|
Medical
A medical emergency can happen anytime, anywhere. This means if you are traveling, you can become injured or ill. Therefore, you will need to know what to do in such situations.
Travel health insurance will put your mind at ease. The policies cover a number of things including trip interruption insurance (i.e. due to sickness, accident, emergency, travel delays), emergency medical transport, and many others matters. Currently, several companies are offering various plans that cover emergency medical costs, air-ambulance service, and outpatient treatment. If you happen to require medical assistance when overseas it is best advised to locate the nearest embassy or consulate, as they are likely to have an English-speaking representative available to help.
For a list of BlueCard Worldwide® Hospitals, simply click here and you will find the hospitals divided up by region.
• World Health Organization (WHO): Established in 1948, the goal of the organization is the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health. The website provides a great deal of information on past and present illnesses, with travel tips, contact information for offices around the world, and much more.
• Pan American Health Organization (PAHO): An international public health agency working to improve health and living conditions of the people of the Americas. The website provides country health profiles, updated news on illnesses, and many resources at your fingertips.
• Health Canada: Aimed towards Canadians, its main focus is the health status of Canadians and information that is pertinent to those entering the country or traveling outside. It also includes the Laboratory Centre for Disease Control and the Travel Medicine Program.
• International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers (IAMAT): A non-profit organization. Provides important medical information for all the countries around the world including associated English speaking doctors in 300+ cities. Free membership available.
• The Yellow Book: Published every two years by CDC as a reference for those who advise international travelers of health risks. Primarily for medical professionals, but useful to others as well.
• The Blue Sheet: Lists countries currently infected with quarantinable diseases. The list is updated every two weeks.
• U.S. Embassies and other Diplomatic Missions: Provides a world-wide listing of American embassies with links to individual sites that provide proper and accurate information.
• Canadian Medical Association (CMA): National voice of physicians in Canada. The mission is to serve and unite the physicians of Canada and be the national advocate, in partnership with the people of Canada, for the highest standards of health and health care. You can easily find contact information for each province and territory.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Recognized as the lead federal agency for protecting the health and safety of people - at home and abroad. The site is filled with information about diseases, what’s needed by travelers, and up to date news on current health events. You can also access state and local departments for contact.
• Pagemedicine.com: Online Directory and Resources of Medicine.
