By Admin 
While moving abroad sounds like an absolute dream come true for many people, it requires quite a bit of preparation. Not only are you shifting your entire life overseas, but you also need to consider all of the other factors involved. Documents, finances, housing, and languages are vital, but health might be the most important aspect to consider.
Neglecting proper health care can make your time abroad very unpleasant. That’s why you should research the healthcare system in your chosen country beforehand. There are other health-related factors to consider as well, which are outlined below.
See Your Doctor Before You Go
When planning to move overseas soon, visit your general practitioner (GP). A pre-move health checkup helps you identify potential health risks in your new country, allowing you to prepare adequately. Your doctor will give personalized advice on adjusting to a different climate, exposure to new diseases, and food safety. This information will, of course, differ from country to country.
For example, expatriates moving to India should be aware of challenges within the country’s healthcare system. This is due to a low number of hospital beds per capita, which strains the system. Alternatively, there is a high risk of diseases like malaria in the Sub-Saharan Africa region, especially in Malawi and Mozambique. In 2021, there were over four million cases of malaria in Malawi, as reported by WHO.
Additionally, since many countries have specific vaccination requirements for entry or residency, your doctor will discuss this as well. Vaccines are also essential for protecting your health from common diseases in other parts of the world. Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever vaccines are common travel-specific shots to prevent serious illness and avoid being denied entry. Since some vaccines require multiple doses, planning ahead is important.
Visiting your GP can also help ensure continuous care after you move. You will receive a copy of your full medical history, including ongoing treatments, prescriptions, and vaccination records. These records are essential when registering with a new healthcare provider in your new country. It’s also a good idea to translate key documents into the language of your destination country.
Purchase the Required Medical Insurance
Once you’ve spoken with your doctor, you’ll have more information. This allows you to make better decisions about the future, including which health insurance to choose. Unfortunately, travel insurance isn’t enough for long-term stays, and you should be cautious about relying only on local public healthcare, as this can leave you with significant coverage gaps. After all, many countries, especially in Europe, do require residents to have health insurance.
Whatever medical insurance policy you purchase will depend on your needs. As a resident, if you contribute to the social security system, you might be able to join the local healthcare scheme. However, it is often preferred to purchase private medical insurance that provides comprehensive, global coverage. The best global medical plans are a good place to begin your search.
When searching for a reliable health insurance policy, you need to review each provider’s requirements. It’s common for insurance providers to deny coverage to people with pre-existing conditions or to charge extra fees. Although vaccinations have been mentioned, it’s important to note that some insurers require certain vaccinations. Without them, the policy could be invalid.
Pack All Medications Strategically
Requirements vary when traveling with medications, so you should consider this before you start packing for your move. Doing so helps you avoid legal issues and travel disruptions while making sure your health remains a priority. This doesn’t mean you can just toss your pills into a container and call it a day; it requires careful planning.
While a medication might be a common over-the-counter remedy in your home country, it could be a restricted or illegal controlled substance at your destination. For example, certain ADHD medications, like those containing dexamphetamine and lisdexamfetamine, are considered controlled substances in the United Arab Emirates and require prior approval. Without the necessary paperwork, you risk having the medication confiscated, facing fines, or even arrest.
Customs officials usually need you to prove that certain medications you are carrying are for personal use only. This can either be a copy of your prescription or a signed letter from your doctor. Like your health records, these documents must be translated into the language of your destination.
In conclusion, taking care of your health while living abroad is crucial. There are unique risks to consider, such as country-specific illnesses and changes in the healthcare system, and your lifestyle depends on your physical and mental health. With this in mind, planning ahead is important.
As this post outlines, visiting your doctor, getting insurance, and packing your medications properly are essential steps. Considering these factors will help ensure your move goes as smoothly as possible.