A+ Expat Corner: What to Do If You Get Injured In a Foreign Country
A person can plan the perfect holiday itinerary and severely sprain their ankle on a hike, break their shoulders while swimming, or even fall while walking on the sidewalk. Whether moving abroad, traveling, or away for a business, getting protected is the best way to prepare for any shortcoming, no matter where you are around the world.
Suppose you are unfamiliar with the place you are visiting or the local language. In that case, it can be challenging to locate a medical care provider that can assist you, so expats and travelers need to understand some basic rules and steps to take.
- Never panic when you are injured
One great way to take control of the situation is to remain calm. If you are stressed, the sympathetic nervous system, also known as the fight-or-flight reflex, activates the stress hormone cortisol in your body.
- Seek help from trusted locals
Locals are generally well-versed and familiar in that area. For example, hotels will typically have someone who can help you translate and direct you through the process and the best facility to go.
- Take photographs
It is also essential to have proof of the scene, only if you or your companion are capable. Take photos of your injuries and the location from various angles to document the area.
- Call your insurance provider
If you have international insurance, contact the insurer as soon as possible to report the incident. Call them immediately to determine whether you are covered, what recovery services are available to you, or whether you need an evacuation to get you transferred to a better facility.
EMERGENCY EVACUATION AND REPATRIATION
Who needs it, and when is it needed?
When in a foreign country, be it for work or leisure, peace of mind is a necessity. Emergency evacuation and repatriation are most suitable for expatriates, frequent or business travelers, and foreign workers in areas where access to medical facilities is limited.
Accidents cannot be foreseen, and getting international protection ensures that you can get the best medical care and trip back home in case it happens. In these cases, standard health insurance is not enough.
The fancy cost when you do not have coverage
Since its purpose is to get immediate patient care, evacuation is often done by land or air transport. A helicopter or jet is usually the most expensive cost in any health emergency because it serves as a flying intensive-care unit with a medical team on board. According to Forbes, these services typically start at $25,000 and can exceed $250,000, depending upon your current country.
A+ International for your evacuation and repatriation needs
A+ International Healthcare has partnered with the best Global Emergency and Evacuation providers in the industry to give our clients peace of mind wherever they go.
Our Medical Evacuation benefit will cover all the costs needed for your emergency evacuation to the closest and adequate healthcare facility through an ambulance or emergency airlift. And if you need to receive ongoing medical treatment back to your home country, we will arrange and cover the transport costs for you with our Medical Repatriation benefit.
For as low as $28/month, EasyCare+ gives you international protection, whether you plan to travel or if you want to get the best healthcare locally. You can access a network of over 10,000 doctors, hospitals, and clinics in more than 150 countries.
Contact us to get in touch with our Brokers or Get a Quote now.
Since 2008, A+ International Healthcare has been providing best-in-class medical health plans around the world. To know more about our products and services, visit http://www.aplusii.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more updates.
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