Principles of health protection when traveling abroad with travel health insurance

The first time you visit a foreign land is always different with both excitement and confusion. Health always plays a key role in making the trip go smoothly, and is also the most difficult factor to control. Let's review with iguide.ai the health risks and suggestions for self-prevention through preparation, as well as proactively consider solutions from travel health insurance below:

1. Learn about the epidemic and health situation at the destination

With the increasing frequency of tourists, especially in crowded public activities and famous tourist attractions, the risk of infection is inevitable. When packing, take some time to learn about the current health information of the country you are going to. Some useful websites such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO) will help you have the best information to prepare for vaccination needs, avoid trouble at customs, and equip yourself with a travel health insurance package suitable for your trip.

In addition, new epidemics have also emerged in some countries, requiring you to clearly understand the effects and how and how they spread.

An example on popular information channels today, including the official website of the Department of Health, records that the monkeypox epidemic is spreading in 75 countries in 6 regions where WHO has representative offices. On July 23, 2022, the Director-General of WHO declared a global health emergency for monkeypox, which is the highest level of warning from WHO. Grasping this information helps you take precautions in advance with safe isolation methods and ways to contact relevant parties to receive timely support when the risk of infection occurs.

2. Ready for all temperature and weather variations

Many people, when traveling internationally for the first time in the summer, prepare clothes according to the temperature of Vietnam, causing many embarrassing situations when it is cold season on the other side of the world. This is an important note when looking for information related to the country, because understanding the changes and differences in weather, climate and transportation helps to prepare luggage more thoroughly.

In addition, staying up to date with weather information throughout your trip will help you better plan your experiences. To always be prepared for situations where your trip is affected by bad weather, you should plan some indoor activities (visiting museums, visiting friends' houses, staycations right at the resort), as well as necessary equipment to protect your health (warm scarves, sun or rain umbrellas, layered outfits that are flexible with the changing weather at your destination).

3. Personal health check before going abroad

To ensure your mental and physical health before taking off, it is extremely important to have a general health check-up as well as complete vaccinations. If you detect an illness at this time, depending on the severity, you can consult your doctor's advice and prescription to understand what to limit or avoid during the trip.

If you are prescribed medication, make sure you have enough to last, as you may have difficulty finding these medical products at your destination. For those of you who are new to time zones and traveling long distances, consult your doctor to avoid confusion about the appropriate time to take your medication to maintain your dosage.

4. Prevention is better than cure when traveling abroad

You can refer to some specific pathological cases and corresponding mitigation methods below:

• Limit carrying heavy objects and do not stand in one position for too long for people with low blood pressure. In case you feel dizzy, you can find a place to rest and take deep breaths.
• Limit going to mountainous areas and high altitudes for people with heart disease because low oxygen levels can easily cause shortness of breath and chest pain.
• You should wait for your body to recover when you get back to your room instead of taking a bath right away. When bathing, use warm water and dry your body thoroughly. The bathing process must be quick to avoid catching a cold.
• Re-examination for chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, arthritis
• Note that some vaccines need to be administered several months before the trip to be effective.
• List and consult an expert about foods that should not be consumed during the trip to avoid aggravating symptoms.

5. Prepare some medical equipment and basic medicines

In addition to prescription medications, you may want to stock up on a basic first aid kit that includes bandages, cotton swabs, red medicine, and antiseptic solution (with a 100ml limit). Here are some basic medications to consider:

• Always carry motion sickness medication for long distance travel.
• Your dining experience will be safer if you have anti-diarrheal medication and digestive enzymes.
• Antihistamines (anti-allergy) to prevent the body from reacting to changes in the environment
• Pain relief and fever reduction are always necessary.
• Treat insect and mosquito bites with insect repellent spray and topical medication
• Eye drops, nose drops used daily, before and after leaving the house
• Sunscreen

Please remember to bring a doctor's certificate if you are required to use medical devices such as pacemakers, crutches, etc. to present to airport security personnel.

6. Notes when enjoying local food

Enjoying local food is an indispensable part of traveling to a foreign country. However, because of this strangeness, digestive problems such as poisoning and diarrhea are among the many risks that often occur, ruining the fun. So how to eat so that "the mouth does not harm the body"?

When you are unsure about the “unique” food in front of you, try a small amount, feel it and eat it in moderation so that your intestines can adapt. Prepare probiotics to help your intestines digest well, increase resistance, and limit disorders after experiencing local cuisine.

In addition, drinking plenty of water can limit fatigue and loss of strength during the trip. Every day, you should provide enough 1-1.5 liters of water for children and 2-2.5 liters of water for adults.

7. Comprehensive protection throughout your overseas travel with travel health insurance

Despite the careful preparation, the occurrence of risks can be considered inevitable, especially for individuals who have never had experience purchasing international travel insurance. To be able to fully protect yourself against financial consequences when encountering health problems, you will need a travel insurance policy that meets your personal conditions and provides travel medical insurance for this “first time” experience comfortably.

In addition to the popularity of global travel insurance, travel medical insurance brings many benefits from international travel insurance contracts. For example, when purchasing Bao Minh international travel insurance (for the world and not including the Schengen area), general insurance benefits are divided into many categories. Normally, when you encounter health-related risks abroad and need medical support in the country you are traveling to, you will be compensated by the insurance company for the following cases:

7.1 . Personal accident

Cases involving death and permanent disability, overseas medical expenses, subsequent treatment costs, hospital allowances and expenses for relatives, accompanying children, etc.

7.2. Medical assistance

Cases related to emergency transportation, repatriation in case of casualties, guarantee of payment of hospital fees in case of hospitalization abroad...

7.3. Travel support

In case of damage to luggage and personal belongings, support and advice on medical services, flight-related incidents, hostage taking or terrorism, fire when there is no one to look after the house at home, etc.

Above is an example from Bao Minh International Travel Insurance with affordable premiums and total compensation or insurance liability up to 50,000 USD.

Conclude

iguide.ai hopes that the above article has provided you with enough knowledge to confidently “pack your backpack and go” without worrying about health problems. We are always here to make your first experiences safe and memorable, contact us now for advice on your “first time” buying insurance!

This article is for reference only. Please contact iguide.a for advice and support in finding suitable insurance products.