Getting sick isn’t fun anywhere. But it’s even worse when you’re abroad. Away from your familiar doctors and hospitals, as well as the comfort of home, it’s hard to know what to do when you fall ill abroad. But being well-prepared makes it a lot easier to navigate being unwell in a new country.
Knowing how to find medical care, what your insurance covers, and where you can go for support can ease a lot of the worry. Just as Remitly provides reliable solutions for sending money when your loved ones need it most, this guide offers practical steps and travel health tips to help you stay safe and cared for.
In this guide we’ll cover how to prepare before you travel, navigating healthcare systems abroad, and some practical steps to take when you feel unwell so you’ll know exactly what to do and can focus on recovery.
Before you go: be prepared for what to do when you fall ill abroad
Planning ahead is one of the best ways to relieve stress about getting sick abroad. Thorough preparation, especially if you’re traveling to somewhere you’ve never been before, will make things a lot easier if you do get sick.
- Get travel insurance. Choose a policy that covers medical emergencies, hospital stays, and prescriptions. Confirm whether your plan includes coverage for COVID-19 and any other specific illnesses you might have reason to worry about. Health insurance is highly competitive, so don’t be afraid to shop around and get a few quotes from different providers.
- Pack a medical kit. At a minimum, your kit should include pain medication, cold medicine, bandages, and any prescription medications you need. Keep them in the original, labeled containers so airport staff and other security personnel know what they are.
- Understand the system. Before you travel somewhere new, it’s a good idea to get some background information on how the healthcare system works. For example, some places require you to pay for any medical treatment upfront, while others offer public clinics that your insurance will cover.
- Check vaccinations. Make sure you’re up-to-date on any required or recommended vaccines. And don’t forget to check that your prescriptions are legal in the country you are going to.
- Save emergency contacts. Keep a physical list of local emergency numbers, hospitals near where you’re going, and the nearest embassy or consulate. You could also keep your regular doctor’s number in case you need to contact them and ask about your medical history.
Hopefully, you’ll never need it. But just having these items prepared can give you peace of mind while you travel.
Navigating healthcare systems abroad
It can be intimidating trying to get medical care in a country where you are not familiar with the system. Finding trustworthy healthcare providers can make all the difference when you’re wondering what to do when you fall ill abroad.
Start by identifying nearby hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. You may be able to find facilities that cater to international patients. In larger cities, many hospitals have English-speaking staff, and you can often find doctors who speak at least a little English.
The first thing to do is call your travel insurance provider if you’re feeling unwell. They may have a list of approved medical facilities, and they can clarify how to pay for your care. Many insurers provide a 24/7 helpline so that you can reach them in an emergency.
You can also find good health facilities online. Check out reviews on Google Maps or look for people’s opinions on trusted travel forums. Local authorities and your country’s embassy may be able to help you with recommendations. Even staff at a hotel where you are staying may have good advice.
Language barriers and communication tips
If you’re in a country where you don’t speak the local language very well, things are going to be more challenging. Luckily, it’s easier than ever before to make yourself understood, even in a language you don’t know.
Like we said, there’s a good chance your doctor may speak at least a few words of English, as it’s not uncommon for them to have studied abroad. However, here are some other ways to help bridge the communication gap:
- Use translation apps. Tools like Google Translate or DeepL can help you find the words to explain your symptoms and medical history to medical professionals. If the app allows, consider downloading the local language to your phone or other device before you go, so you can use it even if you don’t have internet access.
- Learn key phrases. Before you travel, you can memorize a few essential phrases in the local language. Things like, “I need a doctor,” “I have a fever,” or “I’m allergic to…” This can save a lot of time in emergencies. If you have a chronic medical condition, you should learn how to say it in the local language.
- Carry a written health summary. Write down a list of your allergies, medications you’re currently on, and pre-existing conditions, translated into the local language. You can keep an electronic version on your phone or a paper version in your wallet or purse. Helping the doctor understand your pre-existing conditions can help with diagnosis and treatment, so it’s well worth taking a few minutes to prepare this useful document.
Be sure you write down the active ingredients of medications, too, because brand names vary from one country to the next, but scientific names of chemicals tend to be universal. For example, Advil in the US uses ibuprofen, which is often known by the brand name Nurofen in Europe. Tylenol uses acetaminophen as its active ingredient, but in Europe this is often called paracetamol and many people won’t even have heard of Tylenol.
If one of your party speaks the language, bring a friend or family member to translate for you. It’s hard to pay attention to everything that’s being said in any language, so a second pair of ears can help.
Understanding your travel insurance
If you do get sick while traveling, the insurance you’ve paid good money for can be a lifeline. Generally, travel insurance will cover emergency medical care, hospital stays, and some policies even cover prescriptions and emergency evacuation. That’s why it’s a good idea to be clear on what your insurance covers before you travel.
Your policy will give you a detailed document explaining what’s available, so it’s absolutely worth reading through it properly before you go anywhere. They may also give you a card to keep with you, with emergency numbers to contact them. If you do get sick, make use of these numbers, as they may have specific hospitals they work with or that can offer special services for international travelers.Stay organized
Make sure you keep all your receipts, prescriptions, and medical reports for any treatment you receive. If you need to claim back expenses from your health insurance, they’ll want to see the documentation before they approve any refund.
We understand that it’s hard to be properly organized when you’re sick, but it’s worth making the extra effort if you’re able, to make sure you don’t end up spending a lot of money, too.
Post-treatment care and recovery
Hopefully, once you’ve gotten medical attention you’ll start to feel better. But often, post-treatment care is just as important as anything the medical staff do.
Make sure you follow all the medical advice you were given. You can ask the doctor or the staff treating you to write it down—even if it’s in the local language and you can’t understand it, you can always translate it later. Take any prescribed medications exactly as directed, and make sure you’re clear on how often you should take them.
Look after yourself
Support your recovery with plenty of hydration, balanced meals, and rest. That may mean adjusting your travel plans, but you need to take care of yourself first. Everything else can wait; it’s not worth relapsing or making yourself feel even worse just to see that one last museum. When you get home, schedule a follow-up appointment with your own doctor. Let them know the treatment you received and the medications you took so they can add it to your medical history.
Following these steps can turn what feels like a disaster into a minor inconvenience. With some preparation, you can quickly get past an illness abroad and get back to your old self.
FAQs
What should I include in my travel health kit?
Pack essential items like:
- Pain relievers,
- Anti-diarrhea medication,
- Antibiotic cream,
- Antihistamines/allergy medication,
- Bandages,
- A thermometer,
- Enough prescription medication to cover your trip, with a little extra just in case.
Does travel insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
It depends. Usually, you’ll need to let your insurance provider know of any pre-existing conditions. Depending on the condition, you may have to pay more for your coverage, but absolutely be sure you’re honest about any conditions you have. Trying to hide them from your insurer could get your policy canceled.
What if I need emergency care in a remote area?
If you get sick somewhere with limited medical care, contact your travel insurance provider immediately. They can often help you find local care or even order an evacuation if it’s needed.
How can I locate a trustworthy doctor abroad?
Your travel insurance provider is the best person to ask about local doctors. You can also check with your country’s embassy or use apps like Google Maps and TripAdvisor to see what other people’s experiences have been like.