What Happens if You Get Sick While Abroad?

We’ve all been there – an accident or severe illness occurs seemingly out of nowhere. While it’s miserable, we know exactly what to do when we are at home and this happens. Generally speaking, we know our local healthcare system, where to go, and what it will likely cost us. 

But what if this happens when you’re abroad? 

It’s that time of year when we’re dreaming up our summer vacation plans and beginning to set them in stone. Along with flights, hotels, and making a list of the must-try restaurants in your destination, your well-being is something you should have a plan for. 

What happens if you get sick while abroad?

Getting sick is never fun, but it can feel even more hopeless when you’re far from home, particularly if you’re unfamiliar with the available medical options. If you need treatment, whether or not you have travel insurance makes a big difference in getting the services you need exactly when you need them. 

If you have travel insurance:

Medical emergency coverage is at the core of any travel insurance plan. If you get severely ill while overseas or get into an accident, you can trust that your travel insurance will be there for you every step of the way.

Some companies, like Insurte, offer policies that include 24/7 assistance to manage the entire medical event for you. With large, reliable networks, insurers can react immediately, directing you to a qualified medical professional and a trusted treatment facility. 

With that being said, you must understand the claim process before you travel. The best preparation you can do is to understand your policy, how to make a claim, and what is covered/what is excluded before leaving on your trip. 

For example, you may be required to submit a claim before you receive the necessary emergency treatment. 

If you fall ill, depending on the terms and conditions of your travel insurance, you will have an expert ally, getting you the help you need right when you need it. From what to do, where to go, and how to get care, you will be clearly directed by someone you can trust. In fact, if there isn’t a sufficient treatment facility where you are, travel insurance can cover medical evacuation and repatriation, even back to your home country if deemed warranted. 

In the really unfortunate case that you fall so ill that you are unable to advocate for yourself, travel insurance (again, depending on the policy) can also cover the costs of bringing a trusted loved one to be with you during your illness. 

Ultimately, having travel insurance means someone will manage the process for you, guide you, and cover the emergency medical costs accrued abroad. 

If you don’t have travel insurance: 

In the event that you don’t have travel insurance, becoming severely ill during your trip could be quite the headache (no pun intended). 

Depending on where you are, the local healthcare might be a state-funded system, such as in France or Spain. Citizens and many residents have access to this socially provided healthcare, but travelers from abroad likely do not. If this is the case, you will be responsible for all costs, out of pocket. The same is true if you’re in a country that requires its citizens to hold private insurance. 

Regardless of how the local system runs, the final bill could be astronomical, especially if you require hospitalization, emergency surgery, or medical evacuation. 

Costs aren’t the only concern you need to consider. Being in a foreign country also means being unfamiliar with what services are available to you, which ones are reputable, and how to access them. 

Which hospital can treat what you’re experiencing? Are there any scams you should be aware of? What details are important to know before accepting treatment? Your expert insurer will be able to answer these questions in live-time.

In the unfortunate event that your illness is so severe you need repatriation, knowing where to start can be overwhelming, especially when you’re ill. 

How to prepare for illnesses abroad

Getting a cold or minor stomach bug can typically be managed with over-the-counter medications and/or plenty of liquids and rest.  

In general:

• Consult your doctor before traveling abroad. It’s never a bad idea to do a check-up, especially if you’re heading abroad for an extended period or have prescriptions you need to bring with you.
• Make a copy of all of your prescriptions, just in case.
• Pack extras of any prescribed medication in case your trip gets extended for any reason, such as poor weather or flight cancelations/delays. This way, you're not left without the medication you need.
• Pack a few common medications as they may not be readily available in your destination, or they might be under different brands that you’re unfamiliar with. Examples are cold medicine, OTC painkillers/fever reducers, digestive aids, etc.
• Pack your medications in your carry-on in case your checked bag is lost or delayed.
• Drink plenty of fluids before your trip and prioritize healthy choices when it comes to your lifestyle.

Ultimately, the best thing that you can do to prepare is to make sure you have adequate travel insurance before heading abroad.

Key Takeaways

• Get travel insurance before you go abroad in case you have a medical emergency.
• Pack your prescriptions and OTC medications in your carry-on in case there are any baggage delays.
• Make copies of any prescriptions you have, just in case.
• Drink plenty of fluids and make healthy lifestyle decisions during the days leading up to your journey abroad.