Just imagine: you've spent months saving up for that special vacation, that once-in-a-lifetime adventure to a distant land. But once you're there, you get seriously ill or injured, require emergency medical care, and then need to be transported back home.

Sound like a spine-tingling scene from a dramatic movie-of-the-week? Nope, not quite.  Every year, tourists experience these real-life medical dramas while traveling the globe. There are myriad health risks no matter what kind of adventure you embark on—you can find yourself with a tummy bug thanks to that relaxing five-island cruise, malaria from the safari you always dreamed of, or even just a bad case of jet lag following your whirlwind three-country jaunt.

You can always count on unexpected twists and turns while traveling, including some potentially serious health situations, but few people plan for the possibility of a medical emergency while traveling. However, no matter your age or state of health, you should consider the possible health implications before embarking on any cruise, flight, or adventure. Protecting yourself from any potential medical complications is a matter of education and preparation. In addition to packing your favorite dress or researching that five-star hotel or outback adventure, keep in mind a checklist of things to do for your health. There are a variety of precautions to take, but here are seven of the most important things to consider before you head to the airport, hit the road, or say bon voyage.

You probably wouldn't venture out on a cross-country road trip this summer without giving your car a complete tune-up and inspection to prevent any potential problems along the highway. That includes making sure your tire pressure is right, the oil is changed, the windshield wiper fluid is filled, and the roadside emergency kit is stocked (and for many people, that last one isn't given much of a thought). Do you do a similar pre-trip checkup for yourself, your children, and any pets that are going with you?

Get off to a good start by seeking medical advice at least six weeks prior to leaving. This is especially important if you are traveling internationally, spending time at a higher altitude (where oxygen levels are lower), or participating in a new physical activity such as strenuous hiking or skiing. It's especially important to get medical clearance for travel for anyone who has a preexisting condition that could flare up, or has recently undergone surgery.

If traveling abroad, make an appointment with a travel medicine specialist (www.istm.org) in addition to visiting a regular doctor. The travel physician knows more about specific foreign lands and can make recommendations regarding areas you'll be visiting. Both your physician and the travel medicine specialist can advise about appropriate immunizations and prophylactic medications you may need (for instance, for malaria), and suggest treatments for minor but annoying illnesses you may encounter, such as the dreaded traveler's diarrhea.

Check with your own medical insurance to be sure what will be covered and what won't while you travel. To protect yourself against any gaps in coverage, it's a good idea to purchase travelers' insurance on a per-trip basis (www.Medexassist.com). The additional expense will be worth it if an emergency occurs that isn't covered by your ordinary plan. In addition to comprehensive health coverage, travelers' insurance can provide assistance in locating the nearest medical care facility during a health emergency; if you are hospitalized, travelers' insurance will help with language barriers, keep track of your progress, maintain contact with your primary care physician, and arrange for medical evacuation if needed.

If you are taking medications, you may run into some problems while traveling abroad—not just medically but with security when crossing borders. Medications should be carried in their original containers so they are less likely to be questioned as illegal drugs. If you need to fill or refill a prescription abroad, note that the names of medications may be different, and possibly dangerously so, in other countries. The FDA currently lists 18 foreign drug products that use the same brand name as an FDA-approved medication but contain a different active ingredient. It also lists 105 US drug brand names for which a foreign brand name is very similar, but has a different ingredient. For example, Lotensin (benazepril) is a high blood pressure medication in the US, whereas Latensin (bacillus cereus) is an immunotherapy drug in Germany. A wise traveler will carry a doctor's letter explaining his or her medical condition and medications, and will know and be able to compare the chemical name (not just the brand name) of any active ingredients.