They say the best defense is a good offense — which is especially true when it comes to your health and well-being while traveling internationally. Nevertheless, getting sick or having a medical emergency can happen anytime, anywhere, to anyone — something I unfortunately realized after my healthy, 30-something close friend suffered a medical emergency in Rome two days after attending my wedding. “Travel is the ultimate physiologic stress test,” says board-certified family medicine physician and medical director at The Lanby. Dr. Stephanie Wallman. “Prioritizing sleep, hydration, and blood sugar stability is your best first line of defense against getting sick.” However, things happen. But with a few practical steps, you’ll know exactly what to do.
Schedule a pre-travel appointment with your doctor
“One of the most underused resources is a dedicated travel medicine visit, ideally 6–8 weeks before departure,” says Wallman. Not only can your doctor confirm (and administer) any required or recommended vaccinations prior to your trip, they can also review destination-specific risks with you, prescribe preventative medications when appropriate, and more. “It’s also helpful to have your doctor review existing medications with you and help tailor a personal travel medical kit based on your medical history,” adds Wallman.
Prepare your “go” medical kit
Obviously, pack prescribed medications and personal essentials like inhalers, EpiPens, and glucose supplies, but having a few additional items on hand can help in case of minor medical situations. “Pack at least 7-14 extra days of medication or more for long trips or remote travel,” says Wallman. “Many travelers don’t realize they can often get extra medication in advance, but it requires planning.” Wallmann suggests keeping your prescriptions in their original labeled containers and splitting them between a carry-on and backup bag (in case you lose one). Other things to consider bringing along? A thermometer, bandages, antiseptic wipes, wound ointment, acetaminophen/ibuprofen, antihistamine, oral rehydration salts, anti-nausea options, a fiber supplement or gentle laxatives, hydrocortisone 1%, antifungal cream, blister care, insect repellent, bite relief and, of course, sunscreen.
Yes, get the travel insurance
Insurance can be tricky but the one consensus from everyone I’ve ever talked to who has dealt with a medical emergency overseas? Get an additional travel medical policy — it can save you so much money, time, and stress. “Most travelers assume their domestic insurance works the same way internationally but often it doesn’t,” says Wallman. “Out-of-network rules apply, you may need to pay up front and seek reimbursement, and evacuation is usually not covered by domestic plans.” Popular brokers like Allianz, AIG Travel Guard, Faye, World Nomads, and more all have options — just be sure to read the fine print to make sure what you need would be covered.
It’s also worth speaking to your credit card company. Certain credit cards offer some travel insurance. It’s worth checking to see if you can up your credit card limit. More often than not, you’ll need to pay and submit receipts for reimbursement — you could be looking at thousands of dollars. “Many countries have excellent clinicians and facilities, but systems work differently,” explains Wallman. “They could require payment up front, offer a different formulary (i.e., a list of covered medications), have different thresholds for imaging or antibiotics, and require variable documentation.”
Pack documentation
Before your trip, create a one-page summary with all of your key medical info. “Include diagnoses, surgeries, medicines you take along with dosages, allergies, conditions like asthma or diabetes, and emergency contacts to keep with you during your trip,” says Wallman. “Don’t forget to include any supplements you take — they can interact with medications.” Another tip? Know the generic names of the medications you take. “Generic names are more likely to be understood in different languages than brand names,” Wallman notes. Print a paper copy of all the essential documents, but keep a secure, digital backup just in case.
Scope out care facilities in advance
A little research goes a long way to find a reputable hospital or clinic in your destination to know where to go in case of an emergency. “Use major academic medical centers, well-known private hospital groups, or facilities recommended by reputable travel-assistance insurers,” says Wallman. “If possible, start with your insurer’s assistance line.” While embassy lists are a good starting point, Wallman advises that they don’t necessarily guarantee quality. “Travel assistance services (through insurers) can be very useful for triage, referrals, language support and evacuation coordination,” adds Wallman.
Telehealth can also be an option. In Italy, many recommend the quick, inexpensive service Doctors in Italy, an online platform where you can book a consultation call with an English-speaking doctor to triage symptoms and prescribe medication if needed. “Telemedicine is extremely helpful for symptom-treatment advice (“Can I self-treat or do I need in-person care?”), reviewing labs or imaging done locally, medication guidance and safety checks, and helping overcome language barriers,” says Wallman. “It is not appropriate for severe pain, breathing issues, neurologic symptoms, severe dehydration or trauma.” For those, you’ll be reaching out to local emergency services.
Handle language barriers
While (luckily) English is widely spoken around the world, it’s not always an option. Check the International Association For Medical Assistance for a list of English-speaking healthcare providers and download Google Translate to your phone so you’ll have quick translations at hand. Some hotels have concierge services that can be used as a resource, too.
Assess your symptoms
You know your body best, so trust your intuition if something feels off. Wallman’s practical rule of thumb: “Seek clinical care if after 24 hours moderate symptoms are worsening, or if after 48 hours mild symptoms aren’t improving,” she says. If you experience any of the following, Wallman says to seek immediate medical help:
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Chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting
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Stroke-like symptoms (weakness, facial droop, confusion, severe headache)
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Severe abdominal pain, rigid belly, persistent vomiting
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Dehydration (inability to keep fluids down, dizziness, minimal urination)
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Bloody diarrhea, black/tarry stools, or high fever
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Severe allergic reaction (lip/tongue swelling, wheeze, hives, systemic symptoms)
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Wound infection with spreading redness, severe pain or fever
Don’t wait to get help
If you have a tendency to “wait it out” when you get sick at home, the opposite is true while traveling. “We have the luxury of waiting a bit longer to seek help when we are at home because we know how the system works,” says Wallman. “When we are traveling, we are multitasking in an already stressful — feeling sick, language barriers, new health systems, insurance — situation. Give yourself the gift of time to navigate everything else you have to deal with before symptoms become intolerable.”
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