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HEALTH MATTERS
Health Insurance
The Social Security Medicare Program does not cover hospital
or medical services outside the United States. The Department
of Veterans Affairs will only pay for hospital and medical service
outside the United States if you are a veteran with a service-related
disability.
When considering medical insurance, first find out how citizens
of the country where you will reside pay their medical bills and
if the same coverage is available to resident foreigners. Some
countries have government-sponsored health insurance that may
also provide coverage to foreign residents, while others have
a dual system with national health supplemented by private insurance.
In countries where many American expatriates reside, such as Mexico,
you may find that local private international health insurance
companies will offer coverage to U.S. citizen residents. Once
you arrive, check with organized groups in the American community
to learn about these companies.
Wherever possible, try to get the best medical insurance available.
If good coverage is not available where you will live, you may
have to rely on a U.S. medical insurance company. Before taking
up residence abroad, learn which U.S. medical services or health
insurance plans provide coverage for Americans living overseas.
Check with the insurance company on whether the coverage offered
abroad includes both routine and emergency medical treatment,
hospitalization, and medical evacuation should it be necessary.
Once you obtain health insurance, remember to carry your policys
identity card and to keep a supply of insurance claim forms handy.
The U.S. government cannot pay for hospital or medical services
for Americans overseas and cannot pay to evacuate you for treatment
in the United States.
There are a number of emergency medical assistance companies
operating internationally who offer urgent medical treatment for
their member travelers. Although the service is designed primarily
for tourists who encounter a medical or personal emergency while
on vacation, some companies offer yearly memberships which may
be available to Americans residing overseas. Contact a travel
agent to learn more about these emergency assistance companies.
Medication
For your protection, leave all medicines in their original,
labeled containers. If you require medication containing habit-forming
drugs or narcotics, carry a copy of the doctors prescription attesting
to that fact. These precautions will make customs processing easier
and also will ensure you do not violate the laws of the country
in which you live.
If you have allergies, reactions to certain medicines, or other
unique medical problems, consider wearing a medical alert bracelet
or carrying a similar warning at all times.
Immunizations
Under the International Health Regulations adopted by the World
Health Organization, some countries require International Certificates
of Vaccination against yellow fever from international travelers.
A few countries still require a certificate of cholera immunization
as well. A helpful guide to immunizations and preventive measures
for international travel is the booklet, Health Information for
International Travel. It is available for $14 from the Superintendent
of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.
20402. Specific information may also be obtained from local and
state health departments, physicians, or travel clinics that advise
international travelers. You may also reach the Centers for Disease
Control & Prevention on (404) 332-4559 or via their Internet
address at http://www.cdc.gov for immunization recommendations.
AIDS /HIV Testing
Many countries require long-term foreign residents and students
to submit proof that they are free of the HIV virus. Some of the
countries that require this proof may accept certified test results
from the United States. Consult the embassy of the country you
will be residing in on whether an AIDS/HIV test is required and
if test results from the United States are accepted. If not, check
on the type of test to be performed and if it is permissible to
supply your own disposable needle. If you are overseas, consult
the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for information and advice,
keeping in mind that you are in a foreign country and are subject
to its laws and requirements.
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