TL;DR
Medical emergencies can happen anywhere. Emergency systems vary significantly from country to country. Learn the local emergency number before you travel, understand that most U.S. health insurance does not cover overseas medical care, and consider purchasing travel medical insurance with emergency evacuation coverage. A few minutes of preparation before your trip can help you get life-saving care more quickly and avoid unexpected medical expenses abroad.
Overview
Traveling internationally is exciting, but a medical emergency can quickly turn your dream vacation into a nightmare. Whether you’re hiking in Switzerland, exploring temples in Japan, or enjoying the beaches of Brazil, knowing how to get emergency medical help and understanding how your insurance works while traveling abroad can make all the difference in the world.
In the USA, getting help in a medical emergency is as easy as calling 911 to activate the EMS (Emergency Medical Services) system. In most areas, a trained first responder will be quickly dispatched and arrive at your location with the tools and equipment to provide medical assistance. Emergency medical services vary widely from country to country. Emergency phone numbers are different, ambulance response times may vary, and hospitals may have different payment requirements than those in the United States.
It’s essential to learn how to respond to an emergency before you leave the country. Take a few minutes to learn what to do if you or someone traveling with you experiences a medical emergency.
Recognize a Medical Emergency
Seek emergency medical attention immediately if you or someone you are traveling with experiences:
- Chest pain or symptoms of a heart attack
- Difficulty breathing
- Stroke symptoms
- Severe bleeding or bleeding that will not stop
- Serious injuries after a fall or vehicle crash
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizure
- Severe allergic reaction
- Suspected poisoning
- Heat stroke
If you are unsure, activate EMS using the local emergency number. The person answering can help determine if emergency assistance is needed.
Emergency Numbers Around the World
Unlike the USA and Mexico, where 911 is used nationwide, emergency numbers differ internationally.
Europe
To activate EMS, many European countries use 112, which works throughout the European Union.
Countries using 112 include:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Czech Republic
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Italy
- Ireland
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Spain
- Sweden
In many countries, 112 operators can provide assistance in English, particularly in tourist areas.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom uses:
- 999
- 112 (also works)
Popular South American Destinations
| Country | Emergency Medical Number |
| Argentina | 107 |
| Brazil | 192 (SAMU) |
| Chile | 131 |
| Colombia | 123 |
| Peru | 106 (many areas also use 911 locally) |
Because emergency systems continue to evolve, hotels and local authorities can often confirm the appropriate number.
Popular Asian Destinations
| Country | Emergency Medical Number |
| China | 120 |
| India | 108 or 112 |
| Japan | 119 |
| Singapore | 995 |
| South Korea | 119 |
| Taiwan | 119 |
| Thailand | 1669 |
| Vietnam | 115 |
Mexico
911 works in Mexico, but they may not speak English. There are also other numbers established to help tourists traveling in Mexico.
What to Tell the Dispatcher
Even if English isn’t widely spoken, dispatchers usually understand basic emergency information. They may ask different questions, depending on where you are.
Be prepared to provide:
- Exact location
- What type of emergency
- Where the emergency is
- What happened
- Is anyone in immediate danger
- What type of responders are needed
Be sure to speak slowly and remain calm.
Language Barriers While Traveling
Communicating may be a significant challenge.
Helpful strategies include:
- Use a translation app with offline language packs.
- Carry a list of allergies, medications, and medical conditions.
- Learn a few emergency phrases before traveling.
Many hospitals in major tourist destinations have English-speaking staff or someone who can translate, but smaller clinics may not.
Differences in EMS Around the World
Emergency medical systems vary considerably.
Some countries have highly advanced emergency responders with physician-led ambulance services, while others rely on basic transportation to hospitals.
Differences may include:
- First responder training and responsibility
- Response times
- Rescue equipment
- Public vs private hospitals
- Payment requirements
Do not assume the system operates the same way it does in the USA
Will Your U.S. Health Insurance Cover Medical Care Overseas?
Usually no.
Most American health insurance plans provide little or no routine coverage outside the United States.
For example:
Does U.S. Medical Insurance Pay for Surgery in Italy?
Generally, no.
If you require emergency surgery while visiting Italy, your American health insurance may not pay the hospital directly, or at all. If they do reimburse you, the fee structure may be significantly different.
Some plans reimburse expenses after you return home, but you may need to:
- Pay the hospital yourself
- Keep every receipt
- Have medical records translated
- File a claim with your own insurance for reimbursement
Always check with your insurance company before traveling.
Does Medicare Cover International Medical Care?
No, original Medicare will not cover you outside of the USA. There are supplement plans that may offer limited coverage. You can also purchase a Medigap plan that specifically covers international travel. There are a few exceptions when near the US border and a foreign hospital is closer than any US facility.
Why Travel Medical Insurance Is Worth Considering
Travel medical insurance is specifically for international emergencies while traveling abroad.
Many policies cover:
- Emergency room visits
- Hospitalization
- Emergency surgery
- Ambulance transportation
- Air-lift transportation
- Prescription medications
- Medical evacuation
- Return to the USA after serious illness or death
Travel insurance is inexpensive compared to the cost of emergency medical treatment in a foreign country.
Medical Evacuation Coverage Can Save Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars
One of the most valuable benefits is medical evacuation insurance.
If necessary, medical evacuation coverage may pay to transport you to:
- Another hospital
- Another country
- Back to the USA
Air ambulance transportation can cost anywhere from $25,000 to over $500,000, depending on distance and medical needs.
What If the Hospital Requires Payment Up Front?
In the case of a non-life-threatening emergency, many hospitals and medical providers will require payment before treatment.
Be prepared to:
- Use a credit card
- Contact your bank to transfer funds
- Contact your travel insurance company immediately
- Request your insurance company to guarantee payment and pay the hospital directly
- Keep copies of every bill
Travel insurers can assist with payment and travel arrangements.
Contact the U.S. Embassy if Necessary
The nearest U.S. embassy or consulate can be very helpful in an emergency. They can:
- Replace lost passports
- Contact friends or family members
- Help with finding physicians and medical facilities
- Translate
- Help with local policies and procedures
Final Thoughts
A little planning can prevent major problems. Familiarize yourself with the basics of what to do in case of an emergency. Take a First Aid and CPR course if you have not done so already, or if it’s been a while since your last certification.
Before traveling
- Review your health insurance coverage.
- Purchase travel medical insurance.
- Pack extra prescription medications.
- Carry a list of medications and allergies.
- Save the local emergency number in your phone’s contact list.
- Download offline translation apps.
- Download offline maps.
- Learn where the nearest hospital is located.
- Write down the address of your hotel.
- Learn how to describe your location.
- Share your itinerary with family.
- Keep copies of your passport and insurance cards.
Being prepared helps you spend less time worrying and more time enjoying your trip.