Accessing Healthcare Abroad
Did you know that more than 56% of Brits are planning a holiday?abroad?this year??[1]?
This data clearly shows that people in the UK are becoming more confident in overseas travel following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Do you like overseas holidays? At Health-Connect, we certainly do! Cocktail in hand, basking in the beautiful sun – we couldn't think of anything better. Travelling can be an exciting and enriching experience, but what if you require medical assistance whilst?abroad?
Many challenges come with accessing healthcare in unfamiliar surroundings. Unlike the UK, many countries overseas charge significant amounts for healthcare services, so individuals must take out medical insurance. 9.9million Brits travelled?abroad?last year without medical insurance[2], which is a staggering amount.
The language barrier is one of the most common challenges faced when accessing care. When you're feeling unwell, it can be difficult to communicate your past medical history, allergies, or current symptoms to a doctor who doesn't speak your native language. This can often lead to misdiagnosis, severe allergic reactions, or delayed treatment.
Typical ailments requiring medical assistance overseas:
What are patient-owned care records, and how do they improve overseas care?
Patient-owned care records are just that, healthcare records owned by an individual vs a centralised establishment. Healthcare access is vital to travelling, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions. Patient-owned care records help remove some barriers faced when accessing healthcare?abroad.
Patient-owned care records can help to improve care for these individuals by giving them control over their health data. With a click of a button, patient-owned records can be shared with any healthcare provider worldwide, breaking down language barriers. This means that patients can receive the care they need without worrying about misunderstandings or miscommunication. They don't have to worry about being prescribed drugs that may interact with existing medication or that they are allergic to. Patient-owned records can also help to improve continuity of care for people who travel frequently or have complex medical needs. By keeping all their health information in one place, patients can ensure that their healthcare providers (No matter where they are in the world) have everything they need to provide quality care. Patient-owned records are a simple way to improve access to healthcare for all.
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Things to remember ahead of travelling
Travel insurance –?it is important that anyone travelling overseas takes out a good travel insurance policy. To many, it may seem like a pointless additional expense, but if anything happens to your health whilst?abroad, it's incredibly important to ensure that you're covered, as you could end up with a huge bill.
Apply for your UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)?– this enables you to get state-funded healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or occasionally for free. Despite leaving the EU, the UK government has ensured that citizens can still access primary care. Apply for your GHIC card here:?https://rb.gy/gwuu3g
Take your medication with you?– remember to take any prescription medication with you when you travel. Prescription medication can be tricky to obtain when overseas! If you forget your medication, a copy of your care record can be incredibly handy in expediting the prescribing process.
Check if you need a signed letter?– some countries have specific requirements for bringing prescribed medications. In some cases, you may need to obtain a signed letter from your GP to confirm that you have been prescribed these and the reasons why. There is typically a ￡20 administration fee for this.
Have severe allergies? Remember your EpiPen! If you have severe allergies, it is crucial to take an EpiPen in case anything happens whilst on holiday. We know that despite trying your best to avoid contact/ingestion with items you're allergic to, sometimes reactions occur. Be safe, and remember your EpiPen!
For more information on accessing healthcare?abroad?or owning your own care records, contact Health-Connect today.
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