What to do if you have a medical emergency abroad?
Asked by: Wiley Legros | Last update: March 11, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (37 votes)
What happens if I have a medical emergency in a foreign country?
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. If you want, they can inform your family and friends.
What happens if you have a medical emergency on an international flight?
Many airlines typically work with emergency medical service providers such as MedAire's MedLink or Stat MD. These service providers can be contacted during the flight using a satellite phone. Direct communication with an emergency room or trauma center is also possible.
Does medical cover emergencies abroad?
Emergency medical coverage is included within some comprehensive travel insurance policies but can also be purchased on its own. Even if you have a primary U.S. insurance plan, including Medicaid or Medicare, odds are it will help very little (or often not at all) while out of the country.
What to do in an emergency 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.
What happens if you have a medical emergency abroad?
Can the U.S. embassy help with a medical emergency?
If you are a U.S. citizen who needs assistance outside the U.S., find and contact the nearest U.S. embassy for help with: Foreign crises and natural disasters. Lost or stolen passports. Medical emergencies.
What happens if an American gets sick in Europe?
While no system is perfect, Europe's universal health care does mean that everyone is taken care of — including foreigners. So if you get sick or injured while traveling, you will receive treatment, no questions asked.
What happens if you need to go to the hospital in a different country?
The U.S. government does not pay overseas medical bills. The patient must pay all hospital and other expenses. You can find lists of doctors and hospitals in the country you are visiting. Check the website of the U.S. embassy in the country you are visiting.
Can I use my U.S. health insurance in another country?
Before you go, consider your insurance options.
U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover medical costs overseas. Private U.S. insurance policies also might not cover any or all expenses. Check with your insurance before traveling to see if it provides coverage overseas.
What assistance is available for U.S. citizens with medical emergencies abroad?
Health Care Resources for Travelers
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).
Can you cancel a flight for a medical emergency?
Provide Documentation: Airlines usually require some form of medical documentation to process a cancellation due to a medical emergency. It can be a note from a doctor or a medical certificate stating that travel is not advised. Make sure to ask exactly what they need, as requirements can vary.
What is the most common medical emergency on flights?
Medical emergencies occur on ≈1 of every 604 flights. The most common emergencies include syncope or presyncope, respiratory symptoms, or nausea and vomiting.
What is considered a medical emergency for travel insurance?
This coverage can reimburse the reasonable and customary costs of emergency medical or dental care (up to the limits stated in your plan) if, while traveling, you experience a sudden, unexpected covered illness, injury, or medical condition that could cause serious harm if it is not treated; or a dental injury or ...
What happens if there is a medical emergency on an overseas flight?
If the cabin crew assesses the patient and agrees that professional medical help is needed and there's no doctor on board, they'll contact an approved medical call centre. Here, they'll be connected to a consulting physician for recommendations on a treatment plan – it's this physician who will make the ultimate call.
Do I need health insurance when traveling abroad?
If you're traveling abroad, going on a business trip overseas or planning an expensive trip, travel insurance or travel protection may be a good choice for you. It's a way to be better prepared for the possibility that your trip may be interrupted or canceled or if you experience a medical emergency while away.
Can I see a doctor in another country?
Consult Your Embassy or Consulate
Another useful resource for finding a doctor abroad is your embassy or consulate. For example, U.S. citizens can often find a list of international hospitals and doctors under the "American Citizens Services" section of their embassy's website.
What happens if I get sick in another country?
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. If you want, they can inform your family and friends.
Does my U.S. car insurance cover me in another country?
Most U.S. auto insurers won't cover you while driving abroad, except for driving in Canada and driving in Mexico. Unless you have a credit card offering rental car insurance, you'll probably need to purchase your insurance from the rental company. Learn more about international car insurance and rental car insurance.
What happens if you don't pay a hospital bill from another country?
If no action is taking on your medical bill and you do not pay what is owed, additional charges can be added to your account balance in the form of late fees and interest. Additionally, the healthcare provider can move your balance into international debt collection or file a lawsuit against you.
What happens if an American goes to the hospital in Europe?
It depends on whether their insurance covers international hospitals, otherwise they have to pay for medical attention just like everyone else does. Emergency medical care in Asia and Europe is really cheap and in some places it's even free.
Should I carry my medicare card when traveling internationally?
Some Medicare Advantage plans may cover you overseas. It depends on your specific plan, so contact your Medicare provider for more information. Also, be sure to bring a copy of your Medicare and health care insurance cards with you when you travel so you have that information at the ready if you need it.
Can a tourist go to the hospital?
If you require medical care while visiting the U.S., there are several options for seeking treatment. You can visit an urgent care center, walk-in clinic, or hospital emergency room for immediate medical needs.
What to do if you need medical care abroad?
If an American citizen becomes seriously ill or injured abroad, a U. S. consular officer can assist in locating appropriate medical services and informing family and friends. If necessary, a consular officer can also assist in the transfer of funds from the United States.
What is the most common illness during international travel?
Common travel-related illnesses include: Diarrheal disease. Most travel-related diarrheal diseases are acquired by consuming contaminated water and food.
Does US health insurance cover you in Europe?
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.