Medical Considerations for Safari

[trbrooks73]

I am not sure this is in the right forum, but I am confident the discussion is relevant to everyone on international safari hunts. What medical planning should one take for possible emergency situations?

You see, I am a very healthy man of 50 years age. I have been on several safari’s. In 2023 while on safari and having achieved all of my goals, we had one day left and decided to do some predator hunting. Nothing serious, just a casual morning of hunting fun. And then, I slipped on a rock, lost the footing completely as I tried to catch myself, and down I went onto a sharp boulder below where I was standing. The result, 3 completely fractured ribs, and a hemothorax (internal bleeding in the chest cavity around my right lung).

A solid and painful journey that day found me in a hospital emergency room, then surgical room for a drainage tube, and intensive care unit for a few days. When the drainage tube was removed, I was told to attempt no air travel for 14 days minimum. So after an extra 16 days in country, I am able to return home.

I had not subscribed for any travel insurance or international medical plans. All of my expenses were cover as Private and out of pocket. For new travelers and return travelers alike, what should we include in our planning for possible emergencies? Is there good travelers insurance that is worth it and covers additional expenses if you get held back from returning as planned? Is there medical insurance that will cover the majority of unexpected expenses if one is injured abroad?

Given my situation, and my ignorance or what steps could be taken, I thought this could make a meaningful topic. I purposely did not mention the country of my trip as I think the destination is not important but rather what should be considered regardless of the destination.

I look forward to learning from the group.

 

[Spooksar]

I have had travel insurance for years, never used it but came close. Also had Global Rescue on top of it, but I recently changed to AMA insurance here in Canada and they cover everything

 

[Ontario Hunter]

I have had travel insurance for years, never used it but came close. Also had Global Rescue on top of it, but I recently changed to AMA insurance here in Canada and they cover everything

I have travel insurance through my homeowners plan. Homeowners is Intact (formerly ING of Netherlands before 2009 mortgage meltdown) but I think travel insurance is another outfit. Not sure if it's worth the paper it's written on. I'd like to know more about AMA.

In Canada it is almost uncommon for individuals to not have travel insurance. We have socialized medicine that covers everything ... here. But travel across the 49th and have an emergency and we are at the mercy of private medical care that operate with an eyepatch and cutlass. Fortunately, I am a US disabled vet so VA will take care of me south of the border ... if I can get to a facility.

 

[Philip Glass]

I am not sure this is in the right forum, but I am confident the discussion is relevant to everyone on international safari hunts. What medical planning should one take for possible emergency situations?

You see, I am a very healthy man of 50 years age. I have been on several safari’s. In 2023 while on safari and having achieved all of my goals, we had one day left and decided to do some predator hunting. Nothing serious, just a casual morning of hunting fun. And then, I slipped on a rock, lost the footing completely as I tried to catch myself, and down I went onto a sharp boulder below where I was standing. The result, 3 completely fractured ribs, and a hemothorax (internal bleeding in the chest cavity around my right lung).

A solid and painful journey that day found me in a hospital emergency room, then surgical room for a drainage tube, and intensive care unit for a few days. When the drainage tube was removed, I was told to attempt no air travel for 14 days minimum. So after an extra 16 days in country, I am able to return home.

I had not subscribed for any travel insurance or international medical plans. All of my expenses were cover as Private and out of pocket. For new travelers and return travelers alike, what should we include in our planning for possible emergencies? Is there good travelers insurance that is worth it and covers additional expenses if you get held back from returning as planned? Is there medical insurance that will cover the majority of unexpected expenses if one is injured abroad?

Given my situation, and my ignorance or what steps could be taken, I thought this could make a meaningful topic. I purposely did not mention the country of my trip as I think the destination is not important but rather what should be considered regardless of the destination.

I look forward to learning from the group.

1. Buy Global Rescue or Ripcord Travel insurance with medical evacuation.
2. learn about where you are going and the nearest hospital.
3. Ask your PH ahead of time if they carry a real, professional first aid kit.
4. Bring a personal first aid kit.

These are just a few tips to consider for the next safari.
Philip

 

[Tokoloshe Safaris]

I would say that medical evacuation insurance. Would be a number one priority.
South Africa has medical care comparable with most US medical care.

I have been undergoing cancer treatment i RSA going into the third month. One major op and upto 4 radiation chemo treatments a day. During this period of time my wife ended up with 2 operation one critical which saved her life. Three total days in ICU. I have paid for the both of us (no insurance). Total cost for the both of us less than $20,000.00. Cost for a medavac plane to the US $132,000.00.

 

[Doug3006]

I’ve always used Global Rescue when I’ve gone to Africa. Thankfully I’ve never needed it. Also, check with your healthcare insurer. Some will reimburse you for emergency medical care overseas. Some insurers offer term coverage for an additional fee.

 

[Tanks]

1. Buy Global Rescue or Ripcord Travel insurance with medical evacuation.
2. learn about where you are going and the nearest hospital.
3. Ask your PH ahead of time if they carry a real, professional first aid kit.
4. Bring a personal first aid kit.

These are just a few tips to consider for the next safari.
Philip

^^^ QFT

Also, consider your current medical situation. I had hernia earlier this year. My doctor said it is not much of an issue (e.g. rush to surgery), however if I experienced pain I needed to head to ER ASAP.

Well, considering the best medical facilities in Zim are in the next country over after a long drive just to get to an airport from the hunting area I decided not to take a chance and had the hernia repair surgery about 10 weeks before my hunt in October.

 

[Rafiki]

As an indestructible (thinking) Marine, vintage 1947, I concur with what has been said thus far. I’d like to add a few of things to the list.

• Yes, buy medical and evacuation insurance but be sure to read the fine print. There are different “levels” to purchase so make sure that you will be covered sufficiently, there are rules & limitations on these plans as you would expect from any insurance product.
• Snakes ARE an issue to plan for. I came face to face with a couple of Black Mambas and another person had an encounter with a Puff Adder. Thankfully each of these encounters ended with no harm to person or snake. To this day I do not know if there was anti-venom available in close enough proximity to do any good.
• Be in reasonably good shape. Personally, I hike a lot as a normal routine and avoid jogging; jogging is unnecessary and hard on your knees. Seek out hills, uneven terrain, brush, whatever.
• Lose that extra weight or at least attempt to (personal experience). They say a camera add 10lbs, OK, but not 50lbs.
• Carry that heavy DG rifle everywhere practical. Obviously, there are limitations to where you can go without giving someone a heart attack or coming to the displeasure of the local constable.
• Even if you feel great get a medical checkup a few months ahead of departure. There’s always the chance that you may not be as well as you feel.

 

[Nyati]

Yes, accidents do happen, I fractured two ribs in RSA last year, fortunately they stayed in place, and I was able to complete my Safari just some pain and discomfort, but bearable.

When I travel out of Spain I take a specific travel insurance policy from AXA.

 

[MarkB]

Outstanding post.

First few safaris when I was "younger" never got medical insurance BUT I was serving in Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) so had best coverage worldwide. Needed it in Zim, imagine one second you are jumping rock to rock looking for a big bushbuck in a riverine, then get a little fuzzy. Next your half naked, shirt open, laying on your back with a very sore tongue with a PH (Wayne on here) and a few trackers all starring at you looking worried. WTH Seams I had a grand mal seizure mid jump with subsequent tumbling. A life's first. Luckily we had successfully done the ele as hunt immediately ended only one day early. Wayne took me to a doc, who could really do nothing, I was feeling OK and any scan was days away.

When back in Canada and many specialist visits later my seizure was proven a side effect of the malaria drugs the CAF prescribed me. Never again.

Next couple safaris were scare free without issue but I was still in CAF.

Now 2021 and retired, I used my lifelong Blue Cross insurance but as I was outside BC (my home Province) more than 42 days I purchased full coverage including all Covid option's. Glad I did as I tested positive day before exit flights in Joberg. Lockdown 14 days at Airport hotel, then emergency hospital due to bad pneumonia. After hospital and Allianz had a fight about $20K US up front funds I was escorted out of hospital. Went to Sun Rock Guest House with bag of drugs/vitamins and meds not allowed in Canada that the doc prescribed, treatment was awesome as was Sun Rocks owners assistance. Then after another 8 days boarded a plane for home.

After home I had a one way conversation with a top senior at Allianz, they understood their mistake and immediately paid every invoice I sent in full.

So all this to say I will always from now on buy the same Blue Cross and Allianz insurance, small price to pay for peace of mind and wallet.

Being Canadian things are different for us but I would strongly implore all who depart their normal residence Province to look into travel medical insurance (security). Also read the fine print, understand what and what not is covered and make sure you phone the numbers on the travel package before you depart Canada. In case they send an old package with incorrect numbers.

Accidents happen, insurance is a small safety item to add to safari planning.

MB

 

[Happy Myles]

I also encourage you to purchase Global Rescue. Insurance acceptance may vary from country to country, so get home as quickly as possible. I have had to use African hospitals twice over the decades. Once in Windhoek where service was outstanding for injuries caused by a leopard. Also once in Kampala for stomach blockage and service was a nightmare.

 

[Laura AK64north]

What medical planning should one take for possible emergency situations?

I didn't hunt last year--visited, Zimbabwe in anticipation of a hunt in 2025. I wanted to travel with peace of mind.

I purchased Global Rescue, medical, and extraction insurance for the month. I purchased a Garmin In-reach, knowing I might not have phone service in some areas I was going to. It isn't just the medical treatment. If the situation is such that only a professional team should stabilize and move you quickly, then getting you to proper medical help, possibly lifted out, is important. Global Rescue can arrange that.

The person I was with had a proper first aid kit (I asked ahead of time), but if you are uncertain, pack one. "Stop-the-Bleed" has a good program if you want training, though I expect most on this list with military or other training already know what to do. For those who do not, I recommend firearms users and their families in my community at home take a "Stop-the-Bleed" class.

Laura

 

[Altitude sickness]

Remember that with Global Rescue and Ripcord, you must contact them first. It’s important that everyone you are with is aware to call them first.

They will contact the closest and best emergency service.

it’s cheap piece of mind

 

[AimSmall]

^^^^
Laura has a good point with the Inreach. To get help, you need a way to communicate when you are OTG.

 

[JD Noblin]

I have used Global Rescue for years and highly recommend the company....as stated before, make sure you understand what level of services you are purchasing. I get the medal and security.

As a secondary layer of medical, I also use GeoBlue International Medical Insurance that covers the duration of the trip. Usually get $1M for $80 on a 14-day safari.

 

[Altitude sickness]

JD, what does the GeoBlue policy cover they the GR policy is lacking.

 

[DieJager]

Got worldwide health coverage. We have government mandated health insurance. I chose to upgrade mine to worldwide coverage. Also got a separate hunting insurance, also mandatory if you have a hunting license over here. Got the worldwide package which seems to cover up to 5 million euros.

 

[PARA45]

I also encourage you to purchase Global Rescue. Insurance acceptance may vary from country to country, so get home as quickly as possible. I have had to use African hospitals twice over the decades. Once in Windhoek where service was outstanding for injuries caused by a leopard. Also once in Kampala for stomach blockage and service was a nightmare.

I'm sure I'm not alone on this. If you don't mind sharing your leopard encounter, on a separate post.

 

[Scott CWO]

I have Ripcord and an InReach. I text them from camp with InReach when I arrive so they have my GPS location. I also take my InReach with me every day. Glad I had it when attacked in CAR. Ripcord was great when I needed help. I don’t go anywhere without Ripcord and InReach now. If I leave the camp or cruiser, the InReach is with me on every stalk or hike.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

I have travel insurance through my homeowners insurance company. However, I think I need to read the fine print. When I'm outside Canada in USA I can get care at Veterans Admin clinics or hospitals if I need it.

Rafiki's post is bang on. Yes, jogging is a good way to mess up knees. Dr told me that forty years ago. Just walk vigorously. I live in a house with a flight of nine stairs into the basement. I do regular reps going up and down the stairs as quick as I can. Up and down is one rep and I usually do thirty reps. Great exercise as I can hang onto the rail to keep myself steady.

Yesterday I carried my ten pound 404 Jeff all the way to the top of a mountain where I shot several elk in the 70s and 80s. Could have hauled the lighter 30-06 but I wanted to see how this gun would handle in rough country (brushy enough to lose a hearing aid without knowing it!). It was okay. Think I'll change to a thinner sling.

Rafiki's advice about push-outs from the dinner table is something 90% of North Americans need to consider carefully. We are a disgustingly overweight population (myself excluded!). Not just necessary for hunting Africa. Anyone with a family needs to look after loved ones by looking after themselves. Be an example for your grandkids. An example that may save their life someday.