Getting sick on vacation… It feels particularly unfair, doesn’t it?
You’ve spent money on the trip. You’ve packed your bags. You’ve made plans. And you’ve probably counted down the days until you could finally get away. Then, halfway through the trip – or worse, on the very first day – you wake up with a fever, a bad stomach, or a headache that makes sightseeing the last thing on your mind.
And being sick abroad feels more stressful than being sick at home. At home, you know where to go, right? You know which pharmacy you use and how to contact your doctor. On vacation, you might be staring at your phone in a hotel room. You might have no idea if you need a pharmacy, a doctor, or just a day in bed.
Try not to panic, though. Start with what’s right in front of you and deal with one thing at a time.
Keep reading on to learn more.
- Let Yourself Rest
This is harder than it sounds.
When you’re traveling, there is always the temptation to just… push through. Maybe you’ve booked a tour – and it can’t be refunded. Maybe this is your only day in a particular city. You might tell yourself that you’re fine, grab a coffee, and head out anyway.
Sometimes, you just need to stop.
Stay in. Get some sleep. Drink plenty of fluids. Give yourself a chance to recover. If you’ve been rushing around since the moment you arrived, which many travelers do, your body could be telling you to slow down. You need to listen to it.
That said, don’t brush off symptoms that seem serious or are getting worse. A bad illness is not something to “wait out” simply because you’re on vacation. So, if you’re worried about how you feel, seek medical advice. Missing a few hours of sightseeing is one thing; delaying necessary treatment is another.
- Find a Pharmacy
For a minor illness, a local pharmacy is a good first stop.
You don’t have to know exactly what you need before you walk in. Explain your symptoms. Ask for advice. In many places, pharmacists will help with common problems. They’ll tell you if you should see a doctor instead.
If you’re already taking medication, tell the pharmacist what it is. Keep a note on your phone. This should include the names and doses of your regular prescriptions. Doing so is useful – especially if you’re tired or dealing with a language barrier.
And don’t just assume a medication abroad is identical to one with a familiar name back home. Ingredients, strengths, and rules about what you can buy without a prescription will differ between countries.
There are options if you’re struggling to communicate. Use a translation app. Ask someone at your hotel to help. Write down your symptoms. It might feel a little awkward, but getting the right information is more important than trying to muddle through.
- Check In with Your Insurer
Insurance is probably not the first thing you’ll think about when you’re lying in bed feeling awful.
But if you need to see a doctor or receive treatment, it’s worth checking your policy and contacting your insurer. Do this as soon as you reasonably can.
If you have IMG travel insurance, keep your policy information and emergency contact details somewhere easy to find before you even leave home. Future-you will be so grateful if you don’t have to search through hundreds of emails while feeling sick in a foreign country.
Your insurer may be able to explain what your policy requires as well as how to proceed. Depending on the situation, there may be steps you need to take before receiving certain types of non-emergency treatment.
Of course, if you are dealing with a genuine medical emergency, get emergency help first. Don’t sit around waiting on hold when you need urgent care.
- Keep Every Receipt – Even the Boring Ones
This part is not glamorous. It matters, though.
If you pay for a doctor’s appointment, medication, a clinic visit, or transport connected to your illness, keep the paperwork. Put receipts somewhere safe. Take photos of them, too.
If a doctor gives you a report, keep that as well.
It might seem unnecessary when you’re standing at a pharmacy with a small receipt in your hand. But if you need to make an insurance claim later, you’ll be glad you didn’t throw everything away on your way back to the hotel.
Also, ensure you make a quick note of conversations with your insurer. This is helpful. It doesn’t have to be complicated – just the date, who you spoke to, and what you were told.
To conclude, no one wants to lose part of their vacation to an illness. And yet, it does happen. Studies have shown this, with 6-87% of travelers becoming ill during or after a trip. It’s best to be prepared for such a scenario.
As outlined in this post, you need to know the right steps in such a scenario. This will ensure you will recover without costly bills and unnecessary stress.
Categories: Explore And Travel Stuff
