Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
New Zealand
(
www.safetravel.govt.nz
)
UK
(
www.fco.gov.uk
)
Health
The eastern region, like the rest of the USA, has a high level of hygiene, so infectious dis-
eases are not a significant problem. There are no required vaccines, and tap water is safe
to drink.
Bring any medications you may need in their original containers, clearly labeled. Having
a signed, dated letter from your physician that describes all of your medical conditions
and medications (including generic names) is also a good idea.
Health Insurance
The United States offers possibly the finest health care in the world - the problem is that it
can be prohibitively expensive. It's essential to purchase travel health insurance if your
home policy doesn't cover you for medical expenses abroad. Check the Insurance section
of the
Lonely Planet
(
lonelyplanet.com/travel-insurance
)
website for more information.
Find out in advance if your insurance plan will make payments directly to providers or
reimburse you later for overseas health expenditures.
Health Care Availability
»
If you have a medical emergency, go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital.
»
If the problem isn't urgent, call a nearby hospital and ask for a referral to a local physi-
cian; this is usually cheaper than a trip to the emergency room.
»
Stand-alone, for-profit, urgent-care centers provide good service, but can be the most
expensive option.
»
Pharmacies are abundantly supplied. However, some medications that are available
over the counter in other countries require a prescription in the US.
»
If you don't have insurance to cover the cost of prescriptions, they can be shockingly ex-
pensive.
Infectious Diseases
Most infectious diseases are acquired by mosquito or tick bites or through environmental
exposure. The
Centers for Disease Control
(
www.cdc.gov
)
has further details.
