When medical disaster strikes

LONDON, England (CNN) -- When a business trip goes wrong, it really can go wrong. And we're not talking about cancelled flights, or being stuck in a hotel room due to floods.

Take the businessman who traveled to sub-Saharan Africa, who was bitten my a mosquito, left the region blissfully unaware that he had contracted malaria and traveled to an island on the Mediterranean. Here the symptoms struck, he was rushed to hospital and diagnosed. Unfortunately, the hospital couldn't offer the necessary medication to treat the illness and he was placed in a life-threatening situation.

Then there was the traveling musician who fell whilst talking a walk in Nepal and seriously damaged his hand. The hospital in the area was unable to administer the medical care required and suddenly his guitar-playing career was in jeopardy.

In both cases, help came in the form of an emergency evacuation by the medical assistance company, International SOS, that flew the malaria-stricken businessman to Vienna for treatment and the guitar player to Bangkok where he was operated on so he could continue with his tour.

Most businesses now offer their traveling employees with travel insurance that, in the least, covers medical expenses. Insurers will use medical assistance companies such as International SOS or FirstAssist that arrange transportation to the nearest hospital or medical facility where the insured can receive appropriate care.

But as Barry Dyer, one of International SOS's senior co-ordinating doctors in London, says, their work begins with prevention. Because even though most emergencies are unexpected, there is still a great deal travelers can do to prepare for the worst.

First there are the vaccinations and malaria prevention. Travellers are advised to get in contact with their doctor or a travel clinic six weeks before travel.

International SOS also advises travellers about the type and quality of medical care they might face at a destination. One consideration is the security of blood supplies, says Dyer. "If a traveller needs a blood transfusion, they need to know if they should go elsewhere to get the blood."

Pre-trip planning will also prepare travellers for the peculiarities of healthcare provision in different counties. For example, Mexico doesn't have a public ambulance service and there isn't a national number to call if you have an accident. "You need numbers of local Red Cross services, but this can be hard to plan for if you are going to a remote area," says Dyer.

Payment methods also vary by country. Turn up in a hospital in some parts of China or Africa and if you haven't got the upfront payment or credit card, then they won't help you.

Certain conditions can be exacerbated as a result of increased travel, he adds. "If, for example, you have underlying anemia, this may cause a problem if you visit high-altitude areas. Even if you go to Denver, Colorado which is 500ft above sea level, you might be compromised," he says.

And double-check that your insurance policy covers pre-existing conditions, he adds.

And for those travellers sticking to the well-trodden routes, there are still some considerations to bear in mind.

In addition to the heart attack, another cause for serious concern can be as simple as the common cold. As Dyer says, when congested, the middle ear cannot equalize the pressure when flying which can cause pain and in some cases perforation, vertigo and hearing loss.

Steam inhalation and decongestants can reduce symptoms, but if there is a real blockage, Dyer's advice is not to fly ... no matter how important the next meeting is.

For more information

Information about the potential health risks at countries around the world can be found on the World Health Organization's website. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) also has comprehensive travel advice by country, including information about UK embassies.

And when you are abroad, the local embassy or consulate is another resource for medical attention or information. E-mail to a friend

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