What to Do in a Medical Emergency Abroad (2025 Guide)

You’ve just landed in a foreign country. Maybe it’s your first time. Maybe it’s your tenth. But one thing is suddenly very wrong—you’re facing a medical emergency abroad.

You don’t speak the language. You don’t know the system. And you’re not even sure who to call. Whether your medication was seized at customs, you lost your passport, or your partner collapsed in the hotel room, everything about this moment feels urgent—and unfamiliar.

This is the guide for that moment.

1. You’re Sick or Injured Overseas

It happens fast. You feel dizzy in the airport lounge. You slip on a curb. You wake up with chest pain or a fever you didn’t have the night before. You’re in another country, and suddenly your trip has turned into a medical emergency.

The most important thing you can do in this moment is stay calm and take the first step—because help is available, even if it looks different than it would at home.

1.1 How to Find the Right Emergency Number

Don’t assume every country uses 911. They don’t.
In Europe, the universal number is 112. In the UK, it’s 999. In Japan, 119 will get you an ambulance.

✅ KEEN TIP: Before you travel, create and save a list of emergency numbers for the places you are visiting and keep it on your phone and in your carry-on.

1.2 What to Say When You Don’t Speak the Language

If you don’t speak the local language, don’t panic. Use simple English, point to the part of your body that hurts, and keep a translation tool ready on your phone.

✅ Google Translate works offline if downloaded ahead of time.

You can also carry a small index card in your wallet that you can pull out that says, “I need a doctor who speaks English,” along with your name and basic health info. For a sample of what this card should say, see Section 11.4.

1.3 Finding a Doctor or Hospital

In many countries—especially across Europe and parts of Asia—you can walk into a public hospital for urgent care. For faster service or English-speaking staff, consider a private clinic instead.

🛎️ Ask your hotel concierge, call your airline’s medical desk, or visit the U.S. embassy website for a list of vetted healthcare providers.

Not sure if it’s an emergency? Trust your instincts. If it would concern you at home, it’s worth checking out abroad.

1.4 ER vs. Urgent Care: How to Choose

• Go to the ER for chest pain, shortness of breath, serious injury, signs of stroke, or loss of consciousness.
• Choose urgent care or a local doctor’s office for infections, high fever, allergic reactions, minor falls, or persistent stomach issues.

If you’re unsure, go to the ER—better safe than sorry, especially in unfamiliar surroundings.

1.5 Payment for Hospital. ER, Clinic and Doctor Visits

2. Your Medication Was Lost, Stolen or Confiscated

Few situations are more unsettling than realizing your medication is missing—or worse, watching a customs officer pull it from your bag and confiscate it on the spot. Suddenly, you’re in a foreign country without the one thing you brought to protect your health and peace of mind.

The good news: There are ways to replace medication overseas—but the steps depend on what you lost, where you are, and how quickly you act.

2.1 Ask for Help Immediately

Your first move should be to notify someone local who can assist.
If you’re at a hotel, ask the concierge or front desk—they may know of an English-speaking pharmacy nearby or can call one for you. If you’re staying at an Airbnb or with family, contact the nearest licensed pharmacy or medical clinic and explain your situation.

Don’t wait until your next dose is due. Start the replacement process right away.

If you lost your bag in transit, report it to the airline’s baggage desk or the local police (especially if theft is suspected). Get a written report—this may be needed for both insurance and pharmacy documentation.

2.2 Contact Your Doctor Back Home

A U.S. prescription cannot be filled overseas, but it can explain to an overseas healthcare provider what you’re taking.

Have your doctor fax or email:

• Your prescription
• Your medication list (with dosages)
• A letter verifying your need for the medication

Pharmacists and foreign doctors can use this to find a local equivalent (oftentimes it’s over-the-counter)—or to issue a new prescription under their country’s laws.

2.3 Find a Local Doctor

2.4 What to Do Next Time to Prevent Medication Loss

While not helpful in the moment, it’s worth noting for future trips:

• ✅ Always keep medication in your carry-on, never in checked bags
• ✅ Bring a duplicate set in a separate bag if your condition depends on it
• ✅ Use pharmacy-labeled containers (especially for customs), not daily pill sorters when flying internationally
• ✅ Include a photo of your prescription labels in a “Travel Medications” album on your phone

2.5 What to Do If Your Meds Were Seized by Customs

Confiscation happens more often than people realize. And depending on the country, it can be more than just inconvenient—it can delay your treatment or even put you at risk of being flagged in a global database. Be sure to read: Can Customs Take Your Medication? Avoid Issues Abroad.

👉 In most cases, once medication is seized, it’s not returned. The embassy can’t get it back for you either.

2.6 The Paperwork to Request If Your Meds Are Seized

Politely request written documentation, which may help you file a travel insurance claim or provide proof to a local physician who can prescribe a temporary substitute. The documentation should include:

• A seizure report or written record of what was taken
• A receipt or inventory log of confiscated items
• The reason for seizure and the relevant law or regulation
• Contact information for the customs authority or inspector
• Instructions (if any) on appeal or review process

2.7 Why Customs Might Confiscate Medication

Customs officers in many countries have broad discretion to inspect and remove medications that violate their regulations—even if they’re legal in the U.S.

Common reasons include:

• Banned ingredients: Medications with pseudoephedrine (found in Sudafed), codeine, or amphetamine-based drugs like Adderall are banned in several countries, including Japan, the UAE, and Thailand.
• Unlabeled medications: Pills in unmarked containers or weekly organizers are red flags. Always carry medications in pharmacy-labeled bottles when crossing borders.
• Large quantities: Bringing more than a 30- or 90-day supply can raise suspicion, especially if you don’t have a supporting letter from your doctor.

Even over-the-counter medications—like sleep aids or decongestants—can cause issues if they contain ingredients on a restricted list.

2.8 How to Avoid Medication Seizure in the Future

Here’s what you can do before your next trip to reduce the risk of seizure:

• Research the country’s banned and restricted medication list ahead of time
• Carry medications in their original pharmacy packaging with your name on the label
• Include a doctor’s letter explaining your condition and why you need the medication
• Bring only what you need for the duration of your trip (plus a few days’ buffer)
• If in doubt, contact the country’s embassy or health authority for clarification

3. You Lost Your Passport and Can’t Get Medical Care Without It

Losing your passport is stressful but losing it during a medical emergency abroad can bring everything to a halt.

In many countries, your passport isn’t just a travel document—it’s your primary form of ID. Without it, you may be denied access to hospitals, insurance-covered treatment, or even basic prescription services.

3.1 Why a Passport May Be Required for Medical Care

Some countries legally or administratively require travelers to present a passport before receiving non-emergency care. Even in emergencies, you may be delayed or redirected without one.

Without your passport, you may have to both pay cash and sign liability documents—or wait for embassy verification before being seen.

3.2 How to Get Emergency Care While Waiting for a New Passport

⚠️ ❗ 🔴 If your condition is urgent, don’t wait to find your passport or replace it—go to the nearest hospital or emergency clinic immediately and explain your situation. Use a translation card or app to say:

“I lost my passport but need medical help. I can pay in cash and show other ID.”

KEEN TIP: Before you leave, save a scanned copy or photo of your passport photo page and ID on your phone and in your email. This can often serve as a temporary backup until you replace the original.

3.3 How to Replace a Lost Passport Quickly

Here’s what to do right away:

1. Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate and ask for emergency passport services. Most embassies can issue a limited-validity passport within 24–48 hours.
2. Gather documents
   You’ll need:
   • A passport photo (available at many embassies or nearby shops)
   • ID (driver’s license, Medicare card, etc.)
   • Proof of citizenship (birth certificate, prior passport copy, etc.)
   • A police report (especially if your passport was stolen)
3. Fill out Form DS-11 for lost or stolen passports. You can complete this at the embassy or online beforehand. (Just stay away from .com sites which try to tack on additional fees. All government agencies end in .gov)
4. Pay the replacement fee (cash or card, varies by country)
   In emergency situations, the embassy may waive or defer payment—but this is not guaranteed.

Check out our guide to Dealing with a Stolen Wallet Abroad for more helpful tips.

3.4 How the U.S. Embassy Can Help

The US Embassy at your destination cannot get your medication back or pay your hospital bills, but it can:

• Help you replace your passport fast
• Verify your citizenship to a hospital or clinic
• Assist in contacting family or your insurance provider
• Provide a list of English-speaking doctors or hospitals

📌 Keep the embassy’s 24-hour emergency number saved in your phone and written in your travel folder for quick access.

For a full list of what they can and can’t do, jump to Section 7.

4. If You Need to Be Evacuated for Treatment

If you’re in a remote town, or on a cruise ship, or in a country where the local hospital can’t handle your condition—and the doctor says you need to be transferred immediately, this is when medical evacuation comes in.

The cost of medical evacuation can run from $30,000 to over $200,000, depending on where you are and how far you need to go. Without a plan, a medical evacuation can cost:

• $30,000–$50,000 from the Caribbean
• $80,000+ from Europe or South America
• $150,000+ from Asia, Africa, or Australia
• Up to $250,000+ if an air ambulance with ICU-level support is needed

With a dedicated plan, that same evacuation could cost you nothing beyond the annual fee—usually between $250–$500 per year for individuals. Without the right coverage or a pre-arranged membership, most travelers have to pay out of pocket—if it’s even possible to arrange transport at all.

4.1 Types of Medical Evacuation

A medical evacuation can range from being airlifted to the nearest hospital, to being flown to a specialized care facility such as a trauma center or stroke unit. It can also be a flight back to your home country with your own doctors and loved ones surrounding you.

Doctors or hospital administrators usually initiate the process—but if you feel you may need this type of care, you should make arrangements before you leave.

4.2 Who Arranges the Evacuation and What is the Typical Time Frame?

There are three typical ways medical evacuation is arranged:

1. By your travel insurance provider: Many travel insurance plans include emergency evacuation, but they limit it to the nearest adequate medical facility—not back to your home country.
2. Through a dedicated medevac membership program: These services specialize in arranging air ambulance transport directly back to your hospital of choice in the U.S.

5. You’re Sick or Injured, Can’t Reach Anyone or Speak the Language

Here’s what to do:

5.1 Use Your Phone’s Emergency SOS or Smartwatch Feature

Most smartphones today have a built-in emergency SOS feature that can alert local emergency services or send your live location to designated contacts. On an iPhone, press and hold the side button and volume button; on Android, use the Power button five times.

Smartwatches like the Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch offer similar features. These can call for help and share your medical ID, allergies, and emergency contacts—even if you can’t speak.

Before your trip, make sure these settings are enabled and up to date.

5.2 Show a Translation Card or Use a Medical Phrasebook

An emergency isn’t the time to start fumbling with Google Translate. Instead, carry a printed medical ID card—a small, wallet-sized sheet that says: “Please help me find a doctor who speaks English.” (For a downloadable Medical ID Card with health info and contacts, see Section 10.4.)

You can also include critical information in the local language such as:

• Your name and date of birth
• Allergies or chronic conditions
• Emergency contact back home
• “I have travel insurance” in the local language

5.3 Ask Hotel Staff or Fellow Travelers for Help

Hotel front desk staff, Airbnb hosts, and pharmacists are often more than willing to assist, especially when it’s clear you’re dealing with a health emergency. Use simple English, show your Medical ID card or app, and ask: “Can you please call a doctor who speaks English?”

Many hotels can even arrange transportation or have a doctor come to you. If you’re alone and unable to speak, having a medical alert bracelet or Medical ID card in your wallet or purse can be a lifesaver.

6. You’re Alone and Don’t Know What to Do

Here’s what to do:

6.1 Call Your Country’s Embassy

If you feel overwhelmed, unsafe, or unable to get the help you need, call your country’s embassy at your destination. U.S. embassies, for example, have 24/7 emergency hotlines and can help you:

• Find medical care with English-speaking doctors
• Contact family or emergency contacts
• Replace lost documents like passports

For a full list of what embassies can and can’t do, see Section 7.

6.2 Use a Telehealth Platform or Insurance Nurse Line

Many travel insurance plans now offer nurse hotlines—available 24/7—to help you assess your symptoms, decide what level of care you need, or locate a nearby clinic. If you have a policy through VisitorsCoverage, Allianz, or another provider, the contact number should be printed on your ID card or confirmation email.

If you don’t have a travel insurance nurse line, consider joining a telehealth service that operates internationally. These platforms connect you with licensed doctors (often English-speaking) by video or phone:

• Air Doctor – Find local doctors or speak with one online
• Teladoc Health – Offers virtual consults for travelers
• Doctor Care Anywhere – Based in the UK, but available globally

These services can talk you through symptoms, prescribe temporary medications, or refer you to trusted clinics nearby.

6.3 Reach Out to Family with Location Sharing

If you feel too ill to leave your hotel room or are in transit and something feels wrong, share your live location with a family member or friend via apps like WhatsApp, Apple Messages, or Google Maps.

Smartwatches and phones also have built-in emergency location tools:

• iPhone: Share My Location or SOS Emergency via Health app
• Android: Safety & Emergency > Emergency Sharing
• Apple Watch: Hold the side button to send emergency SOS and share location automatically

You can also wear a smart medical ID bracelet or carry a card that states your condition and emergency contact. If you become unconscious or unable to speak, this may be the only thing responders have to go on.

✅ Tip: In your travel checklist, include a pre-trip setup of live location sharing with someone you trust.

7. What the Embassy Can and Can’t Do in an Emergency

In a foreign country, it’s natural to assume the U.S. embassy is your safety net—and in many ways, it is. But it’s also important to understand exactly what they can and can’t do during a medical emergency abroad, so you can act with realistic expectations.

8. Your Home Health Insurance: What’s Covered—and What’s Not

A medical emergency abroad is hard enough without the surprise of finding out that your regular health insurance doesn’t apply—or only pays a fraction of the cost. Many travelers, especially those on Medicare, assume they’re covered internationally when they’re not.

Here’s what you need to know about which plans cover what, and what gaps to look out for before you go.

8.1 Medicare’s Limitations Outside the U.S.

❗ ❕ ❌ Original Medicare (Parts A and B) generally does not cover medical care outside the United States, with only a few rare exceptions. You might be covered if:

• You’re on a cruise ship that’s within 6 hours of a U.S. port
• You’re traveling between Alaska and another U.S. state through Canada and a medical emergency occurs
• You live near a border and a foreign hospital is closer than a U.S. facility

Outside of those situations, you’ll be responsible for all medical bills abroad, unless you have additional coverage.

8.2 Medigap and Medicare Advantage: What They Offer

🟡 Medigap plans may provide limited foreign travel emergency coverage. Specifically, Plans C, D, F, G, M, and N cover:

• 80% of eligible emergency medical costs abroad
• Up to $50,000 lifetime limit
• Only for the first 60 days of travel
• A $250 deductible applies

However, not all Medigap plans include this coverage, and some may be phased out depending on your state.

🟡 Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans vary widely. Some offer limited emergency coverage for international travel, others don’t. Call your plan provider directly to ask:

• Are medical emergencies abroad covered?
• Is prior authorization required?
• What’s the coverage limit?
• Are air ambulances or evacuations included?

✅ Tip: Get the answers in writing and save the document with your travel insurance papers.

8.3 U.S. Private Insurance Rules

🟡 If you have private employer or retiree insurance, check your plan’s out-of-network emergency benefits. PPOs may offer some international coverage, while HMOs often do not.

8.4 Why Travel Insurance Is Often the Smartest Option

Travel insurance can fill the gaps left by Medicare and private plans—but you must read the fine print. A comprehensive policy should include:

• Emergency medical and dental care
• Hospital stays and diagnostic tests
• Emergency evacuation or repatriation (check distance and destination limits)
• Coverage for pre-existing conditions (only if declared and covered in the plan)
• 24/7 support lines and translator access

✅ Check out VisitorsCoverage, Allianz Travel Insurance, and TravelInsurance.com for solid, reputable plans with U.S. dollar pricing and clear exclusions.

The best policy is one that matches your age, destination, and health profile—not just the cheapest, especially for older travelers and those with chronic or complex conditions.

9. Build Your Emergency Travel Kit

When a medical emergency abroad happens, the last thing you want to be doing is digging through your bag for paperwork, scrambling to remember a dosage, or realizing you don’t have a way to keep medication cold. A few minutes of preparation before your trip can make a world of difference when something goes wrong.

Here’s what to include in a smart, senior-ready emergency travel kit—compact enough to keep in your carry-on, but powerful enough to get you through most common scenarios.

9.1 Paper Copies of ID and Prescriptions

Always carry printed copies of:

• Your passport photo page
• Your travel insurance card or confirmation
• Your prescriptions, including dosage and generic names
• Any important medical records or allergy alerts

Keep one set in your day bag and one in your luggage. If your passport or phone is lost, these can speed up replacements and help medical staff verify your identity and treatment history.

✅ Tip: Take photos of each document and store them in a secure album on your phone labeled “Travel Health Docs.”

9.2 A Doctor’s Letter for Medications and Medical Devices

For international travel, a signed letter from your doctor is one of the best protections you can have. It should:

• State your full name and birthdate
• List your medical conditions and the medications or devices you use
• Include brand names and generic equivalents
• Note any controlled substances or injectable medications, with a statement of medical necessity
• Be signed and dated, ideally on official letterhead

A medical letter helps you clear customs, replace medications locally, and avoid delays at border control. Get your free doctor letter template to bring to your doctor.

9.3 Medication Cooling or Storage Tools

If you travel with insulin, injectables, eye drops, or biologics, you’ll need a way to keep them safe in transit. If your medication requires cold storage (like insulin or injectables), you may also need to purchase a travel-approved cooler or request access to refrigeration at your lodging. Options include:

• TSA-approved medication coolers with temperature control
• Ice-pack-enabled pouches for short flights
• Battery-powered portable fridges for long-haul trips

Be sure to check out our guides to the

• 👉 Best Travel Cooler for Medication: 7 Top Picks for Every Traveler
• 👉 Best Medication Coolers for Travel

9.4 A Medical ID Card or Wearable

In an emergency, you may be unconscious, disoriented, or unable to speak. A medical alert bracelet, wallet-sized Medical ID card, or smartwatch health feature can give first responders key info like:

• Your name and date of birth
• Medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, epilepsy, heart condition)
• Allergies
• Emergency contact

These tools save lives. Choose a visible, durable option that works with your style and travel habits.

✅ Download your free Medical ID card to print, fill out, and tuck in your wallet or passport holder.

9.5 Offline Access to Key Numbers

Don’t assume your phone will always have service. Store critical numbers in two places:

• Printed on a small emergency card
• In your phone’s “Emergency Info” or “Health” section (accessible from your lock screen)

What to include:

• Local emergency number for your destination
• Nearest U.S. embassy or consulate
• Travel insurance 24/7 hotline
• Primary care doctor or pharmacy back home
• Emergency contact (family or friend)

Having this information offline makes all the difference in the first minutes of an emergency.

Your emergency travel kit is your silent backup—ready to speak for you when you can’t, and smooth out the roughest moments when things go wrong. A little planning now can protect your health, save you money, and possibly even save your life.

10. Wrap Up

You can’t predict when a medical emergency abroad will happen—but you can take away much of the fear by knowing exactly what to do.

Whether it’s a lost passport, a confiscated medication, or a health crisis in a country where you don’t speak the language, the steps you take in the first hour can change everything.

This guide isn’t about raising alarm. It’s about giving you the tools to stay in control, get the help you need, and protect yourself or your loved ones—no matter where you are in the world.

Print what you need. Save the rest to your phone. And travel knowing you’re ready for whatever comes next.