Finding medical attention in an unfamiliar area while travelling can be a challenging situation, but it’s crucial to prioritize your health and safety. Here are some tips to help you locate a doctor when needed.
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Before You Go
Before traveling, research local healthcare facilities and emergency contacts. Create a list of nearby hospitals, clinics and pharmacies, and ensure your travel insurance adequately covers any medical emergencies you might face. Additionally, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with local emergency numbers, such as 911 in the United States.
Always carry copies of essential documents like your passport, travel insurance details and pertinent medical information when traveling. Make sure to have a record of any allergies, current medications and medical conditions you have.
Use Tech
Modern technology can be a lifesaver — make use of medical apps, websites and tools like Google Maps to find medical facilities in unfamiliar territory. Translation apps can be invaluable if you’re faced with a language barrier. Learn basic phrases like “Where is the hospital?” or “I need a doctor.” Better yet, write them down in case you need to ask someone and your phone’s out of battery.
Ask Around or Travel With a Friend
Hotels are often excellent resources — staff can guide you to nearby medical facilities or provide on-call doctors for emergencies. Engaging with locals and other travelers can also provide useful insights into reliable health care providers in the area. If ever in doubt, your embassy in the region can guide you to appropriate medical care.
Traveling with companions is always beneficial, as they can assist in seeking medical attention and effectively communicate your needs. You should also contact your travel insurance provider immediately for advice on where to get treated and how to initiate the claims process.
Keep Calm
Remaining calm is vital during a medical emergency. Assess the severity of your condition and act accordingly. If it’s critical, prioritize getting to the nearest emergency room or calling for help. Once you’re under care, always follow the advice and treatment provided by local health care professionals. Keep your loved ones informed of your situation and whereabouts throughout any ordeal to ensure they’re updated and can offer any necessary support.
Adjust Your Expectations
Remember that health care standards vary from country to country, so be prepared for potential differences in medical facilities and practices. It’s understandable and potentially eco-friendly if you want to avoid seeing a doctor for simple ailments. On average, hospitals use up about 10% of an area’s power supply, so skipping the emergency room for a cut or scrape is good for Mother Earth.
However, be mindful of what requires a trip to the hospital and what requires simple acclimatization. Visitors to Peru are advised to give themselves about 12 hours of rest, during which headaches, minor nosebleeds and discomfort are expected.
Bring Your Own First-Aid Kit
You can join the 4.6 million Americans taking Red Cross classes yearly to learn basic first aid. However, you can also bring a basic medical travel kit that covers common illnesses or health issues while on the go. It doesn’t take up much luggage space and is TSA-friendly.
Here’s a list of items you should include in your travel medical kit:
First-Aid Supplies
- Adhesive bandages
- Sterile gauze and adhesive tape
- Antiseptic solution or wipes
- Tweezers and scissors
- Digital thermometer
- Disposable gloves
- CPR face shield or mask
Medications
- Pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- Antihistamines for allergies or mild allergic reactions
- Decongestants for nasal congestion
- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Motion sickness medication
- Mild laxative
- Cough drops or lozenges
- Personal prescription medications with a copy of the prescription
Basic Wound Care
- Hydrocortisone cream for skin irritation and itching
- Antibiotic ointment or cream
- Blister pads or moleskin for preventing and treating blisters
Digestive Health
- Antacids for heartburn or indigestion
- Oral rehydration salts for treating dehydration from diarrhea
- Probiotics to promote healthy gut flora
Allergy Management
- Epinephrine auto-injector for severe allergic reactions if prescribed
- Antihistamine tablets in case of allergic reactions
Miscellaneous Items
- Disposable masks for general hygiene or in case of illness
- Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Personal hygiene items like wipes, tissues and sanitary products
- Small, sharp scissors for cutting tape, clothing or bandages
- Emergency contact numbers and travel insurance information
Prescription and Health Information
- Copies of your prescriptions for any necessary medications
- A list of your allergies and current medications
- Emergency contact information, including your primary care physician
It Never Hurts to Be Prepared
Keep all medications and supplies in a waterproof, airtight container or a designated first-aid pouch. Remember to regularly check the expiration dates on your pills and supplies and replace expired items.
Customize your travel medical kit based on your specific needs and destinations, especially when traveling to areas with unique health risks. It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with how to use the items in your kit before your trip to ensure they’ll work in an emergency.
Taking these precautions will help ensure you enjoy safe and healthy travels.
