Because I have excellent insurance coverage, when my blood pressure went through the roof, I knew I could order an ambulance and go to a hospital with an outstanding reputation, all of which would be covered by my insurance plan. The services provided to me were 100% covered by Medicare A and B, and my Plan G supplement covered any deductibles. I left the hospital without being ill. What a relief!
But, over the years, I had worried about coverage in foreign countries, especially when the travel insurance we had in the past never covered any of my previous expenses for open heart surgery and complications there. We had to pay everything out of pocket, which we did in full before we left the country.
If we hadn’t paid in South Africa, they would have tagged our passports, and we wouldn’t have been allowed to leave the country. That’s a scary thought! The result is that quality insurance is imperative when traveling. We had no idea they wouldn’t pay the enormous bill.
Getting sick in a foreign land is scary enough, let alone wondering if your insurance will ultimately pay. Of course, your first consideration is receiving quality care and getting you through the crises.
I hadn’t mentioned this in yesterday’s post…but while I was in the hospital on Thursday, Friday, and part of Saturday, I encountered issues with not having a primary care physician in Minnesota. The specialists didn’t quite know how to handle my case, which surprised me. But at least I got through the crises, and they were able to stabilize me.
The doctors even suggested I get a primary care doctor, which I had tried to do months after we first arrived, but after contacting about ten, I could not get an appointment. They were booked to as far as September, and by then, we’d be long gone. Plus, after we leave for Cleveland, having a primary care doctor in Minnesota would make no sense since we don’t plan to return for a while.
These are some of the long-term challenges of traveling the world that one must address when one needs medical care. There is nothing we could have done to prepare for such an event. Instead, as often, we figure it out as we go. All I can say is that the best thing I ever did was get signed up for Medicare with a good supplement, which I took care of while we were in Nevada during the open enrollment period.
Getting sick in a foreign country can be challenging, but there are steps you can take to manage the situation effectively. Obviously, if you have a life-threatening situation, your first concern is getting to the closest medical center, wherever you may be. If you anticipate medical issues based on your current health, here are some suggestions as to what you may do:
- Stay Calm: Panicking will not help. Stay calm and assess your symptoms.
- Rest and Hydrate: Get plenty of rest and stay hydrated. Drink bottled water if you’re unsure about the quality of tap water.
- Medication: Use any over-the-counter medication you brought with you. Common medications for pain relief, fever, or stomach issues can be helpful.
- Contact Your Embassy: Your embassy can provide guidance on medical facilities and assistance.
- Local Medical Facilities: Find the nearest hospital or clinic. Many countries have English-speaking doctors in major cities.
- Travel Insurance: If you have travel insurance, contact your provider to understand your coverage and get assistance finding medical care.
- Local Pharmacy: Visit a local pharmacy for advice and over-the-counter medication. Pharmacists can often provide helpful advice for minor ailments.
- Language Barrier: Use translation apps to communicate your symptoms if there’s a language barrier.
- Hygiene: Maintain good hygiene practices to avoid worsening your condition or spreading illness to others.
- Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of emergency contacts, including local friends, family, and your embassy.
- Documentation: Keep all medical documents, prescriptions, and receipts in case you need them for insurance claims or follow-up care.
- Follow Up: Once you return home, follow up with your primary care physician to ensure complete recovery.
We are grateful for having the appropriate health insurance and for receiving good care to help me through the crisis. Although I feel weak since leaving the hospital, I am much better, and my blood pressure is normal. I will be very grateful if I avoid another such event until we get to Cleveland Clinic.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, July 29, 2014:
