One of the most exciting moments that an individual can experience in their life is moving abroad. This is not a small task; in fact, moving anywhere can be a time-consuming and daunting situation that people will put off for longer and longer. But there has been an increase in the number of people deciding to fly off to foreign lands and set-up home. According to the Association of Americans Resident Overseas, there were more than five million US citizens living abroad.
With so many Americans living abroad, it’s not surprising to know that others wish to join them. If this is the case for you, you should be prepared in advance. This includes knowing the three most common health risks that you might encounter upon moving overseas, and what you can do to protect yourself from them.
Infectious Diseases
Living abroad can expose you to different types of bacteria, parasitic, and virus infections that you might not encounter in your country of origin. It is important to be aware of these risks when moving overseas, especially as there are several ways you might come into contact with them.
One such risk comes in the form of insect bites. Mosquitos and other insects can transmit illnesses like dengue fever and malaria through bites. This is especially common when living in tropical and subtropical climates. Those affected by these illnesses might begin to experience chills, muscle aches, and tiredness. Similarly, expatriates might develop cholera, gastrointestinal illnesses, and hepatitis A if they drink or eat contaminated products. And there is the risk of catching diseases, such as measles and rubella, through contact with others.
There are precautions you should take to reduce the risk of catching an illness when living overseas. An effective method to take is receiving vaccinations before you leave your home country. This can be planned by consulting with a doctor to ensure you receive the correct immunizations in an adequate timeframe before moving. These vaccines will protect from hepatitis A and B, yellow fever, and more.
You should also wear long sleeves and trousers to avoid insect bites, stop eating unpasteurized dairy products to prevent consuming bacteria, and only drink bottled water.
Accidents and Injuries
Accidents and injuries can happen anywhere, no matter if you are in your home or host country. There may be slightly more risks when you are unfamiliar with a location and the everyday activities that go on there. A common example of this will be traffic accidents that happen involving expats. It is not unusual that those living abroad will be confused by driving on the other side of the road or similar.
Other accidents that can take place include those related to alcohol, animal attacks, drowning, food poisoning, and unsafe procedures in the workplace. These accidents are all a big risk to your health, just as dangerous as heart attacks and strokes, but you might not be adequately prepared.
If an accident does result in you becoming injured, then you should be covered by insurance. The possibility of an injury is a clear reason why you should select an effective global medical cover. Some of the best plans that cater to expatriates will include hospitalization and rehabilitation following an injury.
This sort of coverage will also help you to avoid some of the cultural, legal, and technical barriers that can form after suffering an injury abroad. Also, if you move abroad permanently, then you will likely no longer be entitled to universal healthcare in your home country, but a good insurance policy will enable you to receive treatment anywhere.
Prescription Drugs
Unfortunately, most doctors and pharmacists in home countries, such as the UK, will be unable to send prescriptions abroad. As you are going to live abroad, so will be overseas for more than three months, you should obtain a sufficient supply of your regular medications (usually three months’ worth) to settle at your destination and find a new supply in that country.
Finding a new healthcare provider can be a daunting task, especially if you have never had to worry about that before. You will likely be directed to the local services in your new country by your original doctor in your home country, who will supply medical notes and a list of your current medicines to the new practitioner. This is usually a successful plan.
But there might be some medications that you cannot get in the new country, and this will require switching to new medications. If you face these issues, your new doctor will be able to assist you in overcoming them.
While it can be a fun experience to move abroad, there are certain aspects that you must prepare for. Knowing the most common health risks of moving abroad is one such aspect. With the help you this post, you will now have an understanding that infectious diseases, accidents and injuries, and prescription drugs can cause issues when living overseas.
Disclaimer: The content on Wellness Derive is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical concerns.