Vacationing with your family should be an enjoyable and memorable experience. Whether you take a leisurely trip to the beach or an exotic getaway overseas, a holiday with your spouse and kids creates moments that you never want to forget.
According to the U.S. Travel Association, nearly 410 million trips were taken with children during 2012. If you are injured during a trip that takes you hundreds or even thousands of miles away from your home, it can be an extremely scary experience, especially if your children are involved. Here are some tips on what to do if you are injured while on vacation with the family.
Legal Compensation
It’s critical to know that most countries do not accept United States medical insurance. You also need to be aware that Medicare and Medicaid do not cover hospital bills or any other type of medical expenses outside of the United States.
If you are injured overseas, you need to hire a personal injury lawyer to insure that you can get the most money for your claim upon your return home. Medical expenses quickly add up, and time away from work while recovering can take a toll on your bank account.
Know When to See a Doctor
For some types of illnesses or sicknesses, you can put off dealing with it until you get home. The U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that you see a doctor right away if some of the following occurs:
- Have diarrhea AND a high fever of 102 ° F or more
- Visiting areas that are at risk to malaria and start suffering from flu-like symptoms
- Bitten and scratched by an animal
On a Plane or Cruise Ship
If you are on a plane or cruise ship and become sick, tell a flight attendant or crew member as soon as possible so that they can alert others. If there is a medical professional available, have them examine you. Cruise ships have small medical facilities that you can be treated in. If you are coughing or sneezing, wear a surgical mask so that you do not infect others. If it is a dire medical emergency, you can be evacuated off of the ship to seek treatment on land or the plane can be redirected to a close airport for immediate medical care.
In all instances of illness or injury while traveling, it is imperative that you remain calm and collected. You do not want to further escalate the situation or make your children go into a panic. Remember, to know when to seek immediate medical treatment, hire a personal injury attorney, and contact personnel to help assist you.
