Fortunately my airline has some pretty good procedures in place for getting medical attention for ill crewmembers.  Once I realized that my situation was serious, I was able to get help from a co-worker who helped get me to a hospital for emergency intervention.  I was treated and released later that same day to return home. 

The situation was unpleasant, but I had help, and there was a happy ending to the story.

But I’ve never gotten the helpless feeling that the situation evoked in me.  The feeling that I remember most distinctly is the terrible feeling of being alone, and unable to really make any decisions or take care of myself.

Thankfully, most of the time getting sick on the road does not require a visit to the emergency room.  It still can be a helpless feeling, however, as you attempt to navigate the front desk or concierge service to try to find a doctor or a nearby clinic.

If you’re traveling in Manhattan, Sickday can help you out, by making a house call to your hotel room, allowing you to get prompt medical attention while bypassing the need to spend hours in an emergency room.  It’s medical care for the busy traveler.

Founded in 2001, Sickday provides medical treatment for acute, episodic conditions at locations in Manhattan (home, office or hotel), seven days a week, 6 am – 7 pm.  They can perform diagnostic exams, prescribe medication, renew prescriptions, order tests, and make referrals when necessary.  They are affiliated with major New York hospitals. 

Following each visit, Sickday follows up by phone, just to make sure that you are up and around and feeling better.

Sickday currently charges $275/visit; that fee is reimbursable by many major health insurance providers.

The best course of action is, of course, just not to get sick at all.  When that doesn’t work, Sickday may be a real lifesaver.

Photo credit:  PenelopeB

UPDATE:  The hours for Sickday are 6 am-11 pm, seven days a week, and the cost is $250.  I hope you don’t ever have to use them, but still, you may want to keep the information handy.

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

If you suffer from peanut allergies, and are traveling by air, let the airline know at the time you book your reservations.  By doing so, you give the airline sufficient notice of your medical condition, and give it time to take appropriate precautions.  (Most airlines serve snacks other than peanuts, but may need notice to make the substitution.)  Don’t wait to tell someone about your allergy as you’re boarding and expect a peanut-free plane.  A little notice is needed.

Severe peanut allergy sufferers should also bring necessary medication just in case of an exposure.  Although the airline can take steps to create a peanut-free zone, you can’t be certain that the person sitting in front of you hasn’t packed a peanut butter sandwich in their carry on bag.

If you’ll be dining out, you may want to print out this allergy alert card.  It’s a wallet-size card suitable for us by both adults and children.  Carry it with you when you are eating somewhere that food preparation is under the control of someone else.  In a restaurant, you can just give the card to your server, who can then advise the kitchen.  When you’re in a large group, it’s a good way to avoid an allergic reaction, while not calling undue attention to yourself. 

If you have a child with allergies, you can print out the card for them to carry on field tirps, visits to friends, etc.  Using the card will emphasize that it’s not that they don’t like a particular food, but that they medically cannot tolerate the food.

Food allergies can be managed while traveling.  Manage your options so that you don’t have to eliminate your travel.

Photo credit:  flickr

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

• If you are 55 years of age, or older, consider the Senior Discount Card.  It costs $24/year, so you will need to calculate if you will get a return on the purchase price.  The benefits range from a percentage discount, 2-for-1 coupons, gift with purchase, and a variety of other coupons.  You can search the website for discounts by type, or by location.  A quick review shows a variety of travel related discounts.
• If your travels will be taking you to one location for an extended period of time, check to see if your local bank has branch offices there.  If not, ask if your bank has any reciprical agreements for no-fee ATM use.  You may be able to negotiate an agreement with your bank to waive all or a part of your ATM charges if you make the request in advance of your trip.
• Check your current health insurance policy to see if you have coverage while traveling abroad.  Most health care plans don’t cover basic medical care while abroad, let alone emergency medical evacuation.  Consider your risk factors (medical history, current health condition, and travel destination) to determine if supplemental insurance is a good value for you.  The State Department web site lists companies that can provide this coverage.

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

IAMAT was founded in 1960, by Dr. Vincenzo Marcolongo, and since then has become a leader in travel medicine.  Its physicians network includes general practitioners and specialists in hospitals and clinics around the world that have agreed to treat IAMAT members for set rates.  An office call, for example, is $55. The physicians all speak English, and have had medical training in North America or Europe.  IAMAT continually inspects the clinics to make sure high standards are maintained.

Membership in IAMAT is free, although a donation is appreciated.  All donations are used to continue the mission of coordinating medical services worldwide for travelers.

Post from: Fly Away Cafe