Posted on 25 November 2007 in Uncategorized by admin
The question is often asked - should I purchase extra travel insurance if my charge card offers travel insurance - often at no cost.
It never hurts to be careful and cautious. The costs of travel for medical care are not small. Often you we will be traveling to non tourist spots at off peak - but high travel costs.
It is not as if you can pick your time of illness or treatment. During peak tourist seasons a traveller can often pick up deals on charter flights and lodgings. Not so in many cases of medical tourism. On top of that your return may be delayed due to complications or delays in treatment. That charter flight with its deal price is not going to sit on the runway for you , or your loved one who is seeking medical treatment abroad.
Often your air tickets may be non refundable as well. Cancellation and interruption travel insurance may be more than a good idea. Does you charge card insurance cover it . Do a thorough job of research. It is best to do the original insurance contract . This may be available online freely or you may have to ask the credit card company for it - this can be done by a toll free number or mail. Best to stay away from the glossy brochures that you will find at your financial institution - they may not comprehensive or legally binding. For valid legal reasons it is always best to go to the actual contract .
One last point. Often travel insurance does not cover ” preexisting conditions”. For example if you or your loved one is travelling for cardiac treatment and you run into problems or delays due to treatment for the cardiac conditon, then under these clauses the insurance company can deem the illness as preexisting and therefore not have to pay you for the claim to reimburse the extra airfare you incur.
It is always best to ask beforehand . As well receive all answers in writing . Retain these documents in a safe place for ready access.
Posted on 15 November 2007 in Uncategorized by admin
The primary concern in medical tourism is usually the patient and their health concerns. One should remember that other members of the traveling party or family may fall ill on the travels. As well the initial patient themselves may acquire other health concerns and problems on their travels along with the medical tourist.
Believe it or not the first concern is overpacking. It is not only a question of size that is within airport and airline regulations but also the physical weight of the baggage. I am sure you have seen many husbands trying valiantly to carry their wife’s baggage in the airport settings. It is best to pack only what you will need - and then cut out 25 to 30 %. When lifting the bags - do not shy from using porters where possible and as well either purchase luggage with built in wheels or purchase a foldable trolley. One of mankind’s major inventions were the wheel and the fulcrum. Why not use to your ease and advantage - in addition to preventing further health problems.
If you do have to pick up and carry bags and luggage - try to avoid twisting and rotating motions to your body.
I f you do have hand luggage - then a backpack will work wonders not only to free your hands bu also to distribute the weight of the hand luggage across your back. Lastly if you can push rather than pull your luggage and bags that is preferable.
The patient should always hand carry at least a week supply of their medication and medications in their hand luggage - not checked into baggage. The medication that is essential to maintain your stabilized level of health may be brand or dose specific at your destination or along the way. The same medication from the same manufacturer , even if available , may have an entirely different name and then different strengths and even color presentation than what you are used to. Even if you have an extra prescription from your doctor, the local pharmacy and medical laws from the local colleges and enforcement bodies may not allow your prescription to be filled with your medication. Your weeks worth of pills, in your hand luggage , on hand will tide you over until your lost baggage is found or another source of medication is determined and available to you.