Tips to Prevent Illness and Prepare for Medical Emergencies

PLANO, Texas (May 27, 2009) - By plane, train or automobile, Americans are about to take off on their summer vacations, but recent medical alerts have raised concerns about potential health risks associated with traveling. 

Regardless of destination, UnitedHealthcare, a UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) company, is offering all travelers some common tips on how to plan ahead in order to prevent illness and prepare for unexpected medical emergencies that may arise while away from home.

Nothing can turn a dream vacation into a nightmare faster than a medical emergency.  Travelers will be better equipped to handle any health issues that might come up if they research their destination, understand their medical coverage, and carry proper documentation. 

"Whether you're travelling across the state or around the world, it's important to plan for any medical needs that may arise," said Dr. Jay Morris, UnitedHealthcare’s South Texas medical director.  "Being prepared can help you respond more quickly and accurately, and even save you money on unnecessary medical expenses."

Dr. Morris offers these tips for travelers:

• be sure to carry your insurance identification card and a claim form;
• keep prescription drugs in their original containers in a carry-on bag and be sure they are clearly labeled;
• get a letter from your physician describing medical conditions and any prescriptions you may be taking, or print a copy of your personal health record;
• be aware of any health warnings for the country you are planning to visit – current medical alerts can be found on the Center for Disease Control’s Web site at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/; 
• learn words for doctor, emergency and hospital in the native language of the country you plan to visit;
• ensure that you, and your children if they are traveling with you, are current with routine vaccinations; some diseases that are rare in the United States are common in other parts of the world;
• understand your medical insurance coverage while outside the U.S.; some insurers like UnitedHealthcare offer coverage for emergency care when traveling overseas;
• travelers with higher medical risks, such as diabetics, severe asthmatics and pregnant women, should consult their physicians before traveling to other countries;
• contact the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers (IAMAT) at (716) 754-4883 or the nearest U.S. embassy to locate medical facilities and English-speaking doctors in the areas where you are traveling.

When traveling abroad, Dr. Morris also urges travelers to be aware of their surroundings at all times; use caution when drinking water and using ice; and peel fruits and vegetables to avoid contamination from pesticides and the water used to wash them.

"Health care systems differ widely from those in the United States, as well as from country to country," said Dr. Morris.  "Travelers abroad should be aware of any major health risks and have a basic understanding of their destination countries' health care systems."

UnitedHealthcare offers more health and wellness tips on its Web site at www.uhc.com.

About UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare (www.unitedhealthcare.com) provides a full spectrum of consumer-oriented health benefit plans and services to individuals, public sector employers and businesses of all sizes, including more than half of the Fortune 100 companies.  The company organizes access to quality, affordable health care services on behalf of more than 25 million individual consumers, contracting directly with approximately 590,000 physicians and care professionals and more than 4,900 hospitals to offer them broad, convenient access to services nationwide.  UnitedHealthcare is one of the businesses of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a diversified Fortune 50 health and well-being company.