What to do if the worst happens.
Traveling abroad requires a lot of planning, and everyone should consider what they would do in an emergency situation. This may be especially advantageous for those who take regular medications or have a chronic condition.
Having some sort of plan or doing research beforehand helps calm nerves and anxiety should a stressful situation arrive. I learned from my first and only experience of hospitalization abroad in Bali in June 2022. I was admitted to a hospital for 10 days with hemorrhagic dengue fever while I was on a solo trip.
I’m young and healthy with no comorbidities, so when this happened, I scrambled a bit. Here’s what I learned and what you should know if it happens to you.
See Your Healthcare Provider Before Your Trip
You should do this before any trip if you take any medications or have pre-existing medical concerns. Your physician or pharmacist can advise you on medication refills, medications you may need for travel, and any necessary immunizations. They can also provide you with a medication list and medical history so you can have it handy. Plus, as medication names can differ abroad, they can give you a list of other names for your prescriptions or common over-the-counter medications.
Check Your Insurance
Do this before you leave! You can find out if your regular health insurance has any overseas coverage by logging in online or calling them. If you don’t have coverage abroad, you may consider supplemental travel health insurance for peace of mind. Travel health insurance companies I’ve used before are Travel Guard, World Nomads, and SafetyWing.
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You should be prepared to pay upfront, though. Most insurance will reimburse you after you submit your claim. Sometimes, you can get it paid for at the time of discharge. If you do go to a doctor or a hospital abroad, make sure to share your health insurance information at the time of admission. Sometimes, the hospital can bill them directly or, at the very least, get prior approval so you know that your insurance has signed off on the hefty bill you may receive. By doing this, my insurance provider covered my $8,000 bill in Bali.
In addition to insurance, consider signing up with providers like Medjet, which arranges medevac transportation from your destination back to your home. Should you injure yourself and be stuck abroad, a medical transport home can cost over $100,000. Most travel insurance will not cover this. Annual subscriptions to Medjet cost around $315.
Call Your Embassy or Consulate
Embassies abroad are there to help their citizens. They can share information about hospitals or healthcare facilities, find you English-speaking healthcare providers, help you get ahold of your family in emergencies, and address visa issues that may occur during your medical emergency. For example, while I was hospitalized, my visa was going to expire, and I could run the risk of penalties. I called the local U.S. embassy, and they helped me sort it out—and they also checked up on me while I was in the hospital.
The embassy may also provide other helpful information. Here’s an example of the U.S. Embassy in Greece:
“Public hospitals may operate with skeletal staff over weekends, and it may be difficult to locate a doctor or someone who speaks English. Private hospitals have an appearance more akin to the United States and are more expensive. Medical fees can vary considerably in Greece. We recommend that clients inquire about fees in advance. Patients should settle all bills in euros and request a formal receipt. Some hospitals do not accept credit cards and expect payment in cash. Available medical care on islands and outside of Athens and Thessaloniki may be more limited, with clinics only. Serious medical situations generally require travel to Athens or Thessaloniki for treatment. If doctors determine urgent care is needed, the hospital or clinic will help you arrange travel.”
Finding a Hospital With Your Needs
This may not be easy, depending on where you are. You may not have a choice if there’s only one hospital in the area. If you have options, do you want to go to a public or private hospital? Public hospitals can be fine but may not have English-speaking staff.
I was at a hotel when I fell ill and asked the receptionist which hospital tourists or expats frequent that have English-speaking staff. Private hospitals may be more expensive, and they may provide services that aren’t needed (so they can get more from the insurance), but the facilities may be more like Western hospitals and may have more resources.
It may be helpful to know a few keywords to describe what you’re feeling or what happened if that’s possible. The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers and your destination’s embassy or consulate may also be able to help you find English-speaking healthcare providers.
Notify Your Loved Ones and Stay Calm
It can be really scary to be hospitalized in a foreign country where everything is unfamiliar, and you may not be with people you’d normally depend on. Easier said than done, but try to stay calm and keep stress levels low. When you’re able to, notify family or close ones about the situation, where you are, and what you may need. It’s best to fill in anyone so they’re on standby should you or your healthcare provider need to reach them.
Here’s hoping that you have safe travels wherever you go, but it is always a good idea to be well-prepared for any emergency that may come up. These tips will help you navigate a hospitalization abroad should that happen to you.