When you travel, you might not pay attention to much beyond the reason for your trip. On vacation, all you want to focus on is having a good time. During a business trip, you should be thinking about closing the deal or honing your skills. The last thing you may consider is the possibility of injury.
Just because you’re in a new city or another country, however, doesn’t mean you’re any safer than you are at home. Accidents can happen at any time. That’s why it’s important to know what to do in case you are injured. Without the right amount of preparation, an unexpected injury can quickly become a major catastrophe.
Before you leave home, make sure your insurance will cover injuries during travel. Review your policy and note whether you have coverage outside of the United States or whether there are certain conditions you need to consider. Depending on the circumstances, you may want to purchase travel insurance for the duration of your trip.
When you arrive at your destination, locate the medical facility or hospital closest to your lodging. If you’re in a country where English is not the primary language, check to see if the hotel or resort has an English-speaking doctor on call. Be sure to learn the emergency numbers of nearby medical facilities, and carry your insurance provider’s number at all times. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience a car accident, a dental emergency, an animal bite or a high fever.
You’re likely preoccupied with a lot when you travel, which can make an unexpected crisis that much harder to handle. For more tips about what to do when you have a medical emergency while traveling, see the accompanying infographic.
Author bio: Donald J. Nolan is a nationally acclaimed lawyer and founder of Nolan Law Group, which has become one of the nation’s most prestigious and well-recognized plaintiff firms. In the area of aviation law, Nolan has represented the rights of victims and families in air disasters around the world. His work has led to the redesign of several safety systems and defective components of major commercial and general aviation aircraft.
