Moving abroad can be an exciting time for many. This is often the goal that people work their entire lives towards, heading off to somewhere warm all-year-round. However, the amount of changes you face as an expatriate can take its toll on your health. The changes to your routine could see your sleep dwindle, immune system weaken, and mental health dive.
To avoid these issues from occurring, soon-to-be expats are encouraged to prepare to support their health before jetting off to their new country. This post has outlined four of the best ways to achieve this, including planning ahead with vaccinations, selecting a suitable health insurance, packing medications and medical records, and looking after mental wellbeing.
Get the Relevant Vaccinations
Before jetting off to your host country, you must research what, if any, vaccinations are needed for that location. This goes a long way to protect your health in a new environment. Vaccines work by triggering the body’s adaptive immunity to produce antibodies that will fight diseases. Hepatitis A and B are two of the most common vaccines that individuals moving abroad receive, including the Caribbean, Middle East, North Africa, and other popular destinations.
When you require your vaccinations will depend on the number of doses that is needed and how long it takes to become effective. A vaccine for hepatitis A requires two doses, with the first being administered at least two weeks before departure.
The vaccinations you require before travelling can be discussed during a complete health check, which is highly encouraged. This type of check-up can ensure you are as fit and healthy as you can be before departing for your new country, too. Older expatriates and those suffering from existing medical conditions will benefit most from a full health check prior to departure.
Choose a Suitable Health Insurance Policy
No matter if you stay in your country of origin or move abroad, health insurance is a vital aspect to consider for everyday life. While it might be unnecessary in some countries if you are an original citizen, it could be considered even more essential when living in a new area. After all, this is the insurance that ensures you receive suitable healthcare in a timely manner.
However, there are numerous health insurance policies available. There are some that will be more suitable for short-term travelers, such as those individuals that go off on holiday for a few weeks at a time, while others will be created for expats in mind. Choosing a global health plan will mean that digital nomads, expats, and immigrants can receive healthcare anywhere, whether that’s their home country or host country.
It is best to research the health insurance policies available for expats, though. A good level of coverage will include a range of benefits, such as hospitalization, outpatient care, prescription drugs, rehabilitation, and more. There might even be the option to choose your preferred clinic, doctor, or hospital, and this might be preferable for some.
Pack Medication and Medical Documents
The rules and regulations that each country has for medications can change, meaning not all prescription drugs will be accepted or available. This should be researched well in advance to ensure you are adequately prepared; for example, some people will move on to a different medication before leaving. Potential expats should look at the rules on medication in your host country by checking with that country’s embassy.
If your prescription drugs are accepted in your host country, and any layovers, then you should ensure you pack enough until you can register with a doctor and pharmacist. Your prescription might need to be translated, and a copy of the document should be carried when travelling.
Similarly, you should prepare your medical documents when moving abroad. Copies of medical and dental records can be collected when informing your doctor and dentist of your move. Having a full history to pass to your new doctor and dental practices will make sure any treatment you need will go ahead without issue.
Care for Your Mental Health
Moving abroad will require a lot of adjustments, and this can take its toll on your mental health. You are in a completely unfamiliar country, surrounded by new people, hearing foreign languages, and such, and this can overwhelm people at times. With all of these changes to deal with, and no comfort from familiarity and friends or family, it is easy to become isolated.
If you are concerned about experiencing mental health issues, then you should dedicate time to care for your wellbeing. The basics of getting enough sleep, participating in physical activity, and eating well should be completed; these might sound simple, but they will have a big impact on your mental health. This will also improve your physical health.
Expats should also attempt to build new networks in their new countries. Joining local groups and volunteering can help you foster a sense of belonging, and it will also open opportunities for new friendships. These connections could help you explore your new home and learn the local language, if you haven’t already.
Supporting your health in a new country will benefit you as you begin life as an expat, and the four methods mentioned in this post are good ways to get started.
