Unfortunately, many people experience the panic of a medical emergency during vacation. Whether medical emergencies happen in the country or overseas, preparedness is the key to survival. Many people do not even think about what will happen if a medical emergency occurs, which usually results in poor responses. The best way to handle any emergency is to try to stay calm, think clearly and act quickly. People who are prepared find it easier to avoid panicking. The following suggestions explain how to prepare for a medical emergency on vacation.

1. Register Plans & Collect Information

This step is crucial for international travelers. Visit the U.S. State Department’s official Web site. There is a link where travelers can register their destinations and travel details. When travelers do this, the government will be able to act quickly to rescue them if trouble arises. While on the site, be sure to explore it. There are countless resources, and many useful contacts are listed. Be sure to write down the contact information for the U.S. Embassy. If a medical emergency happens in a foreign destination, the Consular should be able to help. Be sure to notify several family members or friends of upcoming plans. Give them each a copy of the contact list, and tell them that individual travel plans are registered with the U.S. State Department.

2. Add Emergency Contacts To Passport

The thought of getting injured and becoming unconscious is frightening, but it happens to many foreign travelers. However, tourists keep their passports at all times, so most hospital workers and law enforcement officials look to these documents for information. Add some emergency contacts to the passport. Be sure to write clearly or type. If English is not common in the destination country, consider having the contact information translated. Keep the translated version with the original English version. Be sure to notify the people who are listed as contacts before leaving for vacation.

3. Gather Medical Documents & Supplies

If there are any documents showing proof of a specific medical condition, make photo copies of them. Call a personal physician to relay plans about traveling. This is especially important for people flying overseas. Ask the physician for an emergency contact number. If he or she knows about plans to travel, it will be easier to get necessary prescription transfers or medical treatment on vacation. Find out what documentation is needed in the chosen destination to obtain prescriptions. Unfortunately, many people lose their important medications on vacation. Some foreign countries do not require prescriptions, but those that do may have very specific requirements for certain drugs. Keep a copy of medical papers in a suitcase, and keep the other copies in a handbag, pouch or backpack.

Having all of these important documents, supplies and contact numbers can be extremely helpful in emergency situations. In addition to these items, be sure to have adequate travel medical insurance. Most personal health insurance policies have provisions for medical emergencies while traveling. However, there are limits. It may be necessary to purchase an additional travel policy. Companies such as Travel Guard offer extensive policies with affordable premiums. Be sure to also keep two copies of travel insurance policies or medical insurance policies with the other documents.

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