Traveling abroad is an exciting experience, but it also comes with new challenges for your health. Different climates, foods, customs, and time zones can affect your well-being. Preparing before your trip will not only help you prevent illnesses, but also allow you to enjoy every moment to the fullest.

At MedOne Assistance, based in the Dominican Republic and serving travelers worldwide, we believe prevention is the best travel companion. Here are our top tips to help you stay healthy wherever your journey takes you.

1. Schedule a medical check-up before you travel A pre-trip check-up can identify conditions that may require special attention during your travels. Your doctor can also recommend vaccines based on your destination.

2. Check your international medical assistance coverage Before traveling, make sure your plan includes medical care in the country you are visiting. From our 24/7 operations center in the Dominican Republic, MedOne Assistance coordinates care with an extensive global network of healthcare providers.

3. Pack a basic first-aid kit Include pain relievers, personal prescription medications, anti-diarrheal tablets, insect repellent, and basic wound care supplies. These can save you from complications in places where finding medication is difficult.

4. Stay hydrated and watch your diet Drink bottled water and avoid raw foods in areas with sanitary risks. A balanced diet will help maintain your energy and immune system.

5. Protect yourself from the sun Use high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Overexposure to the sun can cause burns and increase the risk of heatstroke—something especially important in tropical destinations like the Dominican Republic.

6. Learn local emergency numbers Keep them handy along with your insurance contact information, and share them with your family or travel companions. In the Dominican Republic, the main emergency number is 9-1-1.

7. Avoid overexertion during the first days Your body needs time to adjust to changes in climate and time zones.

8. Practice good personal hygiene Washing your hands frequently is one of the most effective ways to prevent infections.

A medical emergency can happen at any time, and when you’re far from home, the situation can feel overwhelming. Language barriers, unfamiliar healthcare systems, and unexpected costs can all add to the stress.

At MedOne Assistance, operating from the Dominican Republic with a worldwide network, we want you to be prepared. This guide explains exactly what to do if you face a medical emergency abroad.

1. Stay calm and assess the situation Take a deep breath and evaluate the severity. If it’s critical, immediately call the local emergency services. In the Dominican Republic, dial 9-1-1.

2. Contact your international medical assistance provider With MedOne Assistance, one call or message activates our emergency protocol. From our operations center in the Dominican Republic, we coordinate with the closest and most appropriate medical facility—anywhere in the world.

3. Keep your policy number and contact details handy This speeds up validation and avoids delays in treatment.

4. Follow the medical team’s instructions Whether over the phone or in person, follow each recommendation carefully to avoid complications.

5. Keep all documents and receipts These are essential for coverage and reimbursement purposes.

6. If hospitalized, keep your emergency contact informed Sharing your location and status with a trusted person brings peace of mind to your loved ones.

7. Use translation and coordination services In countries with language barriers, our team facilitates communication with local healthcare staff—something we do daily for travelers in the Dominican Republic and abroad.

Having international medical assistance can make all the difference in an emergency. From our base in the Dominican Republic, MedOne Assistance offers 24/7 support and coordination so you are never alone—no matter where your journey takes you.

Healthcare systems differ widely from country to country, and not knowing how they work can cause delays in critical moments.

At MedOne Assistance, based in the Dominican Republic and coordinating care worldwide, we guide travelers every day through these differences.

What you should know before traveling:

1. Public vs. private hospitals: in some countries, public hospitals are overcrowded, while private care requires upfront payment.

2. Payment policies: many hospitals demand immediate deposits, even in emergencies.

3. Language barriers: explaining symptoms or understanding instructions can be a major challenge.

4. Cultural differences in care: treatment approaches may differ from what you’re used to.

5. Insurance limitations: some providers won’t directly accept your travel insurance.

How MedOne Assistance helps:

• We coordinate care with trusted hospitals, ensuring fast access to the right facility.

• We handle communication with medical staff in local languages.

• We guarantee that your coverage is properly validated, reducing upfront costs.

Understanding healthcare abroad gives you confidence. With MedOne Assistance, you’re never navigating the system alone.

When traveling abroad, even small health issues can become big problems if you’re not prepared. A well-equipped medical travel kit can help you manage minor problems and avoid unnecessary stress.

At MedOne Assistance, operating from the Dominican Republic and serving travelers worldwide, we recommend packing a smart kit that matches your needs and destination.

Here’s what to include:

1. Universal basics: pain relievers, fever reducers, adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, thermometer.

2. Personal prescriptions: bring enough for the entire trip plus extra, stored in original containers with prescriptions.

3. Allergy and stomach relief: antihistamines, anti-diarrheal tablets, rehydration salts.

4. Sun and insect protection: sunscreen, after-sun lotion, repellent.

5. Travel comfort items: motion sickness tablets, hand sanitizer, lip balm.

6. Medical documentation: health summary, updated prescriptions, and insurance details.

7. Emergency contacts: local emergency numbers and your assistance provider.

Tip: If you need specialized medication or treatment abroad, MedOne Assistance coordinates with local pharmacies and healthcare providers to ensure continuity of care—no matter where you are.

Traveling with a prepared kit means fewer worries and more time to enjoy your journey.

Many travelers think travel insurance is enough to keep them protected, but there’s a key distinction between insurance and medical assistance.

Insurance = financial coverage. It reimburses costs after you’ve paid and submitted paperwork.

Medical assistance = active support. It coordinates everything at the moment you need care, ensuring you get to the right place immediately.

Example:

• Insurance: you break your arm abroad, pay the hospital bill, and later submit documents for reimbursement.

• Assistance: you break your arm abroad, MedOne Assistance arranges the hospital admission, coordinates payment, and keeps your family informed.

Why you need both: Insurance protects your wallet. Assistance protects your health and time. Together, they provide complete peace of mind.

From our 24/7 operations center in the Dominican Republic, MedOne Assistance acts as your personal emergency command center, no matter where you are.

As the seasons change, so do health risks for travelers. Fall and winter bring flu, respiratory infections, and cold-weather injuries.

At MedOne Assistance, we help travelers prepare for these seasonal challenges so they can enjoy their trips safely.

Tips for fall and winter travel:

1. Get recommended vaccines: flu and COVID-19 boosters can reduce your risk before crowded trips.

2. Protect yourself in airports: use hand sanitizer, wear a mask in crowded spaces, and avoid close contact if feeling unwell.

3. Stay warm and layered: hypothermia and frostbite can happen faster than you think.

4. Be cautious with winter sports: skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating carry high injury risks—make sure you’re insured and covered by assistance.

5. Stay hydrated: cold weather often masks dehydration.

6. Know evacuation options: some mountain or remote destinations may require specialized medical transport.