If you have a medical emergency while traveling, there are some steps you can take to ensure you receive the best possible care. Keep reading to learn what to do if you have a medical emergency while traveling.
Purchase travel insurance before your trip
If you’re wondering what is travel insurance cover, it’s insurance that will cover you for trip cancellation or interruption, medical expenses, lost or delayed baggage, and emergency travel assistance.
Trip cancellation or interruption insurance will reimburse you for the cost of your trip if you have to cancel or cut it short due to a covered reason. This includes things like illness, natural disasters, or mandatory evacuation. Medical expenses insurance will cover the cost of any medical expenses you incur while on your trip.
This includes things like emergency room visits, hospital stays, and ambulance rides. Lost or delayed baggage insurance will reimburse you for the cost of your baggage if it is lost or delayed on your trip.
This includes the cost of both checked and carry-on bags. And finally, emergency travel assistance insurance provides you with help if you run into trouble while on your trip. This includes things like replacing a lost passport or finding a doctor.
Travel insurance can only provide you with the assistance you need if you purchase it before your trip. If you have a medical emergency on your trip but did not purchase travel insurance previously, you will not be able to take advantage of all travel insurance has to offer. For this reason, compare travel insurance plans online before you leave and choose the plan that’s right for you.
Assess the situation
If you have a medical emergency while traveling, the best thing to do is stay calm and try to assess the situation. This may seem difficult if you are in pain or feeling panicked, but it is important to take stock of your surroundings and any resources that are available to you. If possible, try to identify what type of emergency you are experiencing so that you can seek help accordingly. Some common medical emergencies while traveling include heart attack or stroke, seizure, injury or accident, and diabetic attacks.
Call for help
Once you have determined the nature of your emergency, it is time to take action. If you are able to do so safely, try to contact someone who can help. This could be a friend or family member back home, the hotel staff, or local authorities. If necessary, seek medical assistance by going to a hospital or calling an ambulance. Do not hesitate to ask for help if you need it—remember that every minute counts when it comes to saving a life.
Administer first aid if needed
If it will be a while before you can get professional emergency help, you may need to administer first aid yourself. Here are some important first aid tips:
- If the person is unconscious, gently shake their shoulder and ask them if they are okay.
- If the person is not responding or is having trouble breathing, start CPR.
- If the person is bleeding, apply pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding.
- If the person is having a seizure, gently guide them to the ground and move any objects away from their head.
- If the person is vomiting, help them to sit up and drink plenty of fluids.
- If the person is diabetic, check their blood sugar levels and administer insulin if necessary.
- If the person is having a heart attack, administer CPR and call emergency services.
- If the person is pregnant, help them to lie down and stay calm.
- If the person is experiencing a stroke, help them to sit down and drink plenty of fluids.
First aid for a medical emergency can be lifesaving, so it is important to be prepared. Knowing what to do in a crisis can make all the difference.
Follow the instructions of emergency personnel.
You need to follow the instructions of emergency personnel and let them take care of you. They will be able to provide you with the necessary treatment and help get you back to safety. If you are feeling ill or have been injured, do not try to continue traveling; instead, find the nearest hospital or medical center and seek assistance. Remember to bring your insurance information and identification with you if you need to be hospitalized.
