Tips if You Need Medical Care in a Foreign Country

The idea of travelling overseas is exciting and thrilling, but what if you injure yourself or fall sick during the trip? Well, to begin with, an overseas travel insurance policy acts as your financial shield when you face a circumstance like this. This policy is designed to provide you coverage for medical expenses that you incur when you require medical care in another country.

You can compare travel insurance plans to select the one that meets your coverage requirements and financial estimate. Apart from owning a travel insurance policy, you can implement the following useful tips to cater to your medical needs in a foreign land. 

6 Tips That Will Help You When in Need of Medical Care Abroad 

1. Check if You Get Better with Medicines 

If you feel a little under the weather or are exhausted by travelling for hours at a stretch, your first approach should not be to use your travel insurance plan to get medical help. Take the necessary medication, keep yourself hydrated, and see if you get better after some time. It is important that you pack over-the-counter medicines for cough, flu, diarrhoea, etc. for the journey.

2. Contact Your Insurer if Your Health Deteriorates 

However, if you notice that your health is not improving even after taking the medicines, you may have to seek healthcare abroad. For this, you have to contact your insurer and inform them about your health condition so that you can receive medical attention as immediately as possible. In such a situation, a  travel insurance plan from a reputed insurer like TATA AIG can be of great help.

3. In case of an Accident, Contact Insurer Immediately for Accidental Hospitalisation

If you meet with an accident while travelling abroad, you have no option but to receive foreign medical care, for which you will need the help of your insurer. Your insurance company will look for a network hospital in that country, where you can be admitted to receive medical attention. Of course, the hospital will be close to your location, and your insurer will also cover the expense of transporting you to the hospital. 

4. Select a Network Hospital for Cashless Treatment

Make sure that your health insurance for overseas travel comes with a cashless treatment feature, as it can be quite helpful in situations when you are alone and need medical care urgently. 

In cashless treatment, you will be admitted to an authorised hospital with an agreement with your insurer in which you avail of the treatment while your insurer pays the medical bill on your behalf. 

5. Carry Your Insurance Card/Policy Details

To receive medical treatment abroad, not only do you have to own a travel policy but you also have to carry it along with you wherever you go. This way, if there is a medical emergency, you can use your insurance card or provide policy details to the network hospital without delay. 

6. If You are Unable to Locate a Network Hospital, Contact the Embassy

Not only can you take the help of your insurer for financial assistance when in need of medical help abroad, but you can also visit your Embassy or Consulate if you are not able to find a network hospital nearby. It is at times like these your Embassy can help you find a healthcare facility or if required, can assist with evacuating you back to your home. 

Travel Insurance – Benefits to Know 

Covers Medical Expenses 

The cost of healthcare when travelling abroad can be expensive, and the most cost-effective way to combat such medical expenses is by owning a travel policy. Your insurance company will pay for your treatment abroad while you can focus on getting better. 

Coverage for OPD Charges

Similar to hospitalisation, OPD charges are also costly in different countries. Your insurer covers the cost of OPD, provided you meet the terms and conditions of the policy. 

Medical Evacuation

Transporting you safely back to your country through medical evacuation also falls under the coverage of this policy. If you do not get better after being hospitalised abroad or need medical attention that can be provided only in your country, your insurance company will make arrangements for you to be sent back home for treatment. 

Conclusion

Finally, your travel insurance also provides coverage for a family member to come visit you if you are hospitalised for a long time in a different country. With all these benefits available through a single insurance policy, it would be unwise not to invest in a travel insurance plan for your overseas journey.