While bringing your doctor along on all your travels would no doubt give you peace of mind, it might not be cost-effective or practical. Since 2009, however, Black Bag has offered travelers a reasonable alternative: a worldwide 24/7 medical consultancy. When you sign on with the service, a company representative interviews you about your medical history. Then prior to a trip, you notify Black Bag, which will research medical facilities at your destination as well as any illnesses you might encounter there. Black Bag outfits you with a customized package of first-aid supplies and potentially critical prescriptions to be used after consulting a company doctor. If you require care, Black Bag can arrange a phone consultation with a specialist in its network. It can also recommend a local physician and arrange possible follow-up care.

The company, founded by a longtime ER physician, offers its services on a per-trip or yearly basis. The latter option costs $15,000 to $40,000 annually and can include medical-care plans for all areas where you have homes. For more information, visit www.blackbag.biz.