How to Find Medical Help When Traveling Abroad

Getting sick while traveling is never fun.

You are supposed to be exploring a new place. You are supposed to be trying different food, taking photos, and enjoying some time away from your usual day-to-day. The very last thing you want? To spend your vacation looking for a doctor.

Unfortunately, it happens.

Maybe you pick up a stomach bug. Perhaps you develop an infection. Or you could even injure yourself during a day off exploring. When you are in your home country, finding medical help is usually straightforward. You know where to go. You know who to call.

But when you are in another country, it is a little more confusing.

You might not know how the local healthcare system works, or where the nearest clinic is, or whether the doctor even speaks your language. This complicates things. A lot.

Keep reading on to learn three tips to make this whole situation much easier.

Table of Contents

Check Your Insurance Policy

Before you travel, take a few minutes to check your travel insurance policy.

This might not be the most exciting part of planning a trip. It does, however, save you a lot of stress if you actually need medical treatment while you are away.

Find out what your policy covers. More importantly, though, find out what it does not cover. Different forms of medical care will have different rules depending on provider and policy. This includes:

Emergency treatment,
Hospital stays,
Prescriptions,
And ambulance services.

It is worth finding out how you are supposed to make a claim or contact your insurer while overseas. Some providers have a 24-hour assistance line, and this is particularly useful if you become ill outside normal business hours. After all, sickness doesn’t work to a timetable!

If you have an IMG travel insurance policy, for example, ensure you know how to access your policy information. Doing so will help you understand who to contact if you do need assistance.

You must check whether you need to pay the medical expenses yourself and claim the money back later, too. Knowing this early on makes a significant different if you suddenly receive a hefty medical bill.

Locate English-Speaking Doctors

Finding a doctor is one thing. Finding a doctor you are able to communicate with comfortably is another.

If you are traveling somewhere where English isn’t widely spoken – like China and Brazil – you should look into medical facilities before your trip. You don’t need to memorize the location of every hospital in the area. Knowing where you could go if something happens will be useful.

Your hotel or accommodation provider may be able to recommend a nearby clinic or doctor. They could also arrange transportation. However, do not assume this is the case. You are better off researching ahead of time than leaving things to chance.

An online search for English-speaking doctors in the area you are visiting is possible, too. There could be advertisements. Some hospitals and private clinics specifically advertise services for international visitors – and this is very beneficial.

Some adverts will even be displayed in major transport hubs, so keep an eye out in airports and train stations.

Speaking the same language makes things far easier. You will be able to explain your symptoms, discuss medications, and so on. The instructions from the healthcare professional will also be understandable.

Visit Local Pharmacies

For minor problems, a local pharmacy should be your first stop. They’re often the easiest place to begin.

Pharmacists can provide advice about common issues, such as:

Headaches,
Minor stomach problems,
Allergies,
Colds,
And other everyday complaints.

They may also be able to recommend or provide certain medications without a prescription. This will vary depending on the country.

A medication that is readily available over the counter at home could require a prescription somewhere else. The brand names might also be completely different. This makes finding a familiar product more difficult.

So, if you do take regular medication, bring enough for your trip. You’ll simplify the trip by doing this. Also bring along the relevant prescription or documentation when required.

And remember, a pharmacist is not a replacement for a doctor – particularly if you have a serious or worsening issue. When symptoms are severe, persistent, or you have an emergency, seek appropriate medical care. Don’t try to treat it yourself.

To conclude, no one imagines going on vacation and becoming unwell. And, if they do, it is in the hope that it doesn’t happen. Hoping isn’t enough to prevent it, though, and you should prepare just in case.

Fortunately, if you do require medical help during a vacation, you aren’t without options. This post should help you find a doctor or other healthcare professional to see you well in no time.