Navigating Foreign Hospitals: Official Advice Here

The worst-case scenario strikes. You're abroad for work, vacation, or to visit a friend, and you need medical care. This can be nerve-racking when you're in a familiar place, let alone in a whole other country. Not speaking the local language adds a whole other layer of complexity, too.

Getting the care you need, the moment you need it, is crucial, especially if there has been a serious accident or an illness is progressing quickly.

We are here to report on the official advice, as well as share the advice from our insurance experts, about what to do if you find yourself having to navigate a hospital abroad - whether you took out travel insurance or didn't.

Understand local medical services before you travel

The US and UK governments, as well as top travel insurance experts recommend that you do your research ahead of time.

While it can feel like a chore, it's always a good idea to look up the medical services available in the country or countries you're traveling to.

Both the US government and UK government have detailed pages about countries all around the world. These pages include general information, but also any health or medical risks that you should be aware of ahead of time. They also give details on vaccination recommendations or requirements.

Regardless, it's always recommended to be fully up to date on routine vaccinations before going abroad.

The information also includes when and where medical attention may be difficult to get, or when services might differ from the ones you're used to back home.

When you're doing your research, make sure you're looking to:

• Government sources.
• Official sources, like tourism boards.

If you are using AI for help, make sure you fact-check any information that you receive yourself.

If it's an emergency, call the local emergency number

First, if you think you are having a medical emergency, you should always call the local emergency number. Make sure you look up your destination's emergency number(s) ahead of time.

If you're used to a specific emergency number from back home, such as 911, know that emergency numbers are not universal. Different countries have different phone numbers to reach the services you need.

Contact your embassy or consulate

If you need help finding a doctor, hospital, or contacting family or friends, you can connect with the nearest embassy or consulate.

While the US government does not pay for medical care received abroad, they can help you find care. In fact, this list of US embassies and consulates is available.

The embassy can help you navigate to a hospital or find a doctor closest to where you are. Again, if it is an emergency, always call the local emergency number.

It's also worth mentioning that the UK government also does not pay for emergency medical care received abroad, though there are some services available that you can apply for in advance, like the UK Global Health Insurance Card (the GHIC). Still, it doesn't mean you will necessarily be covered, or that you won't be expected to pay for services up front.

Make sure you can pay

The British and US governments both recommend that travelers heading abroad have a valid debit or credit card on them, as you may be required to pay up front for care you receive, even if you're insured.

The US government reminds travelers that they do not pay for any medical bills overseas, and that US citizens are fully responsible for any costs accrued. Additionally, Medicare/Medicaid do not provide international coverage.

Even when you're insured, you may need to foot some of the bill up front, either fully or a deposit.

Consider the help of a translator

While care may be available, it isn't guaranteed that the staff, nurses, or doctors will speak English. This is why the UK government offers a list of English-speaking translators around the globe. You can find it here.

That said, you should always vett any third party, non government services for yourself. Make sure you read the reviews and understand the service and its costs.

If insured, contact your insurer as soon as possible

If you took out travel insurance, make sure that you (or a friend/family member with you) contacts them as soon as possible. Oftentimes, insurers must assist you before medical care is received in order to validate your claim.

When you contact them, ask about your coverage, and also if any translation services are included, too. They might not be.

Regardless, make sure you keep any and all documents, notes, and files that the doctor or hospital gives you. This includes receipts, results, prescriptions, intake forms, etc. Your insurer will need to see this information.

And, know the claim process ahead of time, so you can follow it closely. Insurers often have broad international networks, so they can help direct you to where you need to go - and sometimes that's required.

Always take out travel insurance when going abroad

It's a recommendation around the globe. The US and UK governments, Canadian government, and European Union all highly encourage travelers going overseas, no matter where the destination is, to take out travel insurance beforehand.

At its core, travel insurance covers emergency medical costs. There are always exclusions to be checked, but in the case of an accident, serious injury, or illness, you may be covered.

Insurers recommend that you read the claim process and terms and conditions before you even purchase a policy - that way, you know exactly when you're covered and when you're not. They recommend paying close attention to any exclusions, for example, pre-existing conditions are rarely covered.

The UK government, specifically, advises travelers to choose a policy with a medical evacuation guarantee. The quality of care and services available can vary from country to country and area to area. For instance, if you're traveling to a relatively remote island and get into a serious accident, you may need to be evacuated to another country to get the critical attention you need.

In some cases, you may even need assistance getting back to your home country. Medical evacuation and repatriation guarantees are designed to assist with this, so look for a policy that includes them.

If you need medical attention abroad:

• Call the local emergency number if it's a medical emergency.
• Contact your insurer as soon as possible and follow your insurer's claim process.
• It may be worth reaching out to your domestic health insurance back home to see if they can offer any coverage or support.

Before you travel:

• Take out a travel insurance policy that covers you abroad, and offers medical evacuation and repatriation.
• Research your destination by visiting official government travel pages.
• Make sure you know the local emergency number.
• If you're traveling with prescriptions, make sure you undertstand what is allowed and what isn't.
• Make sure you're up to date on your vaccinations.

Sources

Travel medical advice from the US Government: https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/planning/guidance/medicine-health.html

Financial assistance for medical emergencies abroad
https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/help-abroad/financial.html

Medical assistance abroad from the UK government: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/in-hospital-abroad

Insurance advice:
https://insurte.com