Moving abroad with family: Protecting health and safety
Moving abroad with your family will be an exciting adventure filled with new experiences and opportunities.
However, it can also come with challenges, not least of which includes protecting the health and safety of your family.
From navigating local healthcare systems to understanding new rules and regulations, there will be a lot of things for you to consider. In this article, we’ll explore some helpful tips and practical advice to help you prepare to move abroad and protect your family’s health and wellbeing.
Research healthcare provision in the country
You should first research the healthcare provision in the country you will be moving to. Healthcare standards can vary between country and country, and even within a country itself. In many places, healthcare will be better and easier to access in urban areas, whereas rural areas may have less availability or may require travel to reach facilities.
Many countries provide a mix of public and private healthcare. The funding and access for public healthcare can differ – in some locations, all residents will be able to access public healthcare without paying out of pocket, whereas in some other places there may be some fees involved. The standard of public healthcare can also vary, with some places experiencing poor quality services and very long wait times.
In most countries, the private healthcare offerings can be of a better standard. They will also typically see shorter wait times, with more choice for treatment and more specialised care options. You should weigh up whether private healthcare would be a better option for you and your family, so you can access the best quality healthcare available.
Consider international health insurance
Many expat families choose to have international medical insurance to keep themselves protected whilst they’re abroad. A comprehensive health insurance policy will keep you and your family covered for routine healthcare as well as emergency situations. You will be able to access quality healthcare facilities in whichever country you move to, and often speak to healthcare professionals who speak your language.
Many expats find that international health insurance can give them peace of mind while they’re abroad and in an unfamiliar environment. Without it, navigating complex foreign healthcare systems while also dealing with language barriers can be challenging and costly.
Many providers will offer healthcare coverage for your whole family, with 24/7 customer service, so you’ll always have someone on-hand to assist in an emergency. You should research different providers to ensure they can provide you with the cover you and your family need, get quotes, and look at online testimonials from customers to ensure they can deliver a quality service.
Create a plan for emergencies
Before you move abroad with your family, you should put together a plan for emergencies. This should include the local emergency numbers for an ambulance, police, and fire department. You should also look at the local hospitals and clinics to where you will be living and note down the contact details and address for these.
If you already have a family doctor in your new home, you should also include the contact details for this clinic. If you have health insurance, you should note down the contact details for your provider.
You should also note down the contact details for your nearest embassy or consulate. Make sure every family member has the relevant phone numbers programmed in their phone, as well as having them somewhere central in your new home for easy access.
Research required vaccinations
Many countries may have different required vaccinations. This could apply before you move but also include vaccinations that your children may be required or advised to have once you move. You should research which vaccinations will be necessary before you move and ensure every family member has what’s required.
Some countries may also require you and your family to have health checks as part of your visa application. In this case, you should ensure all regulations are followed as necessary and keep a record of your medical check-ups and any vaccinations that have been had.
Understand local health and safety regulations
Each country will have its own set of health and safety regulations. As well as medical requirements, there may be rules you will need to follow in the case of an extreme weather event to keep yourself safe in an emergency situation. You should familiarise yourself with these laws and regulations before you move and make sure you and your family know what will be expected of you.
You should ensure you are registered with the necessary local health authorities once you arrive in your new home. This may mean you have to enrol in a public healthcare system or maybe you will need to obtain a local health insurance card. You might also need to sign up to get local public health and emergency alerts, so make sure to research what’s required in your area.
Create a plan to manage any chronic conditions
If you or one of your family members are managing chronic conditions, it will of course be vital to maintain management of this after you’ve moved to your new home. Before you move, you should gather a comprehensive medical history and detailed treatment plan from your current healthcare provider.
If you or your family take any prescribed medication, you should ensure you have enough to cover the initial period after you have moved. You may need to check what the rules are around bringing medication into the country you’re moving to, although most destinations allow a suitable amount as long as you have a note from your doctor.
Research how you can go about managing the chronic condition in your new home. Look at local pharmacies and clinics and understand how to obtain prescriptions and necessary care. If you need a specialist, research who will be available to you and where they are located in your new area.
Consider mental health needs
Moving abroad can be stressful and isolating, for any member of the family. In addition, you or your family members may already be managing ongoing mental health needs. Before you move, identify your local mental health professionals who can support you and your family once you arrive in your new home. If you have international health insurance, look for a policy that also includes mental health cover.
Make sure to acknowledge the potential issues of culture shock and loneliness with your family before you move and maintain open communication with everyone. You could look for expatriate groups in your new area, to find people to connect with once you arrive.