In many ways, the United States is a land of excess. Unfortunately, this statement is also true for the size of medical bills and the cost of care in the country. As one of the only developed nations in the world without universal medical insurance, America is notorious for its inefficient health care system.
However, the country has many exciting things to explore and dynamic cities to visit that bring many thousands of tourists every year. If you are one of these travellers, then you need to plan for the possibility of a medical emergency or care while you are there. While you can hope that your trip is uneventful in this regard, it is best to be prepared to avoid paying for expensive medical treatment.
To ensure that you do not get stuck paying off an infamous American medical bill for the rest of your life, let’s look at some effective ways to avoid expensive medical care for travellers in the country.
Find The Right Travel Insurance
Travel insurance for America is an absolute must for before setting off on your big adventure. Since the cost of care in the country can quickly spiral out of control, especially for medical emergencies, it is vital that you do not wind up paying these costs out of your own pocket. Find a travel insurance provider who offers coverage for the United States and make sure that this coverage is sufficient for all manner of things that could happen.
Travel insurance might seem like an unnecessary expense when you are young and healthy and off to see the world. However, you will be immensely glad that you made the investment if you happen to need it.
Bring Your Own Prescriptions
If you require medication on a regular basis or have a prescription that you are taking at the moment, then be sure to bring enough to last you for the duration of your travels to America. While many common medications can be found over-the-counter in the United States, the selection may not be what you are used to in your home country. It is best to be on the safe side and bring your own medication. Even if you do manage to find what you are looking for, you may end up having to pay far more than you are used to.
Call Your Doctor
These days, some doctors are reachable by phone or video call. If you need medical advice for a condition or issue that is not an emergency, then you can try telemedicine for a more affordable solution. This is a great option for travellers who have a regular physician back home who knows the details of their condition well. It is also usually far more affordable than seeing a local doctor in America.
Ensure Your Insurance Is Valid
Even if you have travel insurance, it is important that you look closely through the PDS and the list of pre-existing conditions that are not covered by your provider. If you have a medical condition that is on such a list, then you need to find a provider who will cover it. You can expect to pay a bit more for this service, though this is preferable to purchasing a policy that is insufficient for your needs.
Be Safe
The best thing you can do to avoid paying expensive medical bills in America is to ensure that you exercise caution and safety during your travels. While you will still want to have as much fun as you can and enjoy what the country has to offer, it is best to be safe rather than sorry. Use your good judgment and avoid unsafe situations to reduce the chances of medical emergencies.