It's a warm day in Southeast Asia, so the children are fooling around in the pool.
Suddenly there is a scream.
You rush over to find your daughter's leg hanging rather oddly.
You guess it's broken.
You're not in Kansas any more, and you are facing an overseas medical emergency.
So what do you do? 1.
Don't panic.
Parents know this, of course, but it is even more crucial when you have an emergency in a foreign country.
2.
Administer first aid.
In many countries, there are no paramedics.
So knowing how to administer first aid is important for both visitors and residents.
Many communities in the United States have organizations that offer first aid and CPR classes for little or no cost.
If enough employees are interested, some employers are even willing to arrange classes.
These measures are not difficult but can save lives.
3.
Find competent help.
If you are staying at a hotel catering to Westerners, the staff should be able to help you locate an English-speaking doctor.
Even if you know some of the local lingo, it's important to have good communication with medical professionals in an emergency.
If the staff can't help you, check for any Westerners who might be living in the area.
Even if they're from Sweden, they often are more than willing to help.
After all, they've probably been in the same situation themselves.
4.
Know what documentation you will need for your insurance company.
Finding out what your international health and travel plans cover in the case of a foreign emergency should be something you check before your trip.
Supplemental insurance can be purchased to cover anything your regular insurance doesn't, as long as you do it before you leave.
Even if your insurance covers foreign claims, you will need a detailed billing from the doctor.
However, most doctors' bills are written in their national language.
While that seems natural, insurance companies usually don't have translation services available for claims.
See if the provider can write it in both English and the national language or at least help you write a translation.
Make sure to get his phone number so you can call him with any questions the insurance company asks you.
You will also need a copy of any images, such as x-rays, that he may have taken.
Prevention is the best cure.
But when disaster strikes, it's best to be prepared.
Go overseas with adequate international health and travel insurance coverage.
Suddenly there is a scream.
You rush over to find your daughter's leg hanging rather oddly.
You guess it's broken.
You're not in Kansas any more, and you are facing an overseas medical emergency.
So what do you do? 1.
Don't panic.
Parents know this, of course, but it is even more crucial when you have an emergency in a foreign country.
2.
Administer first aid.
In many countries, there are no paramedics.
So knowing how to administer first aid is important for both visitors and residents.
Many communities in the United States have organizations that offer first aid and CPR classes for little or no cost.
If enough employees are interested, some employers are even willing to arrange classes.
These measures are not difficult but can save lives.
3.
Find competent help.
If you are staying at a hotel catering to Westerners, the staff should be able to help you locate an English-speaking doctor.
Even if you know some of the local lingo, it's important to have good communication with medical professionals in an emergency.
If the staff can't help you, check for any Westerners who might be living in the area.
Even if they're from Sweden, they often are more than willing to help.
After all, they've probably been in the same situation themselves.
4.
Know what documentation you will need for your insurance company.
Finding out what your international health and travel plans cover in the case of a foreign emergency should be something you check before your trip.
Supplemental insurance can be purchased to cover anything your regular insurance doesn't, as long as you do it before you leave.
Even if your insurance covers foreign claims, you will need a detailed billing from the doctor.
However, most doctors' bills are written in their national language.
While that seems natural, insurance companies usually don't have translation services available for claims.
See if the provider can write it in both English and the national language or at least help you write a translation.
Make sure to get his phone number so you can call him with any questions the insurance company asks you.
You will also need a copy of any images, such as x-rays, that he may have taken.
Prevention is the best cure.
But when disaster strikes, it's best to be prepared.
Go overseas with adequate international health and travel insurance coverage.
Source...