Preparing To Move Abroad - The Importance Of Your Health
Living abroad for an extended period of time produces a huge number of challenges.
There can be a new language to learn, a new culture to adapt to and new people to meet, not to mention finding somewhere decent to live, finding a good job and even learning how to navigate the local supermarket.
One thing that often gets ignored in all the chaos is health, and unfortunately if something does go wrong you could find it difficult to get quality medical care.
Some countries offer a reciprocal healthcare program, where they have agreed to provide hospital care for migrants from another country in exchange for the same being offered to their own expats.
The UK has an agreement with most EU nations which allows for some NHS care should you fall ill.
For those travelling short term there is also the European Health Insurance Card which will allow access to reduced cost medical care.
It is in no way a substitute for international health insurance; however it will cover some of the treatment costs you will incur.
Depending on where you require treatment you may be required to pay for your hospital stay before seeking reimbursement when you return home.
The EHIC is an important part of your travel plans, especially if you are also taking out an international health insurance policy.
Some insurers insist you hold one before agreeing to cover you for your trip, while others will even waive the cost of your excess if you have one.
Private medical insurance is an important aspect for those looking to be guaranteed quality care.
Depending on which part of the world you are moving to the national healthcare system may not be of a standard you are used to, or in the worst case may not be accessible.
Private treatment can often be expensive, but are capable of providing a far higher standard of care and may be able to offer treatment and facilities you won't be able to get at a national hospital.
It is important to check what vaccinations you may require before you travel.
This will depend on a number of factors including the exact place you're visiting, the time of year you're going, what the surrounding area is like(urban or rural), how long you intend on staying and your current age and health.
Getting advice well in advance is crucial as some jabs take a long time before they are effective.
8 weeks is the recommended minimum length of time before your trip to be vaccinated, although you should visit your GP well in advance in case there is an issue with sourcing the jab.
They will also be able to advise if your current inoculations are up to date or if you need a booster.
The NHS website has a wealth of information on international travel and provides excellent advice on what preparations you should be making and what treatment you should be entitled to during your stay.
The most important thing is to prepare thoroughly and take some time away from the excitement of the move to focus on the little details.
There can be a new language to learn, a new culture to adapt to and new people to meet, not to mention finding somewhere decent to live, finding a good job and even learning how to navigate the local supermarket.
One thing that often gets ignored in all the chaos is health, and unfortunately if something does go wrong you could find it difficult to get quality medical care.
Some countries offer a reciprocal healthcare program, where they have agreed to provide hospital care for migrants from another country in exchange for the same being offered to their own expats.
The UK has an agreement with most EU nations which allows for some NHS care should you fall ill.
For those travelling short term there is also the European Health Insurance Card which will allow access to reduced cost medical care.
It is in no way a substitute for international health insurance; however it will cover some of the treatment costs you will incur.
Depending on where you require treatment you may be required to pay for your hospital stay before seeking reimbursement when you return home.
The EHIC is an important part of your travel plans, especially if you are also taking out an international health insurance policy.
Some insurers insist you hold one before agreeing to cover you for your trip, while others will even waive the cost of your excess if you have one.
Private medical insurance is an important aspect for those looking to be guaranteed quality care.
Depending on which part of the world you are moving to the national healthcare system may not be of a standard you are used to, or in the worst case may not be accessible.
Private treatment can often be expensive, but are capable of providing a far higher standard of care and may be able to offer treatment and facilities you won't be able to get at a national hospital.
It is important to check what vaccinations you may require before you travel.
This will depend on a number of factors including the exact place you're visiting, the time of year you're going, what the surrounding area is like(urban or rural), how long you intend on staying and your current age and health.
Getting advice well in advance is crucial as some jabs take a long time before they are effective.
8 weeks is the recommended minimum length of time before your trip to be vaccinated, although you should visit your GP well in advance in case there is an issue with sourcing the jab.
They will also be able to advise if your current inoculations are up to date or if you need a booster.
The NHS website has a wealth of information on international travel and provides excellent advice on what preparations you should be making and what treatment you should be entitled to during your stay.
The most important thing is to prepare thoroughly and take some time away from the excitement of the move to focus on the little details.
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