Health questions

Vani Rangachar | Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

February 24, 2008

What health-related steps should I take before I go? About two months before your trip, schedule an appointment with your doctor or a travel-medicine specialist. You may need to update your vaccines or get a vaccination you've not had before.

Why so early? Some vaccines take time before they become effective. How do I know what I need? You can find out which vaccines and drugs are recommended or required for your destination at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Web site (cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx).

What if I get sick abroad?
Join the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers (iamat.org), a nonprofit organization that offers referrals to physicians and other medical practitioners who speak English and have trained in North America or Europe. Membership is free, but donations are welcome. Many times, the U.S. Embassy or the concierge at your hotel can recommend doctors. Do I get free health care? The short answer is no. Health care abroad is not guaranteed to be free, but in many countries it is cheaper than in the U.S. Before you set foot on a plane, check with your health care insurer to see what your policy will cover. Many policies don't cover emergency or evacuation costs abroad, and Medicare and Medicaid programs do not pay for medical services outside the U.S. But you can buy policies to cover emergency treatment and evacuation while you are traveling.

What if I die abroad? Planning will make it easier for your loved ones to handle your death abroad. The State Department can assist your family in explaining how to bring your body back to the U.S. or hasten the process, but it won't foot the bill. Consular officials recommend you register your itinerary and emergency contacts with the State Department at https://travelregistration.state.gov.

Is it safe to drink the water outside the U.S.? It depends on where you are going. For the most part, Europe, Canada and other developed nations treat their tap water. But if you are unsure, take steps to ensure you have safe drinking water. Boiling water for at least a minute will kill bacteria, viruses and parasites. Bottled water is the next best alternative, but make sure the seal has not been broken before you drink it.

Should I buy insurance? First, find out what your health insurance policy will cover. Then evaluate the risks of your trip, what you are doing and where you are going. If you are doing something adventurous where you may risk life and limb, -- white-water rafting in Nepal or climbing Mount Everest -- you may want to consider travel health insurance.

I have to take prescription medicines daily. Are there rules about traveling with medicines? The Transportation Security Administration allows liquid prescription medications and some over-the-counter liquids if they are necessary for your disability or medical condition. You must declare them to the TSA officer, and you may have to take your medications out of your carry-on to show the TSA agent. While you are traveling with medications, keep them in the original prescription bottles or containers. For more information, go to tsa.gov.

Can I bring back prescriptions I buy abroad? Don't assume because a drug is sold in another country that it is legal in the U.S. The Food and Drug Administration tells travelers to avoid buying drugs abroad.

Vani Rangachar writes for the Los Angeles Times.