Guest Post by Lauren Stuttaford (Air Doctor). Getting sick abroad can be a daunting and uncertain experience. Falling ill far from home, in an unfamiliar healthcare system, can quickly become stressful if you’re not prepared. The good news is that with a little planning and the right tools, you can reduce uncertainty and handle medical situations abroad with confidence.
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This guide outlines what to do before you travel, what information to keep handy, and how to access medical care quickly if you get sick while abroad.
If you’re feeling unwell right now, you can quickly check symptoms or find a local doctor instantly using the Air Doctor WebApp.
How to Plan for If You Get Sick Abroad
Prepare Before You Leave
A small amount of preparation before your trip can make a big difference if you get sick.
- Check with your insurance provider to confirm whether you have international medical coverage and what services are included.
- If you do not have coverage, consider purchasing a travel medical insurance policy and keep your provider’s contact information easily accessible.
- If you will be traveling for more than six months or taking multiple trips in a year, notify your insurer so they can update your policy accordingly.
- If you take prescription medication, verify whether it is permitted in your destination country. The foreign embassy can confirm any restrictions.
- Research how healthcare works in your destination so you know where to go if you need medical assistance.
If you are looking for travel insurance, read my travel insurance review, Travel Insurance Review 2025: Must-Have Or A Waste Of Money?
Keep Important Information On-Hand
If you require medical assistance while traveling, having the right information readily available will save time and reduce stress.
- Insurance card or policy number
- Insurance provider contact details, including assistance companies, if applicable
- Your GP’s name and phone number
- Details of pre-existing conditions and allergies
- Emergency contact at home
- Embassy contact information for your destination countries
- A letter from your GP describing your condition, if you have a chronic illness, along with valid prescriptions kept in the original packaging
Always keep records of any medical treatment you receive abroad so you can share them with your GP once you return home.
How to Find Medical Care Abroad
If you need emergency medical treatment, go directly to the nearest hospital or emergency clinic. Notify your insurance provider as soon as possible and follow their instructions.
For non-emergency situations such as a fever, stomach issues, infections, rashes, or minor injuries, the process can feel far more complicated. You may need to see a GP, dentist, gynecologist, pediatrician, or another specialist, often in an unfamiliar healthcare system and possibly in a language you do not speak.
If this sounds overwhelming, there is an easier way.
The Easiest Way to Find a Doctor If You Get Sick Abroad
Air Doctor makes it easy to access quality medical care abroad without navigating unfamiliar healthcare systems on your own. The app connects travelers directly to local private doctors and specialists who speak their preferred language, so you can focus on getting better instead of figuring out where to go.
Some insurance policies include Air Doctor as part of their coverage. Even if yours does not, you can still use the Air Doctor app or WebApp to book a consultation directly.
With Air Doctor, you can:
- Browse doctors who speak your preferred language
- Filter by specialty, location, availability, and gender
- Book in-person, hotel, or online consultations
- Receive valid local prescriptions that comply with local regulations
- Access support from a 24/7 multilingual customer care team
Access to 20,000 Doctors in 21 Languages
Air Doctor connects travelers to over 20,000 vetted doctors across 75 countries and offers telemedicine services in 21 languages. Whether you need medical advice, a prescription, or a face-to-face appointment, you can access care quickly and confidently wherever you are.
If you need fast medical help while traveling, use the Air Doctor WebApp to check symptoms or find a doctor near you.
If you want more details on using insurance abroad, the Air Doctor guide on finding a doctor covered by your insurance while abroad may also be helpful.
What to Remember If You Get Sick Abroad
Getting sick abroad is never ideal, but being prepared makes all the difference. By planning ahead, keeping important information accessible, and knowing how to find medical care quickly, you can handle health issues abroad with far less stress.
For peace of mind on your next trip, keep the Air Doctor WebApp handy so you can access medical help anytime, anywhere.
What do my vaccinations look like for world travel? Read my blog, My Up-To-Date Travel Vaccines – Updated 2025
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