The Challenges of Overseas Medical Evacuations
Dr. John Cahill explains that a number of tropical diseases, if left unrecognized or untreated, can have devastating outcomes. Unfortunately, he sees this on a daily basis. There are people who return from their travels with serious viral or parasitic infections. In good hands, it can be very easily treated, but without seeking the correct care or going to a physician who doesn't understand the implications of these diseases, they can be misdiagnosed or missed.
In America, we're used to excellent Healthcare, but it's important to understand, that in the rest of the world, it's not the same. If you're abroad, it's unlikely that you'll receive care on the level that many are accustomed to here in the states. People often think "Well, I can just fly home." But the reality is that if you have a very serious medical problem, you might not be able to get on a plane, and being medically evacuated can potentially cost 50,000$ to 100,000$. And health insurance doesn't cover that. Unless someone has "medical evacuation" insurance, it can be a very costly mistake if you become very ill overseas.
Dr. John D. Cahill, M.D. is a physician and medical educator who founded the Center for Global Collaboration & Health Initiatives. While studying abroad in medical school and after his postgraduate medical training at Brown University, Dr. Cahill spent time in Southeast Asia & Africa.
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