Money up front for Health Care

[Libby]

I spent the afternoon with an Aussie I met here in Scotland. Last night she noticed a few spots on her face and neck and today we went to the doctors. Guess what? Chickenpoxs! I didn't expect to be spending an afternoon looking for a doctors office or in a waitingroom, but I didn't want her to be alone at a time like this.

I think I'm ok, I've had them before, but i'm trying to send e-mails to everyone else we had been on tour with as they were around her when she was her most contagious.

But the point of this thread is she had to pay up front for her medical care and would have to wait to be re-embursed by her insurance. She thought they would be billed directly but it wasn't so. THe moral of the story is make sure you have access to some cash in case of emergencies like this.

[Eagle]

Libby, thanks for the warning! I think some travel medical insurance firms will pay all charges, provided they are contacted first by the Hospital (they provide a world-wide contact number with the policy). I usually use Travel Gold (I think that's the name?) from BCAA, and it's worked well so far although I haven't made many claims (hopefully I'll never have to claim).

Hopefully your friend has recovered by now, and this unfortunate occurrence won't put too much of a "damper" on her trip. Sounds like you're having quite the adventure so far!

Keep us posted. Cheers!!!

[peterW]

Your friend will have been contagious from about 2 days prior to the spots appearing and until they have crusted over. This following states :

When someone becomes infected, the pox usually appear 10 to 21 days later. People become contagious 1 to 2 days before breaking out with pox. They remain contagious while uncrusted blisters are present.

and comes from Medline Plus site.
The virus is very contageous while the individual is infectious.

Over 97% of the population have had chicken pox, and even if you can not remember having spots you have a good chance of being immune. I did not get spots, but two siblings did and I know I have antibodies to the virus.

Pregnant mothers and newborn children must seek medical attention.

Hope this helps you.