More and more of our employees are traveling outside the U.S. and are going to remoter places. What suggestions can you offer in the areas of health and security? — Marcia D., HR Manager in Los Angeles
Many companies are regularly sending workers out of the country, which brings up a new set of health and safety risks that must be addressed well in advance. While abroad, employees may have difficulties locating adequate healthcare facilities; they may be unable to refill prescriptions and obtain first-aid supplies; they may be exposed to health threats that don’t exist here; and they may have to pay cash for needed healthcare services.
Before the Trip
Before heading out of the country, business travelers should check out the travel safety websites maintained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. State Department. These agencies recommend that international travelers follow these tips:
Familiarize yourself with your destination. Does the country you’ll be visiting have certain conditions (such as high altitude or heavy pollution) that may affect your health? Also look into the type of medical facilities available there and whether the country requires certain immunizations; the CDC and State Department websites are helpful resources.
See a doctor before you travel. Schedule an appointment four to six weeks in advance, especially if you need vaccinations. Some vaccines are not effective immediately, and others must be given in multiple doses over a period of time.
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Prepare a travel health kit. Make sure to bring your prescription medications, clearly labeled in their original containers (for controlled substances and injectable medication, include the physician’s documentation). Consult the foreign embassy of your destination to see whether your medications are considered illegal narcotics in that country; contact information is available online. Other items to bring include an extra pair of prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses; over-the-counter diarrhea remedies; sunscreen; insect repellent; and alcohol-based hand sanitizer. You may need additional items, such as antimalarial drugs or water purification tablets, depending on the country you’re visiting.
Get health insurance. Generally, foreign countries won’t accept U.S. medical insurance, but short-term policies, which may include coverage for medical evacuations, are available to cover international travelers. The State Department lists travel health insurance and medical evacuation companies on its travel website.
Check for “travel notices.” The CDC and the State Department both provide notification of health, safety, and security risks to travelers on their websites.
Leave copies of documents at home. Before you go, make copies of your itinerary, passport, and visa, and leave them with your family or employer, in case there’s an emergency.
Register your trip. If you register with the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country you’re visiting, it will be able to contact you in an emergency and assist in evacuation if this becomes necessary. If there isn’t an embassy or consulate where you are going, leave your itinerary with the closest embassy or consulate and ask if a third country represents U.S. interests in the country you are traveling to.
On Location
To stay safe while in a foreign country, the State Department recommends that international travelers:
- Dress plainly. Deter thieves by avoiding any appearance of affluence.
- Travel light. If you can move quickly and keep one hand free, you’ll be safer and less tired.
- Secure valuables. Store your passport, cash, and credit cards in a hotel safe when possible. When you carry these items, don’t put them all in one place. Keep important things in inside pockets, a sturdy shoulder bag worn with the strap across your chest, or a money belt worn under your clothing.
- Eat and drink safely. Make sure foods have been fully cooked, or wash and peel fruits and vegetables yourself. Stay away from tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes, and stick to bottled beverages from reliable sources.
—CELA Editors