A medical emergency abroad adds layers of complexity that do not exist at home: unfamiliar healthcare systems, language barriers, uncertain insurance coverage, and the simple problem of not knowing which number to call. This guide walks through what to do, step by step.
Step 1: Assess the situation
Before doing anything else, determine the severity. Is the person conscious? Breathing? Bleeding heavily? A calm assessment for even 10 seconds will help you communicate the situation to emergency services clearly.
If someone is unconscious, not breathing, or experiencing chest pain, call emergency services immediately. Do not wait. In cardiac arrest, survival rates drop approximately 10% for every minute without intervention.
Step 2: Call local emergency services
Call the local emergency number. Not 911 (unless you are in North America). Not 112 (unless you are in Europe or a country that supports it). The local number. If you do not know it, this is the most critical gap in your preparation.
When speaking to the operator, communicate clearly: your location (use your phone GPS or nearby landmarks), the nature of the emergency, and the number of people affected. If you do not speak the local language, try English first, then use a translation app on speakerphone.
Step 3: Administer first aid if trained
While waiting for help, apply basic first aid if you have training. For bleeding, apply direct pressure with a clean cloth. For choking, perform the Heimlich maneuver. For cardiac arrest, begin CPR if trained. Do not move someone with a potential spinal injury unless they are in immediate danger.
Step 4: Get to a hospital
If emergency services are delayed or unavailable, you may need to transport yourself or the patient to a hospital. Know where the nearest hospital is before you need it. Not all hospitals have emergency departments. Not all emergency departments accept walk-ins in all countries.
Ask your hotel front desk, check Google Maps, or use an app that verifies hospital data. Weelp. provides a map of verified hospitals near your location with directions and contact information.
Step 5: Handle documentation and insurance
At the hospital, you will need your passport, insurance card or policy number, and any relevant medical information (allergies, medications, conditions). If you have travel insurance, contact your provider as soon as possible. Many policies require notification within 24 hours.
Keep all receipts, discharge documents, and prescriptions. You will need them for insurance claims. Take photos of everything.
Step 6: Contact your embassy if needed
For serious emergencies, your country's embassy or consulate can assist with locating English-speaking doctors, contacting family, replacing lost passports, and navigating local legal systems. They cannot pay medical bills or arrange medical evacuations, but they can connect you to people who can.
Preparation makes the difference
Most of the difficulty in a medical emergency abroad comes from not having information that could have been prepared in advance: local emergency numbers, hospital locations, insurance details, embassy contacts. The time to prepare is before the trip, not during the crisis.