Travellers from Canada may find themselves accessing medical care in other countries due to a medical emergency as a result of an injury or illness. While this might sound simple enough, it can become very complex, very quickly.
Depending on where you are travelling to, there can be specific medical protocols, language barriers, along with medical personnel that might be pressuring you into making a quick decision with little available information about the health care professional (or provider), or no opportunity to consult anyone.
If your medical situation allows you to safely travel back to Canada, we always recommend this. If you find yourself not able to travel, while facing unknowns, stress, and unclear answers about your medical treatment or procedures – we can help.
From navigating language barriers and working with professional translators, we can make sure you stay fully informed, no matter where you are. Along with this, If you or a loved one become seriously ill or injured abroad, we can help assist in locating appropriate medical services, while also assisting in notifying family, and keeping immediate contacts informed and more.
Below we have also outlined 5 things to do to ensure healthcare is available to you in a foreign country:
Confirm with your insurance company the extent of your coverage while abroad and the procedure for submitting claims for international health care expenses.
Decide whether you need a travel insurance and/or medical evacuation insurance policy.
Bring a letter from your doctor if you are being treated for a chronic condition, listing your diagnosis and current medications (including the generic names for the drugs and dosage, since brand names vary by country).
Always bring your insurance card and a claim form information and phone numbers, whether you’re using your individual insurance policy or a travel insurance policy.
Be sure the information in your passport about whom to contact in an emergency is correct and up-to-date.
While we hope no one encounters these scary situations, we want you to know that you are not alone, and you have options, even when travelling.
Learn more about our services by contacting us today.