If You Prepare For The Worst, You'll Enjoy Being Wrong

Whether you are travelling yourself or having visitors from other countries, be aware of the cost of health care and protect yourself from unnecessary risk.

First, get short term health care insurance in advance. Very few countries offer gratis health care, and prices are continuing to skyrocket. According to BCLocalNews.com, an elderly Canadian couple traveling in the United States amassed $113,000 worth of medical fees which their visitors health insurance refused to pay when they discovered the man had "carried a prescribed puffer, which he used very occasionally for congestion." The matter is now under review, but it is a good reminder to individuals who are travelling to include visitors health insurance in their budget, especially elderly tourists who have a higher chance of needing care than their younger counterparts. Another gentleman in the US had his parents visit from India. His father suffered a heart attack on the trip and the bill was $125,000 for two visits. Make sure that you sign up for insurance in advance!

Second, know how to find a doctor in the place where you will be visiting, or have one picked out for your guests when they arrive. Fortunately, in many European countries there is a single emergency number (112) and in the United States (911), but be prepared for the dispatcher to not speak your language. If you are not travelling with a companion or tour guide who is fluent, then make sure you have a plan for communicating your needs and location. Perhaps write down key phrases and keep the card in your purse; this practice is especially important if you have a pre-existing chronic condition such diabetes, allergies, or unique illness which might affect the doctors' ability to treat you.

Third, have a plan for getting home. Ideally, you have a credit or debit card which will cover travelling expenses, but you should also have a way to have money wired to you if needed. Sometimes, consular officers can facilitate wire transfers, and occasionally can make emergency loans. If you cannot get a hold of a consulate, you can also call the State Department's Overseas Citizens' Emergency Center at (202) 632-5225 or 634-3600. You might consider travel insurance such as travelguard.com or insuremytrip.com. When you are sick or injured, you will want to get home as quickly as possible, but your mind will be distracted by a variety of other concerns. Make all necessary arrangements in advance so that you do not have to worry, regardless of what obstacles you encounter during your stay.

A little preparation can save you valuable time and significant money. As the adage says, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."