Health

The greatest wealth is health.  ~Virgil

Taking care of your health both physical and mental is extremely important before you go overseas, while you are overseas and when you return home.

Prior to going overseas you will probably need to get vaccinations and health checks, be sure to follow the advice/guidance of your sending agency. Be sure that you are mentally ready for your assignment. Attend the pre-depature trainings that your organisation will schedule for you or attend one of Comhlamh's predeparture sessions.

While overseas listen to your body, find out the contact details and location for your nearest Doctor or hospital. Ask your organisation what provisions are made for you if you do get sick while you are abroad. Will they pay for your flight if you have to come home due to illness etc...

When you return home, it's a really good idea to get a full health check, even if you are feeling fine. Many tropical diseases only present themselves weeks maybe months after the person has returned.You may be low in some nutrients, vitamins etc. as a result of a change in diet while you were overseas. If you do have any health concerns when you return, visit your Dr. immediately, don't let it linger. If you do visit your Dr. in the first few months when you return home for whatever reason (a flu, cough etc..) be sure to let them know that you have worked overseas in a developing country, they need the full picture to offer you a diagnosis.

For information on pre-departure medical screening and vaccines and for post-exposure apointments contact The Tropical Medical Bureau. Locations throughout Ireland.

Comhlámh offers a personal debriefing service for returnees who would like to discuss issues which may have arisen during their placement. Comhámh also offers support to individuals for up to 10 sessions of theraputic counselling. Click on the links for more information or contact janet@comhlamh.org in complete confidence.

Private Health Insurance

A number of companies offer private health insurance in Ireland. Voluntary Health Insurance VHI is the largest provider with Laya the second, followed by Aviva. 

Health insurance is used to pay for private care in hospital or from various health professionals in their practices or in hospitals.The arrangements vary from one company to another but most companies have agreements with hospitals that the company will pay the hospital directly. In general, you pay the health professional and then claim from the health insurance company.

The Finfacts website (Irelands Business and financial portal) offers a comparison table to help you choose which provider is best for you.