Medical Information For Foreign Travelers
By www.menhealthonline.biz
If an American citizen becomes seriously ill or injured
abroad, a U. S. consular officer can assist in locating
appropriate medical services and informing family or
friends. If necessary, a consular officer can also assist in
the transfer of funds from the United States. However,
payment of hospital and other expenses is the responsibility
of the traveler.
Before going abroad, learn what medical services your health
insurance will cover overseas. If your health insurance
policy provides coverage outside the United States, REMEMBER
to carry both your insurance policy identity card as proof
of such insurance and a claim form. Although many health
insurance companies will pay "customary and reasonable"
hospital costs abroad, very few will pay for your medical
evacuation back to the United States. Medical evacuation can
easily cost $10,000 and up, depending on your location and
medical condition.
THE SOCIAL SECURITY MEDICARE PROGRAM DOES NOT PROVIDE
COVERAGE FOR HOSPITAL OR MEDICAL COSTS OUTSIDE THE U.S.A.
Senior citizens may wish to contact the American Association
of Retired Persons for information about foreign medical
care coverage with Medicare supplement plans.
To facilitate identification in case of an accident,
complete the information page on the inside of your passport
providing the name, address and telephone number of someone
to be contacted in an emergency.
A traveler going abroad with any preexisting medical
problems should carry a letter from the attending physician,
describing the medical condition and any prescription
medications, including the generic name of prescribed drugs.
Any medications being carried overseas should be left in
their original containers and be clearly labeled. Travelers
should check with the foreign embassy of the country they
are visiting to make sure
