What to Do If You Experience a Medical Emergency While Travelling
Nobody expects to have a medical emergency while traveling, but this can happen, and it is important to be prepared. Handling medical emergencies is always stressful and can trigger a fight or flight response, but it is made much harder when you are aboard. This post will outline what to do if you or someone you are with has a medical emergency while traveling.
Prioritise Immediate Medical Attention
The very first step will always be to seek immediate assistance by contacting local emergency services. Keep in mind that the phone number will vary depending on where you are in the world, which is why it is so important to look up this number and put it in your phone before you leave. Prompt action can be crucial and even save lives, so you do not want to waste time looking up the number.
Contact Your Travel Insurance Provider
Once you have sought medical attention, you will want to notify your travel insurance provider. They will be able to offer guidance on approved medical facilities in the area, arrange payments, and provide support throughout the process. Ensure you have your policy details and emergency contact numbers readily accessible.
Understand Local Healthcare Facilities
Be sure to research the quality and availability of healthcare services in your destination prior to departure. This knowledge will aid in the decision-making process during an emergency and help you find a high standard of care when you need it most.
Keep Essential Health Documentation Handy
Make sure that you always carry a copy of important medical documents, including your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), vaccination records, prescriptions, and any pertinent medical history. These documents can facilitate effective communication with healthcare providers abroad and help you get care without unnecessary complications.
Be Aware of Legal Recourse for Medical Negligence
In unfortunate instances of substandard care, it is important to know that legal avenues exist to address medical negligence abroad. Understanding your rights can help in seeking appropriate remedies if needed. NHS negligence can be common in the UK, so it is important to understand that this can easily happen overseas, particularly if you do not research high-quality healthcare providers. Medical negligence claims can help you recover the costs, which can be substantial and hard to manage without filing for compensation.
It is hoped that you will never have to use the information in this post, but it is important to be prepared. Medical emergencies can occur when traveling, whether this is an accident or a health issue. Time is of the essence in these situations, so you must make sure that you take appropriate action to obtain a high level of care and provide the information required to quickly get care when overseas, as well as understand your options if you are the victim of medical negligence.