A hospital is probably the last thing on your mind when planning to go on vacation. Nobody wants to think about anything negative while on vacation. What’s more, your phone is always with you in case of emergency. We don’t want anything to happen so here are some things that need to be done.
Buy an insurance first
The first thing to do before considering looking for a hospital is to start looking for travel insurance for non-UK residents as soon as you book a trip. This type of insurance policy usually features 24-hour medical assistance, which can be very helpful when abroad. If anything happens and you contact them, they will coordinate with that country’s medical aid and even provide a bilingual staff. Best of all, a vacation insurance covers almost everything, so you don’t have to worry about anything.
Use EHIC
The European Health Insurance Card, or EHIC, is a type of insurance that covers EU residents when they travel in countries that are part of the EU. The policy allows them to access medical care at a lower cost or free if it is a public hospital.
Also, remember that if you have been treated in a private clinic or hospital, you will have to cover some of the medical costs. Keep all receipts so you can repay them from the insurance company when you get home.
Call 112
This is the European Union’s universal emergency number. If you find yourself in a serious medical emergency or need police assistance, you can always call this number.
On the other hand, most hotels in Europe have a medical professional on board. Therefore, if one of their guests needs medical attention, there is someone at the property to assist them. However, make sure the person in the field is licensed and certified.
Go to the pharmacy
When European citizens have some kind of health problem, they usually go directly to the pharmacy, not to the doctor. Pharmacists in the EU are allowed to issue prescriptions. Therefore, if you are traveling in Europe and have a minor ailment such as muscle joints, fever or a cold, you can go directly to the pharmacy and buy medicine.
Finding medical help
If you are looking for a hospital, clinic or doctor, check with hotels or tourist offices because they often deal with tourists so you can easily contact them. Most consulates and embassies usually have a list of hospitals in major cities around the world. If you need medical advice from a certified and licensed doctor, you can check your country’s embassy website.
Always be prepared
Medical emergencies often have caught us at the most inopportune times and in the most unlikely places. For this reason, you need to come prepared, especially when traveling abroad. Always have travel insurance and have your medical information at hand. If you have any medication you are using, do not forget to take it with you.
