Moving abroad is a huge process, and one that will completely change your life and the way you live it. During something so major, it’s easy to let your health fall on the back burner.
However, the stress associated with a move of this magnitude can have a massive impact on our health, which is why it’s actually more important to take care of yourself during this time. Not only this, but you should be considering your health in the future, and what it might look like once you have settled in your new country.
If you’re moving overseas, here’s what you need to be thinking about health-wise.
Preparing for the Move
Being prepared is always one of the most important things you can do. But how can one prepare for good health during a move?
First of all, make sure you’re well researched and prepared for health and medical considerations once you arrive. Your medical records are just some of the many important documents you’ll need to take with you when you move abroad, and you’ll need to find a local doctor and nearby hospital as soon as you arrive.
On the other hand, you can also prepare for the most chaotic period of the move (usually the last two weeks leading up to moving day) by setting yourself a schedule to rest and exercise between backing, preparing and freezing some meals so you don’t rely on too much takeout, and keeping your stress levels in-check.
Health Insurance
When it comes to planning for the future, one of the most important things you can do is look into expat health insurance for international citizens and figure out your options in that department.
The chances are, your current health insurance won’t cover you if you’re living in another country, and you’ll have to cancel it before you move. That being said, it might be tough to get private health insurance as a foreigner in certain countries, so opting for international health insurance specifically designed for expats might be your best option. As a foreigner, being without health insurance is a major no-no, so make sure this is figured out before you get on that plane!
Researching Healthcare Systems
Health insurance or no, you need to have at least a vague understanding of the healthcare system of your destination country – they’re all vastly different and might not be what you expect. Some places offer comprehensive public healthcare to everyone including expats, but other countries reserve their public services for its citizens.
More than this, it’s a good idea to simply have an idea of how the healthcare system works, which hospitals and doctors will be available to you, what’s in your area, what healthcare costs might look like, whether you will have access to your chronic medication, etc.
Vaccinations and Health Precautions
When moving abroad, certain countries might require specific vaccinations (or they might require vaccinations from people from certain locations). Make sure that you do thorough research on this during your visa process, so that you can produce any necessary certificates upon arrival and avoid the risk of being sent back because you haven’t had a shot.
You should also be keenly aware of any health concerns in specific areas, such as areas that are high risk for Malaria, for example. This shouldn’t necessarily deter you from your move, but it’s crucial to be aware so that you can take any precautions.
Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle
As we’ve already noted, moving is a huge and stressful process, and it’s easy to fall out of your usual health and fitness habits. Some people might even struggle to pick them back up again once they’ve settled in their new home! This is why it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle throughout the journey.
You might have to cancel your gym membership a while before the move, but there are loads of ways to exercise without going to the gym. Lean into running, cycling, and at-home workouts during the moving process, as these are easy to keep up no matter where in the world you are. You should also take care of your nutrition and avoid relying on takeout too often – good nutrition is essential for keeping up your energy levels.
Regular Health Check-Ins
After such a huge life change and stressful period, being able to check-in with your general practitioner is important, and even afterwards, routine doctor’s visits are imperative for staying on top of your health.
Consider discussing your move with your doctor before you leave and whether you should be taking any supplements to assist with the stress and extra energy expenditure. Once you arrive in your destination city, prioritize finding a new general practitioner that you feel comfortable with and get checked out as soon as you can.
