Get Sick Overseas? Consult a Doctor and CSA Will Help You Get Healthy Again

You’re honeymooning in Paris. You get the flu. Your doctor’s in Denver. Now what?

We all have peace of mind about being able to reach a doctor when we’re home. But what about when we’re traveling or vacationing?

Consult A Doctor to the rescue!   This cloud-based telemedicine provider offers “24/7/365 access to board-certified physicians in all 50 states” and has recently expanded into the travel industry, according to a press release posted at finance.yahoo.com.

If you’re using the service, doctors can remotely order care over the phone or online.

Marriott Rewards^® users also can now apply their Marriott Rewards points to obtain 24/7 access to Consult A Doctor’s telemedicine services through its CSA Travel Protection (CSA) offering, according to the press release.

“Marriott Rewards shares our commitment to offering travelers the highest level of travel protection benefits available,” Kathy Townend, CSA Product Manager, said in the press release. “With CSA’s Protect Me Plan, Marriott Rewards members can travel at ease as they enjoy 24/7 access to U.S. board-certified physicians no matter their destination — whether that be in the U.S. or abroad. The Consult A Doctor telemedicine service represents a level of support, safety and convenience that you just cannot find anywhere else.”

The cost? Consult A Doctor’s website says it can be as low as $5.95 a month.

Users of Consult a Doctor receive remote consultations via telephone, secure email, video and mobile applications, the press release states. (CSA offers the Consult A Doctor service with many of its other travel insurance packages.)

“As part of our dedication to providing affordable travel insurance services, Consult A Doctor was the obvious choice when selecting a healthcare coverage enhancement for our On Demand Medical Care program,” said Townend in the press release. “Consult A Doctor’s service has proven itself as a valuable market differentiator that has generated great interest from our consumers and prospects. With round-the-clock access to Consult A Doctor’s national network of licensed physicians, consumers save both time and money and enjoy their travel with a sense of confidence and security.”

Consult A Doctor originally partnered with CSA in January 2010, allowing CSA consumers to tap into its national physician network for non-emergency consultations.

What about paying for any costs you incur if you do become sick or injured when out of the country? The U.S. Department of State recommends that travelers ask their medical insurance company if their policy applies overseas, and if it covers emergency expenses such as medical evacuation. If it does not, consider supplemental insurance.