What to do when you get sick while traveling

When you’re planning a fun trip or, thinking about getting sick or injured is the last thing on your mind.   Unfortunately, illness and accidents happen. The best way to prevent the situation from going to bad to worse is to have a sensible plan.

PRE TRIP

Prepare the following:

1.  A good medicine kit, to keep in your carryon bag.  Over the counter basics include:

• Meds for pain and fever (i.e. acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen)
• Antidiarrheal meds
• Antacid
• Antihistamine
• 1% hydrocortisone cream for itching, skin irritation
• Decongestant
• Anti-motion sickness meds
• Adhesive bandage for minor cuts, blisters

2.  Prescriptions meds, copies of your prescription from your doctor including generic names, placed in your carryon luggage.

3.  Copy of your medical insurance card. Call your insurance company to ask if your policy covers reimbursement for overseas services and what documentation would be needed for claims

4.  Traveler’s Insurance. If you’re going on an organized tour, the company may require you to have proof of traveler’s insurance. This may cover trip cancellation, medical services and even emergency evacuation if you get sick while traveling.

Sample coverage of benefits of Traveler’s Insurance (from www.travelguard.com)

5.  For those with significant medical history, have a list of your medical diagnoses, allergies, medications, and doctors. Leave a copy with a family member or friend at home.

6.  Update your emergency contact information. Make sure to list a responsible person who is readily accessible, specifically someone who checks her phone and/or email messages regularly.

7.  Check for required or recommended immunizations for your particular destination at the CDC website. Also check for overall health information for the country on sites like the International Association for Medical Assistance to  Travelers.

DURING THE TRIP

1. For basic medicine, go to the pharmacy or drugstore. Write out the medicine you need. The Google Translation app is a helpful tool for this.  You can have the pharmacist read it, or you can click on the icon and it will say it out loud.
   

   Google Translate app

2. If you need to see a doctor, call your hotel concierge or front desk to arrange for a consult.  If you’re staying at an Airbnb property, ask your host for recommendations.
   

   Peruvian doctor making a hotel call in Cusco

3. If you sustain an injury (i.e. fracture, fall), a serious illness or an infection while traveling, let your tour leader arrange for medical assistance. If you’re traveling independently, approach the hotel front desk, police offer, or tourist information center for directions to call an ambulance or to be directed to the nearest emergency room.
4. If you have a tour or day trip scheduled and you know that you won’t be able to make it, call the tour operator to cancel.  Many prepaid tours are non-refundable, but it wouldn’t hurt to try and see if you could get your money back.  Being sweet, humble and charming can go a long way.

AFTER THE TRIP

1. Follow up with your regular doctor if you have any significant illness or infection during your trip.
2. File appropriate claims with your insurance company, if applicable.

OTHER TIPS

1. Always check for health travel advisories prior to departure.
2. If you’re going on more adventurous trips, you’ll want to check blogs and articles for specific and the most updated advice.  Check the dates of the posts to make sure you have the most recent information.  Whether you’re going camping, trekking or hiking in the wilderness, you’ll want to have a good safety plan in place.
3. If you are going to developing countries, cities or towns, it’s best to research ahead of time the nearest hospital or English speaking doctor in the area where you will be at.  Websites like International Association for Medical Assistance to  Travelers have some good information to start with.
4. Take note of local regulations. For examples, tourists in Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Cozumel in Mexico are required to use eco-friendly sunscreen and sun tan lotion to prevent harmful chemicals from damaging the underwater environment including coral reefs and marine life.
5. The language barrier is a significant factor to consider. Difficulty in communicating clearly what’s wrong with you may delay your care or even result in unintended mistakes like getting the wrong meds. Google Translate is a good basic tool. If you don’t have a smartphone, ask to use a computer and use the desktop version.

Have you gotten sick or injured while traveling?  What was your experience like? 

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