Medical Emergencies and Evacuation Abroad¶
Emergency numbers differ by country. This page uses 911, the number for the United States and Canada. Many other countries use 112, 999, or another number. Find the number for your country.
Facing a sudden illness, injury, or medical crisis while overseas requires immediate action to access quality care and navigate international medical systems.
Do this now¶
- Call the local emergency medical number. Dial the local emergency service immediately (such as 112 in Europe, 911 in North America, or 999 in the UK). Ask for an ambulance.
- Contact your travel insurance emergency assistance helpline. Call the 24-hour medical assistance number listed on your travel insurance policy before or immediately after arriving at the hospital.
- Notify your home country embassy consular section. Embassies keep lists of English speaking doctors and local hospitals and can notify your emergency contacts at home.
- Gather medical records and passport. Carry your passport, insurance details, a list of current medications, and known allergies with you to the hospital.
... warning "Payment expectations in foreign hospitals" Many private international hospitals require upfront credit card payment or proof of direct insurance guarantee before admitting patients or performing procedures. Keep a high limit credit card accessible.
Medical evacuation and repatriation¶
If local medical facilities are insufficient for severe trauma, cardiac events, or complex surgeries, international medical evacuation may be necessary.
- Medical evacuation companies deploy air ambulances equipped with specialized medical crews.
- Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage pays for specialized air ambulance transport to the nearest suitable hospital or to your home country.
- Without insurance, commercial air medical evacuation can cost tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket.