The Dominican Republic medical blog will feature weekly posts about health related issues in the Caribbean. Our primary focus will be in the tourist area on the north coast of the island including Sosua, Cabarete, Puerto Plata and Samana! We will cover everything the Caribbean traveler will need to know before any medical situation arises.

Our postings will cover issues such as travel insurance, local doctors, private medical facilities, emergency situations, precautions to take while visiting and everything you can think of that relates to Dominican Republic medical.

In the next post we will cover what safety items to pack and why it is important to bring your own personal medical kit. We will also advise about food and water precautions. Visit the Dominican Republic medical blog regularly for updates about health related issues that affect the Caribbean and prevention measures every traveler should know to insure a wonderful vacation holiday in paradise.

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Ask your health insurance company if you are covered in the Dominican Republic for some of the risky excursions you may be considering like river rafting, windsurfing or scuba diving! Ask if there are any pre-authorizations required under the terms of your policy before treatment can begin in an emergency situation. Will you be required to make full payment to the the Dominican medical facility and be reimbursed upon your return to the U.S. or will your health provider pay the hospital and doctors directly.

Make sure you find out where and how to contact your U.S. consular officer in the event of a serious injury. The U.S. consular officer will be able to offer valuable medical information and tell you what you will need to do, inform family members in the United States and assist in getting any necessary funds transferred to the Dominican Republic medical facility if required to do so.

It is important for you to have the medical facts prior to your trip. If you have Social Security medical coverage you need to know that there would be no coverage available to you outside the United States. Many other health providers do not offer protection outside the country either.

Even if your medical insurance does offer payment to Dominican medical centers it may be the policy of the Dominican doctor or medical facility to require payment from you before any medical attention is offered. If you have no money or coverage the Dominican facility may refuse to provide medical assistance.

When traveling to the Caribbean carry your health insurance identification card and take a couple of claim forms with that your carrier uses.

You may also want to look into travel insurance that includes emergency medical 24 hour assistance worldwide. Many of these plans also include insurance for the flight, lost luggage and more. There are many different companies and ever more types of plans. Shop around for a comprehensive travel plan and make sure that your are dealing with a worldwide company with a B+ rating or higher and make sure you have medical evacuation coverage.

The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.

Americans traveling in the Dominican Republic should be aware that Dominican hospitals often require payment at the time of service and may take legal measures to prevent patients from departing the country prior to payment.

Health insurance, including provision for medical evacuation, is recommended. There are good hospitals and other private medical facilities located in Puerto Plata, ten minutes from Sosua.

Bring adequate supplies of your medications in their original containers. Get a a signed, dated letter from your physician describing all medical conditions and listing all medications you will be taking with you. Pack all medications in carry-on luggage.

Bring your insurance documents. Ask your insurance provider if your insurance plan will make payments directly to the hospital or reimburse you later.

Medicare and Medicaid programs do not pay for medical services outside the United States.

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While the water is potable in many parts of the Dominican Republic, travelers are still advised to drink bottled water as a precaution. Bottled water is widely available throughout the country and because of the strength of the Caribbean sun, it is recommended that vacationers drink at least 10 glasses a day to avoid dehydration.

It is essential for travelers to the Dominican Republic to pack sun screen of SPF 15 or higher, again, due to the strength of the Caribbean sun. In addition, for those traveling to jungle locales, mosquito repellent is strongly recommended.

Technorati Tags: Dominican Medical Precautions