How to Find a Doctor in a Foreign Country

The last thing that you usually think about is the possibility of falling ill while you are on vacation. However, if you are visiting another country, you need to be aware of how you can find a doctor and medical care in the event of injury or illness. Read on to learn how to find a doctor in a foreign country.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Prepare before you leave. You should first check your insurance plan to see if you will be covered in the case that you need medical care abroad. If you are not going to be covered, you should purchase a supplementary insurance plan that will cover you during the duration of your stay.
2. Research the area. Find out if your resort has medical personnel on staff and the distance from a major hospital. You should also find out the emergency response number that is used in the country that you are visiting. Write this information down and keep it close by at all times.
3. Seek out help from the hotel staff. If you fall ill, the staff at the hotel is prepared to refer you to a doctor or transport you to a local hospital.
4. Contact an American consular or embassy for help in a medical emergency. They can help you find an English-speaking physician as well as arrange money to be wired from your home to cover medical costs if necessary.
5. Get a list of foreign doctors from the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers. This non-profit organization screens and recommends physicians in more than 140 countries.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't go to a physician that has not been screened first. Medical care in many under-developed countries is not always safe.
• Don't forget about your flight. Most tickets are non-refundable, so be sure to contact the airline if you need to lengthen your stay due to illness.