10 tips - Before going on a trip

1 - Be informed of the healthcare situation in the country you intend to visit at least a month in advance and whether any special vaccines are required.

2 - Make sure your documents including your Visa are valid.

3 - When making long trips it is recommended that you previously visit your family Doctor.

4 - Be informed about your medical insurance coverage as well as healthcare agreements between your home country and your country of destination.

5 - Be informed about legislation, local customs, government and currency, as well as your embassy or consulate's address and contact phone in the intended country of destination.

6 - Make a couple of copies of your documents to prevent being left without them in the event of theft or loss. You must carry one of the copies with you, but in a different place to the original documents; leave the second copy with a relative or a friend in your home country.

7 - Give a copy of your intended itinerary to a relative or to a friend in your home country in order to be easily reachable in case of an emergency.

8 - Take with you any medications you take on a regular basis, as they might not exist in the intended country of destination, or a prescription might be required for their purchase or be sold under a completely different name.

9 - If you suffer any allergies bear in mind the season of the year in your country of destination, in order to prevent any crises.

10 - Be cautious and take with you a small med kit which must include sun protection cream, insect repellent, basic aid items, and if necessary, antibiotics, anti allergenic and anti diarrhoeic.

10 tips - During the trip"

1 - Do not leave your baggage unattended in public places and do not accept baggage from any stranger. It is also suggested that you be informed about the antiterrorist airport regulations and thus avoid traveling with unauthorized items.

2 - If local authorities decide to search your baggage, please keep in mind they must do it in your presence.

3 - In long trips it is recommended that you do some exercise requiring you to move your limbs, such as walking, rotating your ankles, moving your toes and knees, stretching or any other feasible possibilities.

4 - Caution with the water you drink, in the event of contamination it might cause you a serious intoxication.

Follow these simple recommendations:

Drink only bottled water.
Do not put ice cubes in drinks.
Warm beverages (tea, coffee...etc.) offer a better assurance, due to the temperatures they are subject to.
In tropical areas do not forget to take plenty of liquid to prevent dehydration.
In order to prevent fatigue we suggest you drink abundant tea or beverages rich in mineral salts (juices, vegetable creams, etc.)
Fresh water baths are only completely safe if taken in chlorated pools; never swim in waters that may be polluted by human or animal excrements.

5 - Be cautious with your nutrition; diarrhea is the most common disorder in international trips.

Follow these simple recommendations:

Do not eat raw vegetables.
Caution with salads.
Do not eat raw mollusks or shellfish.
Meat and fish must be sufficiently cooked.

6 - Avoid the risk of suffering insulation or burns. We recommended you wear a hat, sunglasses and sun protection cream.

7 - In order to prevent theft risks do not carry with you excessive valuable jewellery, nor unnecessary cash or credit cards.

8 - Whenever you need to change currencies, do it always through authorised agents.

9 - If you are heading to an exotic destination, we recommended that before going to sleep you shake sheets and blankets in order to remove any unwanted insects on them. Also check out your footwear.

10 - If you experience any problems during your stay abroad, please contact your Embassy or Consulate; they will be glad to help.

Note*: Upon completion of your trip, do not forget to register any important information in your medSOS file.

Source: medSOS staff