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When you are about to set off for distant ports, you are likely to be brimming with excitement, poring over travel guides and deciding what to pack for your holiday. There is nothing wrong with that. But take an hour or two to consider what help you will need if you get injured abroad and plan for any eventuality. Write down all the numbers you may need and place them with your travel documents.
Contacting the American Embassy
Several contact numbers may come in useful if you are injured while abroad. The American Embassy at your holiday destination is the first one. Here is a website that provides the contact details of the American Embassy in any country. Make sure you write down the actual number before going on holiday rather than having to search a website in an emergency overseas.
The U.S. Embassy or Consulate will be able to direct you to a medical facility or provide a list of local services. They can also assist you to get to a health provider if your injury or illness is serious. Additionally, they will inform your family and close friends of your situation if you request it.
Read through the advisory notes of the American Government on traveling to another country before you travel so that you know what to do in a variety of crises that may occur to an American traveler elsewhere and the types of help that they can provide.
Medical Preparation
Visit your doctor for a health check and to get all vaccinations up to date. Find out in advance if your destination country has special requirements in this regard and what notifiable diseases you may be at risk of contracting so that you know the symptoms. Get your scripts filled and ensure that you have two weeks of chronic medications past the end of your trip. Your doctor may need to write a special script for this.
Accidents and Legal Claims
Get insurance details from the other party at the scene of the accident. With any injury where another person acted negligently, you may be able to claim.
Speak to a local attorney after an accident to determine if you can bring a suit in a foreign country or whether it is possible to have it dealt with by your legal services in America. Be careful not to sign any waiver that may result in you giving up your rights.
Returning Home After an Injury Abroad
If you have been injured abroad, you may need to return home sooner or need medical care that cannot be provided on your scheduled flight. You can use the services of medical air transport to get home. Although they do not provide emergency flights, they will provide qualified nurses and equipment to get you to a US medical facility safely. During the flight, they will attend to your medical and other needs.
Chances are that you have a great holiday abroad and returned home intact. But knowing you are prepared for anything will give you added peace of mind and allow you to enjoy your vacation to the fullest.