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What Happens When You Get Severely Sick Traveling Abroad?
Feb 17, 2018 13:46:42 #
Yes, those are all outside of the U.S. if that is what you are referencing.
agillot wrote:
same in france and canada , belgium .
Feb 17, 2018 18:39:06 #
SAVH
Loc: La Jolla, CA
We have traveled extensively world wide and almost always get travel insurance. Many of our friends have gotten sick or have been incapacitated while overseas. In some locations, you can benefit from the local "free" medical services. However, as we "of a certain age" are at greater risk for heart attacks, falls, etc., one has to consider the cost of returning to the states while incapacitated. I know of several cases where it required more than $100K to cover the return flight and services. If you are young and healthy, go for it with your reduced risk. As we age we need to consider the options. Full travel insurance can be very costly until you really need it. There are many, many different programs and you should evaluate the ones that suit your needs. Going forward, we don't go overseas without it.
Feb 17, 2018 20:49:13 #
mas24
Loc: Southern CA
SAVH wrote:
We have traveled extensively world wide and almost... (show quote)
There are plenty of medical insurance issues to deal with the in the USA. And, we all like to travel abroad once in awhile. And, certainly we wouldn't want to be bankrupt financially, due to a joy trip. That 100K you mentioned above, to cover return trip and services would indeed be a financial strain on most travelers. I've never been to Europe, but to Mexico, Canada, and Japan, and extensively throughout the USA. I have never gotten sick traveling to those destinations. I will check to see what additional insurance I may need, on top of what I already have, before my next trip out of the USA. Probably not cheap either. There have been some good suggestions in previously mentioned threads. Thanks for your input.
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Feb 17, 2018 21:46:43 #
mas24 wrote:
In Southern California, most travel agencies warn ... (show quote)
I have always been drinking the local water and eating fresh veggies when in Mexico and never got sick ever! I be more worried about some of the local waters around here!
Feb 17, 2018 21:49:23 #
Medical travel insurance is not that expensive for US residents travelling abroad. I got coverage for $50,000 emergency medical expenses, including $1 million medical evacuation and repatriation of remains for 1 week for $40. Premiums are higher over age 70. If you have pre-existing conditions, buy the insurance as long as possible before your trip. The policies have different 'look back' periods varying from 60 to 180 days. Also, some policies have 'cancel trip for any reason' coverage if you buy the insurance within X days of booking the trip.
You do need to read the policies to know what you are getting. I always get mine through insuremytrip.com. They have a great comparison tool for comparing the different policies.
You do need to read the policies to know what you are getting. I always get mine through insuremytrip.com. They have a great comparison tool for comparing the different policies.
Feb 17, 2018 22:25:10 #
Feb 17, 2018 22:42:30 #
I went to Walmart this afternoon when I seen some of the customers I got a little queasy.
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Feb 18, 2018 07:10:22 #
I fell off my bike on a bike tour in France. The tour guide took me to a French hospital to have me checked out. As an American I was conditioned to present my proof of insurance before the hospital would talk to me. The lady at the window interrupted me and asked about my injuries. I was X-rayed and it was determined that I only suffered some bad bruises. They gave me some pills that controlled the pain very well. The drug made me think that everything was funny. Good stuff! There was no charge. When I returned to the USA, I showed the drugs I was given to a friend who was a skilled chemist with extensive drug knowledge. I was told to get rid of the drugs because they are not legal in the USA. This all happened about 16 years ago. Things may have changed.
Feb 18, 2018 08:21:50 #
mas24
Loc: Southern CA
Davethehiker wrote:
I fell off my bike on a bike tour in France. The t... (show quote)
Interesting story. That drug made you think everything was funny. I haven't taken such a drug yet. But, the main thing is you were well enough to return to the USA. And you were not charged in France, as mentioned in a previous thread, of someone who visited England for medical care. Those two medical systems, seem to work well for some American travelers. The drug you were given there?.Obviously, not FDA approved, at that time. Or today.
Feb 18, 2018 09:42:26 #
mas24 wrote:
Interesting story. That drug made you think everything was funny. I haven't taken such a drug yet. But, the main thing is you were well enough to return to the USA. And you were not charged in France, as mentioned in a previous thread, of someone who visited England for medical care. Those two medical systems, seem to work well for some American travelers. The drug you were given there?.Obviously, not FDA approved, at that time. Or today.
Just because the drugs are not FDA approved doesn't mean they are bogus, ineffective or harmful. The FDA approval process is so cumbersome and expensive that many drug companies have decided to forgo the
US market and skip FDA approval. On the other hand, there are many medicines and remedies that are available here - some over the counter - that are banned or prescription only in other countries. Different countries, different processes. Don't expect to get your prescription for medical marijuana filled abroad.
Feb 18, 2018 09:57:27 #
mas24
Loc: Southern CA
repleo wrote:
Just because the drugs are not FDA approved doesn'... (show quote)
I agree. The person I was replying to, (Davethehiker) said the drug he took was "good stuff." I can't argue with that.
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Feb 18, 2018 15:24:40 #
mas24
Loc: Southern CA
Thanks everyone for your informative comments. Great information, along with great stories on this topic.
Feb 18, 2018 17:56:23 #
Eight of us found out right before our African safari that our outfitter required medical coverage. We quickly researched and found Blue Cross offers Geo Blue travel insurance. It cost less than $100 apiece for a month of coverage. One of our party hurt his back and they paid for a helicopter, then another airplane evac., doctors, hospitals, etc. Covered flights for both the injured and spouse. I have no idea the amount but it had to have been six figures. We won't go abroad without it now.
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