I'm realizing why as a Ugandan always on road I have never thought of even healthcare. Here we don't even have healthcare insurance unless if u do it as a luxury. When we get sick, u just go to clinics that are everywhere and get medicine. Most illnesses cost less than $10 to heal including famous malaria.... I'm even used to malaria that I nolonger feel weak with it but when my tongue starts to taste sour and some little weakness I go for malaria test, take $4 medication and I'm fine. I'm learning lots of things Dan, thank you for the lessons
@@TheRoadChoseMe I'm sorry to drag you to an old topic but 4yrs ago u did something called "Overland Profiles" and there was that couple that u showcase from Europe that drive around from North Africa to southern Africa in a small VW golf car. When I shown that video to my friends today in office they were thrilled to see how overland and expediting is just more of deciding to go out there more than wasting mind on which 4wd sturdy or special vehicle to acquire to go have experience. The reason I thank you for that, my own van is a Toyota Haice 1997 model, a 2 wheel drive and it's old but people still think I need a Landcruiser or G-wagon yet I'm just hitting the road without anything complex except a stove, a small sleeping platform inside and gas in tank. That's it. I would be happy to see any information u can load for us about other overlanders u met and the way they do it. Seeing how someone does it easily gives more of my guys courage to join in. Same with the couple that did it on motorcycles and a guy from Switzerland that was exploring Africa here on bicycle. Thank you Dan, sorry to bring this here
No worries at all, thanks very much for the feedback - I filmed those profiles for exactly that reason - I wanted to showcase real people out there doing it. It's not fancy. They don't have $100k "rigs" and they don't even care to attend an overland show or a "trail ride" they just want to have adventures around the globe. At the time I filmed them I don't think they got a great reception, because none of the vehicles where "wow" enough, and nobody had the latest and greatest gadgets to fuel consumption. Maybe I'll do similar again in the future when I'm on the road!
@@TheRoadChoseMe that would be great sure to see more others on road doing it. Myself I get happy whenever I'm on road then I bump Into someone doing adventures with much less resources or cars than what I considered basic myself. I was in Rwanda last year I found 2 girls from Belgium who had been on road in Africa for 14 months driving a 2 seater Toyota Datsun pick-up truck, with their gear in the canvas on back of pick-up... I was energized. My greatest surprise from you was seeing you Dan doing all these trips alone, it sealed my conviction I have had all along, u don't need to waste energy looking for a partner to travel with, u can do it on your own alone.... Thank you for the education, we have a globe to enjoy
Here’s a short story to reinforce the importance of carrying your own needles. In 1988 I was crossing the Sahara on an overland trip and caught a stomach bug. I was very ill, going from both ends to the point of dehydration. I ended up spending a night in ‘hospital’ in Tamranasset, Algeria. I was put on a saline IV drip, which was OK because I saw the doctor open the sealed package containing the IV needle. There were three other locals in my room and the doctor came around to give all of us a shot of something. I assumed it was antibiotics but my French wasn’t too good so I wasn’t quite sure. Anyway, I saw him using the same needle for the others. I refused, he insisted and with my bad French I was able to tell him that I had my own needles, which he agreed to use on me. I was very happy that my medical kit had sterilized sealed syringes.
It's crazy how recent so many health standards have come into place regarding blood. I'm sure that wouldn't be the case nowadays even if they reused needles they would probably be fresh sterile for each person. But even in America in the 80's wasn't that was caused the AIDS issue? along with contaminated blood transfusions spreading hepatitis and aids along with other blood illnesses. I will definitely be carrying my own needles. Thanks for your story that's amazing you did that.
Look at medevac insurance. This will typically pay for a private air ambulance, sometimes with your companion, either to your homeland or to the nearest appropriate facility. For instance, in Columbia the only Class1 emergency room is in MIAMI, US. That's where crash trauma victims need to be taken , and air ambulances ain't cheap.
1) Advanced First Aid course with St Johns Ambulance 2) Remote First Aid with St John's Ambulance. 3) Do both every year and be current. 4) Buy a bag and build your own first aid kit.
Good video. I worked in Angola for a while. The Brazilian company I worked for operated two hospitals. Their advice was not to take prophylactics against malaria because they'd cover up the onset of the disease and make it harder to treat. They had 24 hour walk-in clinics and said you should attend as soon as you felt any sign of illness. I covered up rigorously and, thank God, never caught it. Some of my colleagues caught it and one poor sod died from it - he concealed his illness because he wanted to catch the flight back to Brazil for Christmas. It's a very important subject you have raised.
Good advise on carrying a flash light in your first aid kit. I have decided to carry a spare headlamp in case I need to use both hands in a medical emergency.
Longtime viewer! I´m really enjoying this new type of content you are producing: helpful, insightful, to the point. You really make it sound and look like you are talking to some old friends and not to a camera. Keep it up!
Malaria isnt funny. Mozzi got me in Bamako just before I travelled back to SA. Nearly died. A pharmacy in Africa are well stocked as you mentioned and 99.9% of the time you can get prescription medicine without a prescription. But not in SA. No chance of that here.
A topic I would love a future video on: Where do you spend the nights? Do you drive off the road to find a spot (maybe that's a huge plus with having a capable off road vehicle?), park at the side of the road, pay to sleep at designated camp sites, sleep in villages, or a mix of them all? Do you ever get waken by somebody saying you can't sleep there, or scared because you hear people or animals outside?
Good tip on the flashlight. I never thought about that. The only worry with that is making sure the batteries are fresh, as all batteries self discharge over time
Use Lithium disposable batteries. Unless your flashlight itself uses some power when off (some programmable flashlights do) they have a storage life of up to 20 years. Nevertheless, you should be refreshing expired medications and salves every year -- a perfect time to replace the batteries on your medkit's flashlight. I also have two chemlites in my kit. They're a decent substitute for a flashlight for near-distance use. They're also good for marking hazards at night (like the kind that caused the injury) and, when tied to a string and twirled in a circle, make decent night time signaling devices. But they do expire.
I am living in asia and malaria is like the rain it rain one side of the road the other side is dry same for malaria in my village never happen a single timein 20 years the next village it's like epidemic
I really like your videos....im not sure if you covered the topic about water....for people from Europe or USA....its not safe to drink tap water for instance...i know for fact some people got really sick...i got lucky travelin thru south america as well central america....p.s. i got no vaccination...stupid me....thanks for pointing out that...you dont even have to see a doctor to find out what vaccines are required /recomended....you can find it online for every country... for example you can check out passport health site...see ya on the trails 😀
One thing I'm missing on the list is Rabies immunization. Imo thats a must-have for anyone out in the wild and in remote areas. If you're bitten by an infected animal and aren't immune, your only chance is getting to a hospital on the same day before any symptoms show - otherwise death within 7 days is practically guaranteed. Btw - not everyone gets malaria. Some people are naturally immune to it. I don't think they figured out why though. In my 8 years of living in africa I only felt sick once and that was probably a mild flu. Same with my parents. It's not something I'd worry over too much.
Hi...you mentioned disinfection of needles..im emt and this is not acceptable....sterilisation !!.... if needed...in developed countries we use disposable....so if you really need one...take your own...it depends on why you really need them...maybe i misunderstood what you mean...apologies is so...be safe out there....peace...
Another great video! I’d like to see more of your roof top tent setup. I saw the installation video, and some interior glimpses now and then, but would love a more detailed video. What’s it like? How did you chose that model? What do you like/dislike? What would you consider different next time? Does it work with two people? Etc.
@@TheRoadChoseMe Yeah I'm most interested in the integrated RTT. That seems like the best version of a RTT for me. Having access from inside is amazing.
We’re heading to West Africa and beyond April 2021 with our 4 year old and a dog. More than a few have traveled the length and breadth with kids of all ages. Just go.
Were you ever concerned about catching Ebola? I guess that would be my greatest fear as far as illness goes. For a video idea I'd like to see how you clean up after a meal. Do you always use water, some kind of disinfecting spray or what? Thanks!
It can come back, but it really only lies dormant if you've been taking the "prevention" medication and the symptoms are kind of hidden. I took a full course of the cure which should have taken care of it. Last time I had it (Angola) was in mid 2016. All fine since then.
Malaria is probably my biggest fear traveling to Africa. How did you manage to stay comfortable living in your Jeep while having Malaria? Did you get a motel while sick?
In Mali I was camping at a place that had rooms, so I did get one for a couple of nights with A/C. The second time I was on the side of the road in Angola, I just had to put up with it. If you're really worried, just take Malarone everyday, that's what it's for!
After I had it the first time, I did carry the "cure" in my fridge for the rest of the trip, AND the injectable version which is much stronger, and it's what they would have given me if I got to a clinic.
i mean needles are cheap and easy to carry but do they really cause strife when properly disinfected? i feel like its not a big issue.. if it spread AIDS or anything from person to person would the hospitals over there really be agreeing to that practice
Where do you plan to go? How many miles do you drive per year? is gas normally cheaper than diesel in your area? Which kind of driving are you doing? Do you tow a lot? These are the questions that need to be asked. It's much more in-depth than just "what do you recommend".
I make few trips a year (3000 miles round trip) with faimly. I won’t tow. About 15000-18000 miles per year driving. Diesel is about 30 cents more per gallon but diesel mileage is better.
Great video, Dan. Thanks for addressing this important topic. Quick question for you about medical insurance... In my province you have to be present a certain # of days per year for your provincial insurance to remain in force (I think it works out to about 5 months out of 12). Will insurance like World Nomads remain in effect if your provincial coverage lapses due to being out-of-country for an extended period? Additionally, are there any insurance carriers you'd suggest staying away from based on stories of "denied claims" you've heard from your fellow travelers?
Yes, World Nomads is designed specifically for people who go all over the world for years and years. It always works, doesn't matter a lick what your home country says about their health cover. Personally, I've never found another company that is as flexible and reliable, so it's the only one I consider.
Hi Brian, not sure what province you are from but in BC I'm pretty sure you can request to have an extended absence of up to 2 years and still keep your coverage. There are some conditions that go along with it but something to look into.
what happens if youre in the US and you have a car accident and are unconsciously sent to the emergency room? you didnt agree to the treatment and so forth.. when you wake up are you able to walk out of the hospital and possibly the country and not give mind to the bill if you dont plan to return?
Hospitals in the US will not turn anyone away in an emergency situation, regardless of their ability or intent to pay. If you won't/can't pay the bill (many don't, including US citizens) that cost is then passed on to future patients (or their insurance). It is a problem without a simple solution. It is popular to complain about healthcare costs in the US; but the research, development, and quality is world class.
@@CoveringFish how will they make me pay? and who else could they force the bill onto... im sure theres some degree of every bill is a little higher to cover costs of non payees but to what degree i dont know
I'm realizing why as a Ugandan always on road I have never thought of even healthcare. Here we don't even have healthcare insurance unless if u do it as a luxury. When we get sick, u just go to clinics that are everywhere and get medicine. Most illnesses cost less than $10 to heal including famous malaria.... I'm even used to malaria that I nolonger feel weak with it but when my tongue starts to taste sour and some little weakness I go for malaria test, take $4 medication and I'm fine.
I'm learning lots of things Dan, thank you for the lessons
Thanks for your real-world input, that's very helpful to everyone watching this!
@@TheRoadChoseMe I'm sorry to drag you to an old topic but 4yrs ago u did something called "Overland Profiles" and there was that couple that u showcase from Europe that drive around from North Africa to southern Africa in a small VW golf car. When I shown that video to my friends today in office they were thrilled to see how overland and expediting is just more of deciding to go out there more than wasting mind on which 4wd sturdy or special vehicle to acquire to go have experience.
The reason I thank you for that, my own van is a Toyota Haice 1997 model, a 2 wheel drive and it's old but people still think I need a Landcruiser or G-wagon yet I'm just hitting the road without anything complex except a stove, a small sleeping platform inside and gas in tank. That's it.
I would be happy to see any information u can load for us about other overlanders u met and the way they do it. Seeing how someone does it easily gives more of my guys courage to join in. Same with the couple that did it on motorcycles and a guy from Switzerland that was exploring Africa here on bicycle.
Thank you Dan, sorry to bring this here
No worries at all, thanks very much for the feedback - I filmed those profiles for exactly that reason - I wanted to showcase real people out there doing it. It's not fancy. They don't have $100k "rigs" and they don't even care to attend an overland show or a "trail ride" they just want to have adventures around the globe.
At the time I filmed them I don't think they got a great reception, because none of the vehicles where "wow" enough, and nobody had the latest and greatest gadgets to fuel consumption.
Maybe I'll do similar again in the future when I'm on the road!
@@TheRoadChoseMe that would be great sure to see more others on road doing it. Myself I get happy whenever I'm on road then I bump Into someone doing adventures with much less resources or cars than what I considered basic myself. I was in Rwanda last year I found 2 girls from Belgium who had been on road in Africa for 14 months driving a 2 seater Toyota Datsun pick-up truck, with their gear in the canvas on back of pick-up... I was energized.
My greatest surprise from you was seeing you Dan doing all these trips alone, it sealed my conviction I have had all along, u don't need to waste energy looking for a partner to travel with, u can do it on your own alone.... Thank you for the education, we have a globe to enjoy
I had a chuckle at your omission of the name of the country that will bankrupt you. Great info as always.
😁
Good on you man. You're effectively building a little bible for future and seasoned overlanders alike. :D
That's the plan!
Here’s a short story to reinforce the importance of carrying your own needles. In 1988 I was crossing the Sahara on an overland trip and caught a stomach bug. I was very ill, going from both ends to the point of dehydration. I ended up spending a night in ‘hospital’ in Tamranasset, Algeria. I was put on a saline IV drip, which was OK because I saw the doctor open the sealed package containing the IV needle. There were three other locals in my room and the doctor came around to give all of us a shot of something. I assumed it was antibiotics but my French wasn’t too good so I wasn’t quite sure. Anyway, I saw him using the same needle for the others. I refused, he insisted and with my bad French I was able to tell him that I had my own needles, which he agreed to use on me. I was very happy that my medical kit had sterilized sealed syringes.
It's crazy how recent so many health standards have come into place regarding blood. I'm sure that wouldn't be the case nowadays even if they reused needles they would probably be fresh sterile for each person.
But even in America in the 80's wasn't that was caused the AIDS issue? along with contaminated blood transfusions spreading hepatitis and aids along with other blood illnesses.
I will definitely be carrying my own needles. Thanks for your story that's amazing you did that.
Look at medevac insurance. This will typically pay for a private air ambulance, sometimes with your companion, either to your homeland or to the nearest appropriate facility. For instance, in Columbia the only Class1 emergency room is in MIAMI, US. That's where crash trauma victims need to be taken , and air ambulances ain't cheap.
1) Advanced First Aid course with St Johns Ambulance
2) Remote First Aid with St John's Ambulance.
3) Do both every year and be current.
4) Buy a bag and build your own first aid kit.
Good video.
I worked in Angola for a while. The Brazilian company I worked for operated two hospitals. Their advice was not to take prophylactics against malaria because they'd cover up the onset of the disease and make it harder to treat. They had 24 hour walk-in clinics and said you should attend as soon as you felt any sign of illness.
I covered up rigorously and, thank God, never caught it. Some of my colleagues caught it and one poor sod died from it - he concealed his illness because he wanted to catch the flight back to Brazil for Christmas.
It's a very important subject you have raised.
I've heard that advice before too. Good to hear more doctors saying that
Good advise on carrying a flash light in your first aid kit. I have decided to carry a spare headlamp in case I need to use both hands in a medical emergency.
Also reading glasses if anyone is over 40.
Thanks for posting this Dan. I was literally thinking about this topic today as I am planning a international motorcycle trip. 👍👍
Glad it was helpful!
Longtime viewer! I´m really enjoying this new type of content you are producing: helpful, insightful, to the point. You really make it sound and look like you are talking to some old friends and not to a camera. Keep it up!
Awesome, thank you, I really appreciate that feedback! I hope I'm slowly getting better infront of the camera!
I so enjoy your videos. No nonsense, to the point, informative, fluff-less--totally enjoy every video. Thanks for doing them!!
Glad you like them!
Malaria isnt funny. Mozzi got me in Bamako just before I travelled back to SA. Nearly died.
A pharmacy in Africa are well stocked as you mentioned and 99.9% of the time you can get prescription medicine without a prescription. But not in SA. No chance of that here.
A topic I would love a future video on: Where do you spend the nights? Do you drive off the road to find a spot (maybe that's a huge plus with having a capable off road vehicle?), park at the side of the road, pay to sleep at designated camp sites, sleep in villages, or a mix of them all? Do you ever get waken by somebody saying you can't sleep there, or scared because you hear people or animals outside?
Thanks for the idea, I'll do that one soon!
Incredibly interesting & useful information. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Good tip on the flashlight. I never thought about that. The only worry with that is making sure the batteries are fresh, as all batteries self discharge over time
That one has been there since ~2007, still fine!
Use Lithium disposable batteries. Unless your flashlight itself uses some power when off (some programmable flashlights do) they have a storage life of up to 20 years. Nevertheless, you should be refreshing expired medications and salves every year -- a perfect time to replace the batteries on your medkit's flashlight.
I also have two chemlites in my kit. They're a decent substitute for a flashlight for near-distance use. They're also good for marking hazards at night (like the kind that caused the injury) and, when tied to a string and twirled in a circle, make decent night time signaling devices. But they do expire.
I am living in asia and malaria is like the rain it rain one side of the road the other side is dry same for malaria in my village never happen a single timein 20 years the next village it's like epidemic
Thanks Dan. Great solid practical advice. Cheers.
Glad it was helpful!
I really like your videos....im not sure if you covered the topic about water....for people from Europe or USA....its not safe to drink tap water for instance...i know for fact some people got really sick...i got lucky travelin thru south america as well central america....p.s. i got no vaccination...stupid me....thanks for pointing out that...you dont even have to see a doctor to find out what vaccines are required /recomended....you can find it online for every country... for example you can check out passport health site...see ya on the trails 😀
How and when do you exercise when traveling?
That will be a future video for sure!
Great information and advice
Thanks!
One thing I'm missing on the list is Rabies immunization. Imo thats a must-have for anyone out in the wild and in remote areas.
If you're bitten by an infected animal and aren't immune, your only chance is getting to a hospital on the same day before any symptoms show - otherwise death within 7 days is practically guaranteed.
Btw - not everyone gets malaria. Some people are naturally immune to it. I don't think they figured out why though. In my 8 years of living in africa I only felt sick once and that was probably a mild flu. Same with my parents. It's not something I'd worry over too much.
Thank you for making a video on this topic. Great job.
My pleasure!
@@TheRoadChoseMe Trying to think up another topic for you to discuss
Great information! Thank you for sharing your experience.
My pleasure!
Hi...you mentioned disinfection of needles..im emt and this is not acceptable....sterilisation !!.... if needed...in developed countries we use disposable....so if you really need one...take your own...it depends on why you really need them...maybe i misunderstood what you mean...apologies is so...be safe out there....peace...
Another great video! I’d like to see more of your roof top tent setup. I saw the installation video, and some interior glimpses now and then, but would love a more detailed video. What’s it like? How did you chose that model? What do you like/dislike? What would you consider different next time? Does it work with two people? Etc.
Coming soon!
@@TheRoadChoseMe Yeah I'm most interested in the integrated RTT. That seems like the best version of a RTT for me. Having access from inside is amazing.
It transforms the Jeep completely - it's not just a Jeep with a tent on top - it's a totally integrated camper.
That is the video i was waiting for thank you very much. I have a kid who is 4 years would it be suitable for him to do over landing in Africa
Checkout this family that did it! ua-cam.com/video/sc61AxCQQR4/v-deo.html
We’re heading to West Africa and beyond April 2021 with our 4 year old and a dog. More than a few have traveled the length and breadth with kids of all ages. Just go.
Hi, how many set of tires did you go through in Africa,
One set on the West Coast, one set on the East. Neither was totally finished though
Were you ever concerned about catching Ebola? I guess that would be my greatest fear as far as illness goes. For a video idea I'd like to see how you clean up after a meal. Do you always use water, some kind of disinfecting spray or what? Thanks!
No. Ebola is very hard to catch - eating bats or monkeys is the most common way, so I just didn't eat anything when I didn't know what it was.
Glen, do you have any concern about a relapse of Malaria? Was your second a relapse of the first? I am not sure how common that is.
It can come back, but it really only lies dormant if you've been taking the "prevention" medication and the symptoms are kind of hidden. I took a full course of the cure which should have taken care of it.
Last time I had it (Angola) was in mid 2016. All fine since then.
Would you buy gladiator or JL ? Diesel or gas ? If getting diesel were no problem.
Checkout my video on diesel vs gas. It depends entirely on where I'm going.
ua-cam.com/video/YoxdojIpiGY/v-deo.html
Malaria is probably my biggest fear traveling to Africa. How did you manage to stay comfortable living in your Jeep while having Malaria? Did you get a motel while sick?
In Mali I was camping at a place that had rooms, so I did get one for a couple of nights with A/C.
The second time I was on the side of the road in Angola, I just had to put up with it.
If you're really worried, just take Malarone everyday, that's what it's for!
@Ian S you're right, coartem is the real deal too for me
Yep, Coartem is what I took in Mali, and then the injectable stronger version Antithem (I think) in Angola. I always had it in my fridge.
Long sleeves and pants after dark, mozzy repellent and doxycycline will keep you safe.
In regards to malaria, if you think you will eventually get it, why not carry the medicine premptively?
After I had it the first time, I did carry the "cure" in my fridge for the rest of the trip, AND the injectable version which is much stronger, and it's what they would have given me if I got to a clinic.
i mean needles are cheap and easy to carry but do they really cause strife when properly disinfected? i feel like its not a big issue.. if it spread AIDS or anything from person to person would the hospitals over there really be agreeing to that practice
I have seen the video diesel vs gas. I live in US so I just wanted to know what you recommend gas or diesel ?
Where do you plan to go? How many miles do you drive per year? is gas normally cheaper than diesel in your area? Which kind of driving are you doing? Do you tow a lot?
These are the questions that need to be asked. It's much more in-depth than just "what do you recommend".
I make few trips a year (3000 miles round trip) with faimly. I won’t tow. About 15000-18000 miles per year driving. Diesel is about 30 cents more per gallon but diesel mileage is better.
With no towing and not a lot of miles each year, it will take a LONG time to pay-off the difference in purchase price for the diesel.
Great video, Dan. Thanks for addressing this important topic. Quick question for you about medical insurance... In my province you have to be present a certain # of days per year for your provincial insurance to remain in force (I think it works out to about 5 months out of 12). Will insurance like World Nomads remain in effect if your provincial coverage lapses due to being out-of-country for an extended period? Additionally, are there any insurance carriers you'd suggest staying away from based on stories of "denied claims" you've heard from your fellow travelers?
Yes, World Nomads is designed specifically for people who go all over the world for years and years. It always works, doesn't matter a lick what your home country says about their health cover.
Personally, I've never found another company that is as flexible and reliable, so it's the only one I consider.
Hi Brian, not sure what province you are from but in BC I'm pretty sure you can request to have an extended absence of up to 2 years and still keep your coverage. There are some conditions that go along with it but something to look into.
@@mapleleafdrifters Thank you - I will research this!
Québec 6 on 6 off
what happens if youre in the US and you have a car accident and are unconsciously sent to the emergency room? you didnt agree to the treatment and so forth.. when you wake up are you able to walk out of the hospital and possibly the country and not give mind to the bill if you dont plan to return?
Hospitals in the US will not turn anyone away in an emergency situation, regardless of their ability or intent to pay. If you won't/can't pay the bill (many don't, including US citizens) that cost is then passed on to future patients (or their insurance). It is a problem without a simple solution. It is popular to complain about healthcare costs in the US; but the research, development, and quality is world class.
@@259Den3 doesnt really answer my question on if theyll allow you to leave or try and hold you until you sign something that obligates you to pay
@@AndrewBrowner they don’t hold you but don’t worry you or someone will pay.
@@CoveringFish how will they make me pay? and who else could they force the bill onto... im sure theres some degree of every bill is a little higher to cover costs of non payees but to what degree i dont know
Are you planning a Pan-Asian trip anytime soon?
It's absolutely on my list, but covid has thrown everything up in the air. I have no idea when it will even be possible.
I understand completely. I guess now is as good a time as any to start squirreling away some $$$ for that trip. :-)
Precisely what I'm doing while planning some other trips that are hopefully more achievable as things stand right now!
It seems my comments are not very popular.
Must be under 65
Travel insurance for over 65 is more of a problem