THERE's a lot of information around about what to do if you get physically sick or injured while you are travelling but while going overseas can be exciting and rewarding, it can also be stressful.
The experience of different environments, unfamiliar customs, language barriers, social isolation, and general uncertainty can increase anxiety and has the potential to exacerbate existing mental health conditions or trigger new mental health concerns.
Drugs, alcohol, dehydration and infection can also radically affect behaviour and mental health and when this occurs overseas it can be a traumatic situation.
While taking out travel insurance is an essential part of preparing for an overseas trip, not all insurance companies will provide cover for pre-existing conditions, including mental health conditions.
If you are uninsured, or your insurance cover is denied for any reason, you (or your family) are personally responsible for covering any medical or other costs incurred in treating your illness overseas. The Australian Government will not fund your medical treatment overseas or medical evacuation to Australia or a third country.
The Australian government's Smart Traveller website states that when Australians travel abroad, they leave behind Australia's support systems, emergency service capabilities and medical facilities. In addition, mental health facilities, attitudes and treatment approaches in foreign countries can be very different to those in Australia. Guardianship orders can also be different in other countries
Smart Traveller recommends
- Research your destination, beginning with the travel advice. If there are particular safety and security threats, local customs or health risks at your destination that may trigger mental health concerns for you, you should consider another destination
- Make sure your medication is legal in the countries you are visiting by contacting that country's embassy or consulate
- Talk with your doctor about the implications of your planned travel on your health, and the possible interactions between your medication and other medications you need to take to prepare for your travel, such as anti-malarials
- Carry a letter from your doctor stating what your medication is, how much you will be carrying and that it is for your own personal use
- Take sufficient medication with you for the duration of your trip, including unexpected delays, and keep it in its original packaging. It should be clearly labelled with your name and dosage instructions
- Find out whether your medication is available in the countries you are visiting in case you lose your medication or find you have insufficient dosages for your trip
- Ensure you continue to take your medication as prescribed while you're travelling
- Keep a supply in your hand luggage in case your check-in luggage goes missing
- Leave a copy of your medical documentation with a family member or friend in case of an emergency
- Always carry spare medication when going on excursions
- Be aware that alcohol, other drugs or traditional local substances (such as kava) may interact with your regular medication, which can be dangerous for your physical and mental health
- Make sure you have travel insurance that covers any pre-existing medical conditions and make sure it covers the length of your trip
