Traveling can be daunting. So many things happen on the road or while you’re in transit. Accidents are, well, unexpected. But it must not stop you from hitting the road and exploring the world. If it is any consolation, even in the comforts of one’s home, not so good things can still possibly take place. So, don’t confine yourself in your comfort zone and get on with your passion to travel.
The most you can do is to be ready and establish a support system, so that wherever you may go, you are sure that you are protected and will be taken cared of. That way, you enjoy a worry-free travel.
1.) Subscribe to A Health Hotline
There’s good news to travelers and non-travelers alike, most especially those who are in the Philippines. Global Telehealth, Inc., which is an affiliate of Globe Telecom, has joined forces with Salud Interactiva, a leading health hotline in Mexico, to bring KonsultaMD – a 24/7 health hotline service manned by licensed Filipino doctors. It follows the Cleveland Clinic protocol and only does presumptive diagnosis.
Now, you don’t have to wait in line because with KonsultaMD, you can get medical information and interim care from medical experts. One can subscribe by signing up at www.konsulta.md and the hotline can be accessed by calling 79880 from a mobile network or (+63 2)798 8000 via landline. Globe postpaid customers only need to pay a subscription fee of Php 150 a month (Php 47=USD 1.00 as of 2016) wherein the service can be extended to four additional household members. Prepaid customers, on the other hand, can subscribe for Php 15/week, Php 60/month, Php 120/2 months or Php 180/quarter which can only be enjoyed by the subscriber. Calls using Globe or TM are charged Php 1.00/minute. Calls via landline that are within Metro Manila are free. Non-Globe users or those who are abroad can call but pay the standard NDD rate.
So, imagine if you are in a non-English speaking country and you suddenly feel ill, you can call its hotline 79880 to access a doctor at KonsultaMD and ask for medical information. You can also ask lifestyle questions, like diet, exercise, and nutrition. You can also ask for reading of lab and diagnostic results and additional information about them, primary conditions like cough, fever, cold, flu, rashes, allergies, and other conditions.
2.) Get An Insurance
Non-life insurance services, such as personal accident insurance and motor car insurance, are necessary to secure yourself while you are traveling. I have written an example in my Worry-Free Travel post. Choose a company that has the necessary network, tools, equipment, and manpower and can assist you when things go wrong on the road. When you fly or take a ship, avail for the travel insurance provided. For a small additional amount, you get peace of mind. Anyway, it is better to be prepared for any eventuality rather than to leave things to chance.
3.) Secure Your Future
I provided some tips in my previous post on how you can secure your tomorrow while you travel. Wouldn’t it be wonderful that you get to enjoy traveling, knowing at the back of your mind that you will have sufficient resources in the future.
Now, you have these information, save the important numbers in your phone and give your family members and loved ones a copy of your itinerary as you leave for your next journey. And, contact an insurance company and a financial advisor to know your options and make an informed decision when it comes to securing yourself. Ultimately, ask the doctor’s advice from KonsultaMD what medicines you need to bring and other pertinent health and wellness questions to make you ready for your upcoming adventure.