Television shows, magazines, internet videos, books and friends all encourage you to explore beyond your home country. A well-rounded person travels at some point in his or her life. Heeding recommendations and perhaps wanderlust, each year millions of people decide to embark on a trip hundreds, if not thousands, of miles away from their home. A travel medical insurance plan can give you peace of mind, so you can relax and enjoy your trip.
Despite a need for adequate health insurance, there remains a global health care need that remains unmet. With health care needs not being equal across countries or continents, the spread of disease and illness in a country may expose travelers to health risks. The World Health Organization advises travelers to prepare for travel abroad. Depending on the particular destination, a person should plan not only for fun things to pack, but consider medical preparation.
In South America, unique tropical diseases and conditions exist that are atypical for those who live in milder climates such as Canada. Sanitary conditions, disease-carrying bugs and animals unique to a country may foster health conditions. Canada and the U. S., compared to the rest of the world, for instance, are not on the map as having a high risk for rabies.
Travel insurance can provide coverage for unexpected situations. Lost luggage, inclement weather, a change of venue, or change of plans can result in added travel costs. High on the list of costs is the cost related to medical problems. Medical problems might cut your trip short, or require medical evacuation.
The World Health Organization has an online global health system that can quickly help people prepare for travel abroad. A traveler can discover common health problems, endemic diseases, and prevention strategies. The website shows which countries have particular diseases. Cholera, dengue, hepatitis sites, HIV infection, malaria, rabies, meningococcal disease, tuberculosis and yellow fever are prevalent around the world and in particular countries. The world health community dedicates website space to report these public health epidemics and increase public awareness.
Still, some travelers may not make efforts to become vaccinated for a trip abroad. Others may become ill despite prevention efforts. Worse still are some diseases you cannot prepare for with vaccinations. Rabies, unfortunately, appear on the world health reports as a public health problem for visitors to certain countries. However, a responsible traveler can still become the object of a bite by a rabid animal when traveling. Not only can a trip become abruptly ended, but someone without medical insurance may face an unplanned bite out of travel funds. For those without insurance, out of pocket costs to change your ticket and seek medical help may prove to be beyond your budget.
Basking in the sun on a deserted beach in northern Bahia may take a turn for the worse should you discover your digestive system is reacting to the local food. Travel guides warn you to stay away from market food, but the food can be appealing. The colors and aroma of a savory slice of meat and colorful fruit may inspire culinary adventures.
In some countries, there are no regulatory bodies to govern food items in the market. There may be no meat inspectors stopping unhealthy meat from reaching your mouth. Some restaurants abroad may prepare an appetizing meal that turn into a health problem. For those with allergies, such as to peanuts, a meal might turn into an allergic reaction. Rather than falling victim to high expectations, travel medical insurance can add a layer of protection against life’s unexpected misadventures.