Health emergencies
Before traveling abroad, prepare for potential medical emergencies by getting travel medical insurance, enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), and organizing your medical information
In an emergency, first call the local equivalent of 9-1-1, then contact your insurance provider and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Preparation before you go:
- Get travel medical insurance. U.S. domestic health insurance, including Medicare, usually does not cover care abroad, and emergency medical evacuations can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
- Compare policies, as some offer extensive medical coverage while others focus on trip cancellation and delays.
- Many providers offer 24/7 emergency assistance to help with coordination and communication.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This free service from the U.S. Department of State helps your family and the nearest U.S. embassy contact you in an emergency.
- Compile your medical information. Carry a document listing any pre-existing conditions, allergies, and your current prescriptions by their generic names.
- Keep medications in their original, labeled containers and bring extra in case of travel delays.
- The CDC suggests wearing a medical alert bracelet for serious conditions.
- Research whether your medications are legal in the countries you plan to visit.
- Carry important contact information. In your wallet, on your phone, and on the information page of your passport, list your emergency contacts and the phone number for your travel medical insurance provider.
Research local healthcare. Before you go, find the locations and reputations of hospitals and clinics near your destinations. The U.S. embassy can provide a list.
Prepare for payment. Many foreign hospitals require upfront payment before providing services. Make sure you can access funds, such as through a credit card.
What to do during an emergency:
- Call local emergency services first. In a life-threatening situation, call the country’s equivalent of 9-1-1 immediately. This is the fastest way to get help.
- Contact your travel insurance provider. After ensuring the immediate emergency is handled, call your travel insurance’s 24/7 hotline. They can direct you to an approved facility, guarantee payment, and provide translation services.
- Use a translation app. If you don’t speak the local language, use a translation app to communicate your symptoms with first responders and hospital staff. Using simple words and pointing can also be effective.
- Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate. If you need help finding medical care or alerting family, a consular officer can assist. They cannot, however, pay for medical bills.
What to do after receiving care:
- Document everything. Get itemized receipts, doctor’s notes, prescriptions, and any other medical documents before leaving the facility. These are crucial for filing insurance claims.
- Contact your home doctor. Share the medical documentation from abroad with your regular doctor to ensure continuity of care and address any lingering concerns. The CDC recommends informing your doctor of any hospital encounters abroad, as you may have acquired an antimicrobial-resistant infection.
- File your insurance claim. Submit all necessary paperwork and receipts to your travel medical insurance provider for reimbursement.
