Health and Insurance info and tips

Trip Start Mar 22, 2005
1
2
26
Trip End Sep 09, 2005


Loading Map
Map your own trip!
Map Options
Show trip route
Hide lines
shadow

Flag of Guatemala  ,
Wednesday, February 23, 2005

See below for info and resources I'm using for health and insurance.


















All the info you need to go just about anywhere in the world:
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/
(the thorntree posts are especially helpful if you have a specific question about an area)

Info on vaccines and health concerns for travelers in Central America:
http://www.cdc.gov/travel/camerica.htm

Details on malaria risk:
http://www.cdc.gov/travel/regionalmalaria/camerica.htm
(I'm not taking malaria pills as prevention, but do have a supply in case I get sick. Also, I'm bringing a ridiculous supply of mosquito repellent with DEET and permethrin, a treatment that goes on clothing. You can get both at REI.)

Divers insurance (valuable services to DAN members, even if you don't need the additional insurance):
http://www.diversalertnetwork.com

Emergency evacuation insurance -- in case you need to get home because of injury/illness (this type of service is included with the diver's insurance, above):
http://www.medjetassistance.com

What about medical insurance? I'm going on COBRA to keep my medical insurance in the US. I have a comprehensive PPO plan, which will reimburse any medical expenses incurred outside the US and cover me should I get injured and need to return to the US (actually getting to the US if I'm injured is covered by the dive insurance/emergency evacuation plan, above). This is definitely not the cheapest option. Finding a travel health insurance plan could be much more reasonable, but for a variety of reasons, I'm not willing to go without major medical in the US. If you travel, you should find out what your medical insurance covers -- some exclude coverage outside the US all together, others will exclude "risky" activities, including things like scuba diving and boating.

The Lonely Planet web site has a tool that helps you compare travel insurance plans, including health care and trip insurance. I'm opting not to buy any traditional "travel" insurance, which would reimburse me for cancelled airline flights, delays in the trip, etc. Its too expensive for long trips, but may be worth while if you're joining me for just a couple weeks.
Print this entry Guatemala City hotels