Health Care Abroad

No one wants to imagine being sick or injured on vacation -- but if the worst happens, it pays to be prepared.

A few minor precautions can save you considerable hassle, time and money, and offer you peace of mind if you encounter health problems while traveling.

Medical practices abroad may be very different than those in the United States. Language barriers and unfamiliarity with your medical history make planning for potential medical care crucial.

The following tips, contact information, medication names and additional resources will help you find health care abroad and deal with medical needs both minor and critical.

Start with the Consular Information SheetsIf you aren't familiar with the country you're visiting, the U.S. State Department's Consular Information Sheets are a good place to start to see what type of medical services will be available to you once you're there.

Select your country and look for Medical Facilities and Health Information.Collect Health Care Contact Information Before You LeaveWrite down the following information in your address book, journal or itinerary and keep it with you at all times.

Your regular doctor's office and home phone numbers in case you need a consultation while traveling HMO/insurance company contact information in case you need to get approval for treatment Embassy contact info for countries in which you are traveling.

Also, ask your doctor for a contact name and number in the event of an emergency that occurs when your own doctor is not available.All of this information should be with your primary identification in your carry-on luggage, wallet, purse or money belt so that, should you be incapacitated, whoever comes to your assistance will find it. If you have serious allergies or a medical condition such as diabetes, be sure to ask your doctor about medical emergency bracelets.

Know the Generic Names of Your MedicationsCommon brand names at home may not be available or widely known where you are traveling.

Knowing the generic/medical names of common medications may help you find the over-the-counter medications you need, and help you avoid taking the wrong medications.

It's a good idea to pack a range of travel medications in a first-aid kit before you leave. If you need to replenish your supplies while traveling, keep in mind the following generic medication names:
Advil/Motrin/Alleve = ibuprofen
Tylenol/Excedrin = acetaminophen
Bayer, others = aspirin
Benadryl (antihistamine) = diphenhydramine
Dramamine, Bonine = dimenhydrinate, meclizine
Pepto-Bismol = bismuth subsalicylate
Antacids = calcium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide or magnesium hydroxide
Imodium = loperamide

Medical Assistance Companies.
Membership with a medical assistance company buys you access to an extremely wide range of medical and other services, from the mundane (vaccination recommendations, doctor referrals, legal advice), to the dramatic (repatriation, emergency evacuations, emergency cash loans).

Plans, services and prices can vary widely, so read all information carefully, and compare the various service levels and companies. Two recommended medical assistance companies include:
International SOS
Travel Assistance International

For more on medical coverage overseas, see our story on travel insurance.

Locating Doctors and Clinics While Traveling AbroadThe U.S. State Department provides a list of doctors and hospitals abroad. Also, check your guidebook -- many include hospital, clinic or doctor recommendations.

Especially at upscale lodgings, ask the hotel concierge for physician recommendations. Some doctors will make "house calls" to your hotel. Alternatively, your best bet may be to contact the nearest medical school, where you will often find English-speaking doctors and students.

The following agencies provide contact information for English-speaking doctors throughout the world. Membership may be required.
International Society of Travel Medicine (ISTM)(770) 736-7060 International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers (IAMAT)(716) 754-4883

Obtain Information at Your Location
If you are sick or injured, ask for complete contact information (including a fax number) of the hospital or clinic at which you're being treated before you call your doctor or insurance provider. Having this information will make it easier for your provider to process your claim and to fax pertinent documentation to your caregivers.

Additional Contact Information
The following government and private agencies provide valuable information for U.S. citizens traveling abroad:
U.S. State Department Overseas Citizens Services(888) 407-4747 -- from overseas: (202) 501-4444
The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH)(847) 480-9592
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)(800) 232-4636
World Health Organization (WHO)(+ 41 22) 791-2111