By Bizz Impact
Travel is one of the few pleasures in life that is rewarding on more than one level. Travelling to remote or underdeveloped regions, in particular, can be one of the most beautiful experiences as you navigate untouched landscapes, authentic cultures, and fewer crowds. However, amidst the scenic views lies a critical factor that you may have overlooked when planning such a trip. It is access to health care facilities. Despite extensive advancements in today’s world, medical infrastructure may be limited, expensive or difficult to reach in some countries. During your trip, if you or a loved one falls ill or suffers injuries, then attaining proper treatment can become a serious challenge. That is why it is very important to prepare for such emergencies before you set off on your journey. From understanding the health care landscape to securing yourself and your family with the right travel insurance, you can prepare a smart travel plan and explore even the remotest countries with ease. Tips to keep in mind when travelling to countries with limited healthcare access Seeking medical attention for injuries and health issues while traipsing through remote areas can seem daunting. So here are some tips that you can bear in mind when planning your trip to access medical facilities easily and obtain the necessary assistance using individual or family travel insurance. Conduct A thorough research about the medical facilities. When you plan your trip, it is a good idea to conduct solid research into the destination’s healthcare system. You can explore Google Maps for hospitals and clinics, or explore the region’s government travel advisory websites for information on public and private healthcare administration. You may also want to affirm the language barrier under the emergency medical support system for regional healthcare concerns such as malaria, dengue or other waterborne illnesses. Acquire the right travel insurance plan for you. In countries where the health care system is questionable, travel insurance becomes a necessity. You need the type of travel insurance plan that covers not only routine doctor visits but also the costs of medical emergencies, hospitalisation, and evacuation if necessary. Airlifting someone to a better-equipped country could also cost tens of thousands of local currency without insurance. Therefore, the right travel insurance plan is a boon, especially if you also include provisions for high-risk activities such as hiking, diving or motor biking. Family travel insurance for group journeys. If you are travelling with elders, kids or even just your life partner, family travel insurance can be a smart and cost-effective alternative. Instead of juggling multiple policies, you can cover every family member under a single plan. Family travel insurance not only assists with medical emergencies, treatments, etc. But also trip cancellations, baggage loss, and repatriation. Since elderly folks and children are more vulnerable to infections and accidents, Family travel Insurance can be a godsend in regions with poor medical access. Pack a robust medical kit. In regions where pharmacies are poorly stocked, carrying your medical kit becomes your first line of defence. Include the basic items such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, painkillers and rehydration salts. If you have prescription medications, it is also best to carry them, especially if the country does not have any bars on medication. Know where to go in cases of emergency. During an emergency, you don’t want to be scrambling to find the necessary facilities. When planning your trip, make it a point to mark the nearest hospitals and clinics or medical centres in the area where you will be staying or exploring adventures. You can also download the offline maps to prepare for emergencies in case your internet connectivity is slow or non-existent. Stay updated on vaccinations. Certain vaccinations are not optional, and they are mandatory worldwide. These include vaccines against Hepatitis, Tetanus, MMR (for measles, mumps, and rubella), and COVID-19. In certain areas, such as Africa, Japan, and other such regions, you may also need inoculation against yellow fever, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, etc. Check the details of the necessary vaccines in your desired destination on government travel advisory websites, and ensure to obtain them before your trip. Avoid risky activities. In countries where medical facilities are far out of reach or hospitals are poorly equipped, broken bones, snake bites, head injuries, etc., can quickly turn into life-threatening risks. It is best to stick to your comfort and safety zones as much as possible and avoid taking unnecessary risks. If you are set on exploring adventures, make sure to use the proper gear and follow the directions of certified experts and tour guides during excursions. Be cautious about food and water intake. In some countries, waterborne and foodborne diseases are very common. In most cases, this is due to unreliable water sanitation, which can lead to minor or even fatal health issues. When planning a trip to such countries, it is best to avoid indulging in street foods, ice in your drinks, raw or undercooked recipes, and even local tap water. You can opt for bottled mineral water and enjoy the local cuisine at larger establishments that ensure hygiene. If you are travelling to rural areas, it is also wise to carry water purification tablets or portable filters. Not only can these measures help avoid food poisoning or worse, but they also prevent situations where you may need medical facilities that are poorly managed. Understand the local emergency procedures. In certain underdeveloped or developing countries, emergency services may not be as prompt. When planning your trip, make sure to find out the protocols for emergencies. This includes noting down the local emergency numbers and learning how to communicate with responders, especially if it is in a foreign language. You can download translation apps to navigate the language barrier. You can also be prepared with common phrases such as “need a doctor” or “where is the hospital or clinic?” If your phone doesn’t support you or runs out of network or charge during such circumstances, you can reach out to local facilitators at your accommodation, tour guides, etc. They can not only help you reach out to medical facilities but also guide you or escort you to reliable medical centres. It is also important that you prepare a backup plan when taking such a trip to countries with limited medical facilities or access. Travel insurance plans are a viable means to ensure that you always have assistance from proper health care establishments. Travel insurance providers usually have a wide network, even in remote and underdeveloped countries. You can call your individual or family travel insurance provider for directions on how to reach the nearest medical centre during emergencies. You may even be able to avail of cashless service facilities with the right travel insurance plan. Conclusion Travelling to countries which offer limited healthcare access doesn’t have to be intimidating. With a little bit of preparation, the right mindset, and solid travel insurance, especially family travel insurance for group activities, you can explore the world’s hidden corners with peace of mind. You don’t have to miss out on the beautiful landscapes and adventures in remote regions of the world. Instead, you just need to prepare yourself against stressful emergencies and travel confidently. Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales. (No Times Now Journalists are involved in creation of this article.)