General know-how:
- Prevention is better than cure. Every culture has some grandma remedies which are useful to avoid or treat common health problems. These can be readily used in a foreign country with little preparation.
- Before you travel, it is recommended to learn basic first aid so that you can treat minor health conditions yourself. This would save a lot of hassles in finding and visiting a health facility as well as save you money.
- Always Carry a first-aid kit with you. It may contain disinfectant ointment, bandages, prescription medicines, common over the counter medications like anti-diarrhea, anti-motion sickness, cough drops/syrup, laxatives, fever reducer, pain reliever, antacids etc.
- Do not forget to wash your hands often with soap and water. If possible, always carry a hand sanitizer and use it very often, especially after you cough or sneeze. This would avoid any possible undesirable health issue.
- Do not drink water from unknown or untrusted sources. Water-borne diseases are very easily spreadable.
- If you are going in open with trees around or water around (like for camping or lakes etc.), wear long sleeved t-shirts and full pants to cover yourself from bug bites and possible poisonous or itchy shrubs. Carry and use insect repellent to safeguard yourself from mosquito and bug bites. Also carry a cooling gel and anti-itch ointment which may provide relief if you are bit by mosquitos or bugs.
Doctor Visits:
- Visit your family doctor in your home country a few weeks before your travel. This will give you time to get healthy in case you get sick.This would also give you enough time to catch up on any delayed or any needed vaccination.
- Dental check-ups are very important prior to any travel involving long stay abroad. Dental coverage is limited in visitor insurance plans and therefore, to have an assessment of current dental status will give you peace of mind and save you any unnecessary trauma.
- Before traveling it is also advisable to get a routine eye checkup. Also the people who use lenses or glasses, it would help them assess their vision and any required treatment. Travelers using lenses should not forget to carry their lens cleaning accessories as well as spare glasses in case lenses create some problems.
Vaccinations:
- Some countries need proof of certain medical tests and vaccinations before entering their country. It is recommended to check before the travel, the country specific vaccination rules. Foreign embassy of the destination country can be contacted for entry requirements.
- For the same reasons do check for vaccinations for minor visitors, get them vaccinated in the home country prior to the travel. This is also beneficial for their health safety.
Medications:
- Pack enough medications, taking into account probable delayed departure. Also it is recommended to ask your local doctor or family physician the names of generic drugs in case you need to buy extra medicines abroad.
- Always carry prescriptions for all the possible medicines. Keep your medicines in the hand baggage instead of checked-in baggage which in case if delayed or stolen or lost, you will not lose your medicines.
Jet-Lag:
For travelers crossing time-zones, jet lag makes them weary and tired. This takes away first few days of the trip. If the trip is short or traveler is on business, it won’t be an effective trip. Jet lag can not be completely avoided but few things can be done to protect yourself from its worst effects.
- Drink plenty of water. Avoid a lot of caffeine or alcohol.
- Sleep on plane. Walk in the plane during long flights. This would keep the body free and avoid any blood circulation issues.
- Restroom/lavatory visits should not be delayed when needed. Senior travelers who need assistance with use of restrooms en route, should ask the stewards beforehand.
- Eat meals at the proper time.
Besides these preventive measures to be followed before and during your travel, it is recommended to purchase a visitor insurance plan according to your age, current health status and duration of your travel. Contact VisitorPlans to speak to one of our agents who can guide you every step of the way in buying a plan for you and your loved ones. Alternatively, you can search different plans, ask for a quote and buy a plan.