What to Do If You Need Medical Help Abroad

3 June 2026 · Hannah Cole · 7 min read

Falling ill or getting injured in a foreign country is stressful. A practical step-by-step guide to getting the right care: what to call, what to carry, how insurance helps.

Before you go: what to carry

The single most important item for medical emergencies abroad is your travel insurance policy number and the 24-hour emergency assistance phone number. Save these in your phone and carry a printed copy in your wallet. A PDF on your phone is fine until the battery dies.

Also carry a list of any medical conditions, allergies, blood type, and regular medications. A simple note in the local language can be invaluable if you're unable to communicate. Your GHIC card, if you have one, should be kept with your travel documents.

If you need medical attention

For non-emergency issues — a minor infection, a bad reaction to food, a sprain — start with your accommodation. Hotel staff and hostel reception can usually direct you to the nearest pharmacy or clinic. Pharmacists in many countries can treat minor conditions directly.

For genuine emergencies, call the local emergency number (112 works across Europe, 911 in North America) and then call your insurance assistance line immediately. The assistance team can arrange direct payment to hospitals, find English-speaking doctors, and organise medical transfers.

How insurance helps in practice

A good travel insurance policy doesn't just reimburse you later — it intervenes in real time. The 24-hour assistance line can guarantee payment to hospitals that demand upfront payment, arrange evacuation to a better-equipped facility, and cover the cost of a relative flying out or you being brought home.

Keep receipts for any medical expenses you pay out of pocket, and get written reports from treating doctors — your insurer will need evidence to process the claim.