Injured on vacation? What to do if you are sick or injured abroad

March 15, 2024

One minute, you’re living your best life on vacation. The next, an undercooked meal creates tummy troubles, someone trips on-trail and hurts their leg, or an even worse scenario unfolds on an adventure trip. Nobody plans to get sick or hurt while traveling, but accidents can happen.

Once abroad, it can be difficult to figure out how to find a doctor to treat a specific type of illness or injury, further complicated if there is a language barrier. Most travelers also don’t anticipate that medical visit payments can often be an issue, as doctors and clinics in many countries expect upfront payment for services. As such, being prepared is key. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that every traveler planning a trip abroad have a travel insurance policy for dealing with emergencies, both small and big. 

The four keys to a good pre-trip emergency plan

Dr. Amit Arwindekar, UnitedHealthcare Global North America medical director, has four tips to help you prepare ahead of your trip.

1. Research care facilities. Look up hospitals, clinics and pharmacies near your hotel or other activities, and learn about which meet international care standards. Add all emergency service phone numbers to your cell phone for your destination. Note: If you have a SafeTrip plan, you can simply call us during a trip in a time of need to ask for our recommended doctors, hospitals or clinics, wherever you are.
2. Pack a simple travel first-aid kit.Be sure to pick up a pre-packaged kit, or make your own filled with must-have basics. A short list includes bandage strips, gauze, surgical tape, tweezers, antiseptic wipes, antibacterial cream, and over-the-counter pain medications. Be sure to check your destination’s medication regulations before packing any prescriptions.
3. Write your key health facts on a card.For every person in your traveling party, make a list with blood type, medications, and any chronic conditions or allergies. Always keep this card on hand on the road.
4. Buy travel medical insurance.A plan like SafeTrip travel medical insurance from UnitedHealthcare Global means you have just one number to call to get support if something happens on your trip. You’ll also have help in paying for care at the time of service if required by the treating facility. One key tip: Bring a physical copy of proof of your travel medical insurance with you, in case technology fails at the worst possible time.

How SafeTrip travel medical insurance can help

With a SafeTrip plan from UnitedHealthcare Global, the toll-free number on your ID card is your instant connection to trained specialists, here to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, wherever you are in the world.

Our Emergency Response Center can help you:

• Locate quality doctors, clinics or hospitals nearby capable of treating your specific illness or injury
• Handle payment at the time of service so you don’t have to delay care
• Assist with communication to expedite care — our specialists are fluent in more than 100 languages
• Assess the quality of care you are receiving, with clinical experts on-hand to help monitor your situation
• Make emergency travel arrangements in case your illness or injury warrants a transfer to a different care facility

Read more about our travel protection plan benefits.

What to do if you need to seek care

Emergency care

For any emergency or life-threatening injury or illness, call the local emergency services number right away.

• When you arrive at the hospital, present your proof of insurance
• If your insurance provides a phone number for support, call as soon as you are able. They may be able to help with translations, support and guidance specific to your situation.
• If necessary, the insurance company may connect directly with the treating facility — including the treating physician — if there are additional questions

Urgent, but not life-threatening

A minor sprain or illness may not be life-threatening, but does require prompt medical care. In these situations, insurance plans with 24/7 around-the-clock phone or email support can be a great help.

• Call the phone number on your insurance card or fulfillment email, and be ready to share your plan ID number, name and current situation
• Some companies, like UnitedHealthcare Global, may help direct you to appropriate care near you
• Upon arrival at the care facility, don’t hesitate to call your insurance company with any additional questions or support you may need
• If your plan has not already coordinated payment for your care, be sure to collect an invoice and itemized receipt for care received
• If you need to be reimbursed for care, submit a claim online

Virtual Visits

For the times when you aren’t sure if going to a doctor is necessary right away, some plans include a virtual visit option. You can get expert opinion, right from the comfort of your hotel room or vacation rental, thanks to a video appointment with a doctor who can even prescribe medications if needed. Virtual visits are great for minor issues, such as sinus infections, sore throats, earaches, allergies and more. 

Once you’ve crafted a smart backup plan for your trip, you can move on to anticipating that dream vacation, and depart knowing you have every scenario covered — and the chance to fully enjoy every minute along the way.

For your next trip, consider SafeTrip for travel medical insurance and travel protection. Explore your options today.