Going on Vacation? Don’t Forget to Plan for Medical Emergencies
When travellers get ready for an out-of-country trip, they’re thinking about adventure, exploration, or relaxation. They’re not thinking about shoddy hospitals or expensive health care. But after a number of tragic travel incidents in 2015, Canadians are being urged to plan for sudden medical emergencies before they go away.
Last December, an ill Manitoba man was stranded in South America because he couldn’t afford to fly home in his critical condition. A few weeks later, a Manitoba woman became sick in Cuba and passed away shortly after returning to Canada.
In the wake of these devastating events, CBC News spoke with Tara Lombardo, head nurse of Dawson Travel and Immunization Clinic in Ontario. She offers trip planning advice that could save your life.
Lombardo’s number one tip is to invest in travel health insurance. At the moment, far too many travellers omit this cost. Unfortunately, some travellers fail to realize that health care outside of Canada can be outrageously pricey, even for seemingly minor tests or procedures.
On top of travel insurance, Lombardo says vacationers need to keep a credit card handy. Whether you have coverage or not, you may need to pay for some health care or emergency transportation costs on your own. If you have insurance, you can always submit a claim to your provider after you make these payments.
Travellers should also do some research about the hospitals, clinics, and health resources available in the area they’ll be visiting. It’s vital to know what level of care is nearby and what medical options are offered.
Think of the amount of time you spend searching for the best beaches and the most exciting excursions. You should spend just as much time comparing travel insurance policies and researching local hospitals.
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