Is this too much walking for Grandma? Is that beach warm enough during this time of year? Make sure you also take time to understand the safety risks involved with your choice of destination while planning a trip. Before you book your trip, check to see if the US State Department has issued any alerts or warnings. Use the CDC’s travel site to educate yourself on potential health hazards in the country you wish you visit.
Once you’ve selected your destination, register your trip with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. Enrolling allows US Embassies and Consulates to contact you and provide aid and assistance in case of a violent incident or natural disaster.
2. Prepare for the Worst
While you’re planning your adventure, spend a few extra minutes researching the safety services available in each location. Look up the emergency phone numbers for the countries you’ll be visiting. Identify the closest hospital and emergency room. And, while you’re at it, note the contact information for the nearest US Embassy.
Print out the emergency information you’ve gathered and keep a copy in your travel first aid kit so you’ll be completely prepared should the worst occur.
3. Protect Your Trip and Yourself
Does your medical insurance cover you overseas? Find out before you go. Purchasing separate travel insurance is also a good idea—insuring your trip not only protects you against cancellations and lost luggage, it can also cover medical or dental incidents as well.
For complete control over your health, consider an air medical transport membership as well. In case of a hospitalization while travelling, most travel insurances and platinum card benefits will only get you to the “nearest acceptable facility,” where language barriers, quality of care or capping out on travel insurance medical limits may not be “acceptable” to you.
Some air medical transport companies also offer security and crisis response options. While it’s scary to think about it, having someone to call in the event of political threat, disappearance, acts of terrorism and other family safety concerns is well worth the extra cost depending on where you are going.
4. Pack Medications
Colds, stomach aches, and allergies are no fun, but they’re part of life, even when you’re on a vacation. Keep in mind that your favorite over-the-counter remedies may not be available in your destination country. Bring your own supply of go-to medicines. If you do need to pick up more supplies along the way, know that counterfeit medications are prevalent in some foreign countries. Avoid shady corner pharmacies and non-pharmacy locations.
If you need to bring prescription drugs along, bring them in their original, marked containers. Pack copies of prescriptions for the whole family, including the generic names of the medications. If anyone in the family is prescribed a controlled substance, bring a letter from your physician on their official stationery outlining the medications and dosages. It’s also wise to check with the Embassy or Consulate to verify that your medications are allowed in the country you are visiting. Bring more medicine than you need. An extra 20% supply of your medication gives you a buffer in the event your return is delayed.
Pack half of your medicine and travel first aid kit in your carry-on or personal item so they’re fully accessible throughout the entire trip. Pack the other half in your checked luggage. On the off chance that airport security questions and pulls your medications from your carry on, it’s good to have them separated.
5. Have a Game Plan for the Whole Family
You should not be the only person in your party who is prepared for a safe and healthy trip. Talk to each member of your family about the plan. Let the kids know what they should do if they get separated from you, or if something scary happens. For little ones, this may mean memorizing the name of the hotel. With older kids, you can share the emergency phone numbers and plans so they’re just as prepared as you in case something happens while they’re exploring on their own.
If someone does fall ill, the hotel concierge is a good resource for finding a local doctor who may speak multiple languages and may even make house calls to the hotel. If it is determined that hospitalization is required, immediately notify your doctor back home and the travel insurance company for instructions. Make sure you and other members of your travel party have these numbers accessible at all times.
6. Stay Connected
It’s tempting to switch your devices to airplane mode. Unplugging from your usual email and tweet notifications is part of the fun—this is a vacation after all! But, your phone is your best friend in an emergency. Keep a line open so you’ll have quicker access to medical care, should you need it. Check with your cellular provider before your trip to make sure you’ll have service, or buy a pocket hotspot device to keep you connected while abroad.
Bring along a portable phone chargers and power cords so you’re not stuck with a drained battery in an emergency. Just don’t forget to charge them in advance!
It can be stressful and overwhelming to think about what danger could befall your family while travelling. It’s hard not to worry. Hopefully, you’ll never find a need for this information, but these are the habits that set you up for safety and success. The confidence that you can handle any crisis that comes up will give you a sense of comfort so you and your family can more easily relax and enjoy.
Because that’s what it’s all about.
John Gobbels is VP/COO of Medjet, the premiere air medical transport and security membership program for travelers. He is based in Birmingham, AL.