Managing Medical Emergencies Abroad

Medical emergencies can pose distinct challenges when they occur while you are abroad. In this post you can find recommendations on how to prepare for and manage a medical situation abroad. 

Before Your Trip 

• Inform your doctors about your upcoming trip. 
• Get a general checkup and discuss any health concerns related to your trip, including managing conditions and medications while abroad. 
• Discuss vaccinations and medications needed and get required vaccinations. 
• Create a medical emergency plan. Gather and organize relevant important information:
  • Personal emergency contacts, such as:
    • A trusted family member or friend you can contact while you are abroad. 
    • Your doctors back at home, in case you need to discuss a potential change in medication for example. 
  • Local emergency contacts at your destination, such as:
    • Local emergency services (ambulance, police, fire). 
    • Contact information and address of the nearest hospital or urgent care facility. 
    • Contact information including address of your country’s embassy or consulate. 
  • Relevant medical information, such as:
    • List of any pre-existing medical conditions. 
    • Information about current medications, including dosages. 
    • Allergy related information. 
  • Travel insurance details, such as:
    • Contact information for your travel insurance provider.
      • UT Dallas travelers can download the On Call International contact card and documents. From your mobile phone open this link to the On Call card, click on DOWNLOAD CARD, and save the contact in your phone. 
      •  UT Dallas travelers can learn more about their travel insurance at the Know Your Insurance webpage. 
    • Process to request assistance from your travel insurance provider. 
      • UTD travelers can call On Call International 24/7: +1 (978) 651-9722 for immediate assistance while abroad on a UTD authorized activity.
    • Insurance policy number and coverage details. 
    • Process to submit a claim. 
  • Local resources information, such as:
    • Contact and address of local healthcare facilities, such as clinics and pharmacies. 
    • Instructions on how to get to the nearest hospital or how to contact emergency services. 
    • Basic phrases in the local language or a translation app to help communicate with healthcare providers. 
• Make both digital and physical copies of your emergency plan so you can access it no matter what happens. 
• Share a copy of your emergency medical plan with a family member or friend who is not traveling with you, so they can assist if needed. 
• Review your travel insurance coverage to understand your benefits 

During Your Trip 

• Know how to get emergency assistance. UTD travelers can call On Call International 24/7: +1 (978) 651-9722 for immediate assistance while abroad on a UTD authorized activity. 
• Monitor your health and seek medical advice and assistance as needed. 
• Stay updated on local health alerts or travel advisories that might impact your safety or health. 
• Carry a copy of your medical emergency plan and refer to it as needed to access medical care. 
• Ask for clarification at the doctor’s office as needed, to ensure you understand any medical advice or instructions 
• Obtain and safekeep receipts for all medical services and treatments, as those will be necessary for insurance claims and reimbursement. 
• Contact your travel insurance provider as soon as possible if you need to make a claim, as there may be limits on when a claim can be submitted. 
• Ask for assistance from local authorities, hotel staff, or fellow travelers if you need guidance or support, don’t hesitate. 
• Inform your emergency contacts or family members about your situation as needed. 

After Your Trip 

• Schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctors to address any health issues that came up during or after your trip. 
• Make any necessary updates to your medical emergency plan based on your experiences or changes in your health or insurance. 

 
Sources and resources 

• CDC – Traveler’s Health 
• CDC – Obtaining Health Care Abroad | CDC Yellow Book 2024 
• WHO – Travel advice (who.int) 
• WHO – Travel Precautions 
• DOS – Your Health Abroad (state.gov) 

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