Our children are the most precious thing in the world. As soon as a baby develops a fever, cough or any other symptom, it’s natural for parents to worry. When living abroad, medical care for our little ones can amplify this worry. Infections, viruses or common illnesses can strike at any time, without warning, especially in infants and children, who have less developed immune systems than adults. A change in lifestyle can increase the risk. Whether it’s a heat rash, a cough caused by air conditioning on a plane, or more serious symptoms such as measles , it can all cause stress. In France, it’s usually easy to consult a pediatrician in the event of suspicious symptoms. However, this is not always the case abroad. It is therefore essential to have comprehensive health and repatriation insurance to cover all eventualities, as healthcare systems vary considerably from country to country, and in comparison with France.
Health challenges for children abroad
Our children are our most precious possession, and their health is a priority, especially when expatriating. Infants and children, with their still-fragile immune systems, are more exposed to infections, viruses and diseases. When leaving France, where pediatric care is readily available, it’s crucial to be prepared for the variability of healthcare systems around the world. In some countries, particularly developing ones, pediatric medical infrastructures can be limited. Frequent infections, changing climates and adaptation to a new environment increase the risks. Good preparation and appropriate expatriation health insurance are therefore essential.Before you leave…
Before taking your child abroad, it’s essential to take certain precautions to ensure his or her health and safety. Consult a pediatrician to check that vaccinations are up to date, especially those required for high-risk areas such as sub-Saharan Africa. Take advantage of this consultation to prepare a first-aid kit including essential medicines such as painkillers, digestive treatments and antiseptics, while respecting local legislation on medicines. It’s also crucial to find out about health and medical conditions in the host country. Find out about common illnesses, available paediatric facilities and local medical practices. Make sure that qualified pediatricians are nearby, that children’s medicines are readily available, and that hospitals have a suitable pediatric ward. This kind of advance preparation will enable you to approach your expatriation with peace of mind, and ensure the best possible care for your child should the need arise.What should I do if my child falls ill abroad?
If your child falls ill abroad, it’s essential to know how to act quickly and minimize the stress. In Africa, for example, medical infrastructures can vary greatly from one country to another. First and foremost, contact your international health insurance provider to check coverage and, if necessary, arrange a teleconsultation with a doctor who speaks your language. Make sure, too, that your policy includes appropriate cover, such as emergency medical repatriation or specific paediatric care, to compensate for any limitations in local healthcare systems. What’s more, a 24/7 teleconsultation service can be a great help in obtaining rapid medical advice and guiding your decisions.
Heart malformation in a 4-year-old child: Santexpat.fr’s support for this family
One of our customers and his family were planning to expatriate to Guinea-Conakry (Africa). Unfortunately, their 4-year-old child had been diagnosed with a heart condition requiring open-heart surgery, which could not be performed on the cardio-pediatric ward in their host country. Consequently, it was imperative to repatriate the child to Europe, more specifically to France or Germany. The family decided to return to France to be in their home country and to be able to communicate more easily with the medical staff in their mother tongue. After their repatriation, the Santexpat.fr team immediately took charge of the child, admitting him to a hospital offering quality care adapted to his medical condition. The Santexpat.fr expert in charge of the case also ensured that the follow-up treatment went smoothly.Protect the health of your little ones abroad!
Children, especially infants, have more fragile immune systems, making them vulnerable to various viruses and diseases such as chickenpox, whooping cough and malaria. When you live abroad, the quality of pediatric care may not be up to the standard you experienced in your home country. Find out what vaccinations are required, what treatments are available, and what the protocols are for consulting a doctor in an emergency. Finally, always plan for a fallback solution, such as rapid repatriation to your home country if advanced care becomes necessary. Comprehensive health insurance, including repatriation assistance, is a must to protect your children in all eventualities.For example, a paediatric consultation in France costs between €32 and €60, while in the UK it can cost up to £120 (approx. €139) privately, with no reimbursement possible for uninsured expatriates. With international health insurance, you can avoid these unexpected expenses while guaranteeing quality care for your children.
