Exploring a new country is exhilarating, but with that excitement comes risks. Most of the roughly 100 million Americans who traveled abroad in 2023 dealt with nothing more than an upset stomach or a cold. But what happens if you get injured or sick? How do I find a doctor? And who pays for my treatment?
These tips will help you prepare for your trip, use a foreign health care system, and reduce your chances of getting stuck with a big bill.
Not all medicines are available or welcome abroad
Some medicines may be difficult to obtain overseas. “Here's why it's a good idea to pack over-the-counter medications for common symptoms like traveler's diarrhea,” says Dr. Lin H. Chen, director of the Travel Medical Center at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, Massachusetts. “It's there,” he said. Keep prescription drugs in their original condition and packaging to identify them. If you have a pre-existing condition that requires medication, it is wise to carry a letter from your doctor.
Some countries have restrictions on medicines. For example, Adderall is not allowed in Japan. Additionally, certain medicines are called by different names overseas, such as acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol), which is called paracetamol in many countries. Check the U.S. Embassy's individual page on the State Department's website to find out what medications are allowed, especially if you need to take them on a regular basis.
Get enough insurance to prepare for the worst
Check your health insurance before traveling. “Most health insurance companies don't cover overseas medical care, or it's often limited,” said Rupa Mehta, chief executive officer of SquareMass, a digital travel insurance marketplace and provider of insurance products. says Mr.
Mehta explained that private insurance companies in the United States typically do not cover most medical costs abroad. The same goes for Medicare and Medicaid. Please check with your provider. Some people make exceptions to what they cover.
Consider purchasing travel medical insurance, which provides a wide range of coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellation, evacuation, and more. According to Mehta, the cost of this type of insurance is typically based on 5 to 10 percent of the total trip cost. So, for a $5,000 trip, insurance could cost between $250 and $500.
If you're traveling to a developing country, make sure your insurance includes medical evacuation coverage. “If you have symptoms like a spleen rupture and you are in a remote area, you will likely be directed to arrange some sort of evacuation,” Dr. Chen said. Without Medec insurance, Mehta said he could end up paying more than $100,000.
To find a doctor, use online tools or ask a local.
If you need medical attention while abroad, please consult your hotel or Airbnb host first. You can also search by country on the U.S. Consulate General's website and select “Medical Assistance” in the “U.S. Nationals” section. In some destinations, such as France, the U.S. Embassy lists English-speaking health care providers and hospitals by region. Local pharmacies can also help you find a doctor quickly.
Most travel insurance companies, such as Allianz Global and World Nomads, provide policyholders with a list of doctors. GeoBlue also provides members with a list of in-house telehealth providers and clinics.
Many countries also offer affordable (starting at around $20) urgent care services (in-person and online), such as DoctorsSA, which has clinics across Europe and in Turkey, Mexico, Vietnam, and Thailand .
National medical care is not necessarily free
If you're an American and you're traveling to a country with national health care, such as Canada or the United Kingdom, you're likely to be hit with a medical bill, even if you have insurance.
However, there are exceptions. Dr. Chen recalled hearing from a traveler who was treated for hepatitis A while on vacation in Denmark. The charges were “processed at no cost to the patient,” she said.
Meanwhile, business owner Lenny Mauricio, 42, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, traveled to Colombia in April 2023 without insurance. Mauricio needed stitches and minor plastic surgery after a photo fell on his head at an Airbnb. The rental host found a specialist to help him, but treatment and medication ended up costing him $1,500.
Hospitals are not all the same
“There's a lot of variation among hospitals overseas,” Dr. Chen says. For example, she explains, hospitals overseas often have wards (multiple beds in one large room) rather than individual patient rooms, and someone may need to bring food to hospitalized patients from outside. did.
Amanda Scholl, 37, an accounting executive from Seattle, became seriously ill with diarrhea, vomiting, and fever while traveling to Vietnam in September 2023. She was hospitalized for three days, but her condition was unstable. She recalled seeing cockroaches on the walls and mud on the floor, and was worried when she saw staff using needles in unsanitary conditions. In many developing countries, private clinics may offer better conditions and more treatment options than public hospitals. U.S. Embassy staff, hotel staff, and other local residents may be able to direct you to such clinics.
Hospitals in other countries may also have different rules for visitors. If you are in a same-sex partnership, you may consider bringing a copy of a legal document such as a marriage license to prove your relationship (although many countries still do not recognize same-sex marriage). Please note that please check the ILGA World map before your trip). You may also consider bringing a copy of the birth certificate if you are the parent of a child with a different last name.
Finally, if you are hospitalized abroad, the U.S. Embassy can notify your family, help with remittances for medical expenses, and visit you in cases of traumatic and critical conditions. Before you go abroad, consider joining the Smart Traveler Registration Program to stay connected with the U.S. Embassy, just in case.
For more travel advice, check out our collection of Travel 101 tips and hacks.
