What happens if you get hurt in a foreign country?

Asked by: Charlie Kuphal  |  Last update: November 1, 2023
Score: 4.1/5 (29 votes)

Special care if you become ill or injured while traveling
Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a list of local healthcare providers and medical facilities. If your illness is serious, consular officers can help you find medical assistance, and, if you want, inform your family and friends.

What to do if you need help in a foreign country?

Getting Help in an Emergency

If you are overseas and in need of emergency assistance contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. If you are concerned about a loved one overseas, please call: From the U.S. & Canada - 1-888-407-4747. From Overseas - +1 202-501-4444.

Does health insurance cover out of country?

Generally, most domestic health insurance policies are not accepted abroad, so there is a benefit to purchasing travel medical insurance as a supplement to your health insurance coverage. The travel medical coverage is only valid while you're traveling.

What if I get sick while traveling?

If you or a travel companion gets an injury or sickness that can't be helped with basic first aid or an over-the-counter medicine, seek medical attention right away. Visit Getting Health Care During Travel to learn how to connect with a doctor or medical services during your trip.

What to do if you get sick while traveling in Europe?

In most countries, you can call 112, the European Union's universal emergency number for ambulance, fire department, or police. Most countries also have a 911 equivalent that works as well. Or you can ask your hotelier, restaurant host, or whoever's around to call an ambulance (or a taxi for less dire situations).

What to do if you get hurt or sick on vacation

44 related questions found

What happens if a foreigner needs medical care in the US?

Foreign visitors without travel health insurance will have to pay out of pocket for their medical treatment. While there are a few welfare hospitals in the US, most have gone bankrupt and those who remain have very long wait times for non-emergency treatment.

What happens if an American gets hurt in Canada?

If during your visit to Canada you get sick or injured, the Canadian government won't pay for any hospitalization or emergency medical services for visitors. Also, if you don't have proper medical insurance coverage, you will be liable to pay for any medical service out of your own pocket.

What happens if you get sick while abroad?

Special care if you become ill or injured while traveling

Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a list of local healthcare providers and medical facilities. If your illness is serious, consular officers can help you find medical assistance, and, if you want, inform your family and friends.

What are the 4 most common travel illnesses?

Common travel-related illnesses include:
  • Diarrheal disease. Most travel-related diarrheal diseases are acquired by consuming contaminated water and food.
  • Hepatitis A. ...
  • Malaria. ...
  • Dengue fever. ...
  • Parasitic infections. ...
  • Tuberculosis. ...
  • Typhoid fever. ...
  • Yellow fever.

Can you get sick from traveling to different countries?

When you're traveling, it's likely you'll come into contact with many different people, areas, and surfaces. As we mentioned earlier, your immune system may already be weakened from the effects of traveling, making you more susceptible to bacteria and viruses.

Does American health insurance work in Europe?

Is US Health Insurance Valid in Europe? No, in most cases, US health insurance is not valid in Europe. Health insurance plans such as Medicare have little to no coverage outside the US.

Is it worth it to get travel health insurance?

Bottom line. There are perks to having travel insurance. It can be worth buying for international trips in case a medical or family emergency causes you to suddenly cancel the rest of your trip. By only spending a couple of hundred dollars, you'll potentially save yourself thousands of dollars.

How much is travel medical insurance to Europe?

How much does Travel Medical Insurance Cost? The cost can vary quite a bit depending on the policy. Some insurance companies offer basic coverage for around $40 per person per month, while others offer more comprehensive plans that can cost several hundred dollars.

How do I protect myself in a foreign country?

If you're traveling to a new destination, keep these tips in mind on how to protect yourself in a foreign country.
  1. Keep Scanned Copies of Important Documents. Credit: Tawan Jz/Shutterstock. ...
  2. Stay in Well-Lit Areas. ...
  3. Use Credit Cards Instead of Cash or Debit. ...
  4. Keep an Eye on Your Belongings. ...
  5. Don't Zone Out on Your Phone.

Will the U.S. embassy help you get home?

Can the U.S. Embassy send me home in a crisis? Only in limited circumstances. The embassy may help citizens with an emergency evacuation in a major crisis, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest.

What if I get lost in another country?

Contact your service provider immediately if you find yourself lost in a foreign land. Along with offering immediate help in multiple languages, the travel insurance company can also help you find transportation, as well as provide certain emergency assistance if needed.

Why do dr offices ask if you have been out of the country?

Americans take 60 million international trips each year, and as many as half of those travelers bring back unwanted souvenirs in the form of gastrointestinal illnesses, fevers, skin disorders and other ills. That's why physicians should routinely ask patients if they've recently been out of the country, says Dr.

What is the most common illness during international travel?

Traveler's diarrhea (by far the most common risk since it affects up to 80% of international travelers based on the destination) Enterotoxic E. coli diarrhea.

What diseases do tourists get from Mexico?

All travelers should be up to date on their routine immunizations. Varicella is endemic to Mexico, and measles and mumps outbreaks in Mexico have coincided with worldwide and regional outbreaks. Hepatitis A is also endemic to Mexico; visitors should receive ≥1 dose of the hepatitis A vaccine series before travel.

How do I see a doctor in a foreign country?

How Do I See a Doctor in a Foreign Country? If you have an international health insurance plan, or travel insurance, they should provide you with an emergency medical assistance number you can call to help you arrange for a doctor visit. To schedule an appointment, first contact your insurance company.

What if I get sick before my flight?

Now, if you need to delay your trip for illness, you can usually do so without penalty. Most airlines now allow changes with Economy tickets. When you are well enough to travel, you'll just have to pay the difference in cost for an airline ticket (if there is one for your new dates).

What happens if you get sick in Mexico?

Unlike in the U.S., going to the doctor in Mexico is inexpensive and quick. For those wondering What to do when you get sick in Mexico — the answer is go see a doctor ASAP! If you find yourself sick in Mexico, open Google Maps, find one of the big chain pharmacies near you, and go straight there.

What happens if a US citizen goes to the hospital in Canada?

Canada does not pay for hospital or medical services for visitors. You should get health insurance to cover any medical costs before you come to Canada.

Can an American see a doctor in Canada?

As a foreign visitor to Canada, you can visit any doctor or hospital, as long as you pay the bill.

Can a US citizen get surgery in Canada?

So to answer your question, the short answer is yes, foreigners can get healthcare in Canada.