Travel to Europe

Italy and pacemakers

by Selwyn - 2017-11-10 13:08:58

What a shock to read this!!

I am not Italian. I have travelled to Italy with my pacemaker. 

Should I travel to the USA? Possibly not as the health insurance is so high.

Italy fits, per head of population, as many pacemakers/ICDs as the USA.  In fact, after Germany, Italy is next as having the highest pacemaker insertion rate in Europe.

Health care in Italy is as good as the USA, and is not going to cost an 'arm and leg'.

You should have private health care insurance for travel (my, world wide cover excludes the USA in view of the exorbitant costs of your health care).

Good job I am not Mafia! Italy is not a back water. It has sophisticated health care, lovely people, wonderful food, great scenery. Even the Mediterranean diet is  healthy.

There actually is health care outside of the USA.  It would do you good to travel.

Take your pacemaker/ICD international ID card with you. 

Happy travelling,

Selwyn

Italy is fantastic, even with an ICD !

by IAN MC - 2017-11-11 09:22:16

 Ciao Dogpark   :  I echo Selwyn's comments .   I am a European ( UK ) .  For a variety of reasons , I would have far greater concerns about going to the US with a pacemaker / ICD  than I would to most European countries.

I used to vist the US fairly often but no more  !!  I agree with Selwyn , health costs in the US  have become so ridiculously high that the rest of the world ( and Europe in particular )  is looking far more attractive ..... less chance of getting shot too   :-)

In the highly unlikely event that you have a medical emergency ring 112 , Calls are free and, believe it or not, they will speak English if necessary. The USA emergency number, 911,  does not work in Europe.

You will have a great time in Italy

Ian

Hi

by Bionic Beat - 2017-11-11 19:59:43

Just wanted to say, I hope you have a wonderful trip.  Dont worry about having an implant, they have better hospital food probably.  <joke>

You wont be needing their hospitals, you'll be having too much fun.

Relax and enjoy........

Bionic Beat

Europe treatment

by ToNy - 2018-01-01 10:05:48

Hey 

in 2012 I received two treatments from ICD in chamonix, France. Close to the Italian border. 

I was snowboarding on the back of a mountain and was my first treatment since receiving the device. I had two treatments over a couple minutes. I Didn't Know quite what to do and was two scared to move so friends got help.

I ended up being airlifted by helicopter to the nearest hospital, although no one spoke English they were amazing and drove me to the nearest hospital with an English speaking dr. He gave me some recommendations and was back on my way.

make sure you get travel insurance and complete the pre existing conditions with 100% accurate information. My bill was 11 thousand dollars and was covered completely. 

Enjoy your trip.