When an Emergency Happens on Your Family International Holiday

It's a hot day in Malaysia where you are on summer vacation with your family. The kids are swimming in the pool. You hear a scream. You run over to find your daughter's leg sticking out an odd angle. You guess it's broken. You're not in California any more where you can just call up your insurance company and family doctor. So what do you do?


1. Maintain composure and stay calm.
Parents know this, of course, but it is that much more important when you have an emergency overseas.

2. Perform first aid.
Paramedics don't exist in many parts of the world. Therefore, knowing how to administer first aid is crucial for both visitors and residents. Many communities in the United States have safety and health awareness groups that offer first aid and CPR classes free. If enough employees are interested, some employers will arrange classes. These measures are very do-able and can save lives.

3. Find someone who can help you.
If you are staying at a resort catering to Westerners, the staff should be able to arrange for you to meet with an English-speaking doctor. Even if you know some of the language, it's important to have good communication with local doctors in an emergency. If the staff can't help you, check for any English speaking people who might be living in the area. Even if they're from Switzerland, they often are more than willing to help. After all, they've probably been in the same dire straits.

4. Make sure you have copies of all proper paper-work that you will need for your insurance company.
Know what your insurance covers in the case of a foreign emergency, and do this before you get on the airplane. Supplemental insurance in the form of travel and health insurance can be bought to cover anything your regular insurance doesn't. But make sure you do buy this prior to leaving. Even if your insurance covers foreign claims, you will need a complete bill from the doctor.

The problem occurs when doctors write the bills in their national language. While that seems normal, 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 helpful contact information so you are able to reach the doctor with any questions the insurance company asks you. You will also need a copy of any images, such as x-rays, that the doctor may have taken.

Prevention is the best cure. Yet when an emergency hits, it is helpful to be prepared. Plan for safety this holiday season.

Jeff Gulleson has over 40 years experience in international travel and service. He is the President of Good Neighbor Insurance that represents 10 international health insurance companies. Email us for honest, reliable and friendly service.