Archive for the ‘Bolivia Travel Tips’ Category
How to Get Medical Care in Bolivia
Healthcare in Bolivia ranks very low among countries in the Western hemisphere, and the country has the highest child mortality rate in South America. If you plan to travel to Bolivia, your work to ensure you remain healthy while there should begin well before you ever leave the comfort of your ergonomic chair and your computer.
Read up on the geography and people of Bolivia, and arrange to have the proper vaccinations four to eight weeks before you depart. Make sure you have adequate supplies of prescription medications, and take along over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen and anti-diarrheal drugs. Iodine tablets for purifying water and mosquito repellants are also strongly recommended.
You will need to obtain from your physician an International Certificate of Vaccination, and if you use medications requiring syringes or needles (like insulin), have a physician’s letter on-hand documenting the necessity of the medications.
If your health insurance does not cover medical care abroad, buy travel insurance that does provide for healthcare in Bolivia. Find out in advance whether the insurance pays providers directly or reimburses you after medical treatment. And keep in mind that in Bolivia, credit cards are not readily accepted as payment for private medical care.
The following vaccinations are recommended for travelers to Bolivia:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Yellow Fever
- Typhoid
- Rabies
- Measles / mumps / rubella
- Tetanus / diphtheria
Diseases found in Bolivia that are rare in the US include waterborne diseases like typhoid fever, hepatitis A, and various types of diarrhea. Dengue fever, yellow fever, malaria, and leptospirosis are also present in Bolivia.
In order to get the most enjoyment from your trip to Bolivia, you need to prepare for health care needs well before you depart. Keep in mind that outside major cities like La Paz, high-quality health care will be more difficult to access.