What happens if you get sick out of country?

Asked by: Kaelyn Kessler DVM  |  Last update: November 28, 2023
Score: 4.9/5 (41 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 happens if I get sick in another country?

The nearest US embassy or consulate can help travelers locate medical services and notify your friends, family, or employer of an emergency. They are available for emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, overseas and in Washington, DC (888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444).

What happens if you get sick while Travelling?

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 a cold while traveling?

The easiest, and perhaps most important thing you can immediately do to help your body is stay hydrated. Drink water and avoid alcohol, which “will suppress your immune system so it's harder to get better quickly,” says Dr. Rajapaksa. “And stay out of the sun, which can make you very dehydrated.”

What to do if you get sick on vacation?

Sick on vacation? Four ways to help yourself feel better and get back to enjoying your trip
  1. Rest. It may be tempting to power through and keep sightseeing, but pushing yourself when you're sick can make things worse and prolong your recovery time. ...
  2. Stay Hydrated. ...
  3. IV Drip. ...
  4. Seek Medical Attention.

What Actually Happens When You Are Sick?

44 related questions found

What to do if you get the flu while traveling?

How to Deal With the Flu While Traveling
  1. Rest. This first tip might seem impossible during a busy travel schedule. ...
  2. Go to a Health Clinic. Don't wait to see if you feel better. ...
  3. Drink Clear Liquids. There's a reason the doctor always tells you to drink water when sick. ...
  4. Avoid Alcohol. ...
  5. Notify Your Doctor.

Is it OK to go on a plane with a cold?

It is recommended that if you have a cold that you do not fly; this should be enforced by airlines in the case of aircrew, and aircrew are required to self-report any symptoms of cold, flu, or similar.

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.

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 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.

Do airlines allow sick passengers?

Airlines can make medical decisions about which passengers to allow onboard flights. However, doctors are not allowed to stop passengers from flying. This is genuinely an upside-down world. Airlines have the right to refuse to carry passengers with conditions that may worsen.

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.

Can you go to Mexico and not get sick?

A very common misconception regarding Mexico is that you are certain to get sick if you take a vacation there. In fact, there's even a term for it; Montezuma's revenge. In many cases, however, people are sick in Mexico for the first few days of their vacation due to the stress of traveling itself.

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.

Why do I get sick every time I go abroad?

A change in routine is also enough to put your hormones out of balance. “Travel and particularly changes in time zones can affect your levels of melatonin,” says Dr Jarvis. “That impacts your sleep schedule, your nutrition habits and your activity levels, which can change how well your immune system works.”

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 it called when you get sick from traveling?

Some people get sick before they even land at home, something so common that some doctors call it “leisure sickness.” Whether you spend most of your vacation napping in a lavish hotel bed or walking miles through the streets of a new city, it's certainly a change of pace from your life back home.

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.

How do you survive a long flight with a cold?

Top Tips for Flying with a Cold
  1. Stay Hydrated. If you have a cold, it is important to stay hydrated! ...
  2. Pack Gum. Chew gum or hard candy during your flight, especially during take off and landing, to help equalize pressure. ...
  3. Carry Medication. ...
  4. Practice Good Wellbeing. ...
  5. Ask for Cabin Crew Assistance.

Can I be denied boarding if I have a cold?

Infectious Diseases

An airline can deny boarding of any passenger who looks unwell, especially if they suspect the passenger might be infectious (infect other passengers).

How long does a cold last?

In adults, cold can last seven to 10 days. The symptoms usually are at the worst in the first three to four days. Many different viruses cause the common cold. Most often, a variant of the rhinovirus is the culprit.

Will airlines refund tickets due to illness?

Personal Issue - Consumers who purchase nonrefundable tickets, but are unable to travel for a personal reason, such as being sick or late to the airport, are not entitled to a refund.

Can flying with a cold damage your ears?

If you fly with a head cold or seasonal allergies, Dr. Pinkston said it's possible you may significantly stretch your eardrum because your Eustachian tubes wouldn't be working properly to equalize pressure. If the stretching of the eardrum is considerable, these problems may occur: Capillaries in the ear break.

What is the best cold medicine for flying?

Spray Afrin nasal decongestant spray twice into each nostril one hour prior to flying. Begin taking a decongestant, like Sudafed, one hour before the flight. Both of these medications can be purchased over-the-counter in a drug store.