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Traveling internationally is exciting, empowering, and often life-changing, but what happens if you get sick or injured while you're thousands of miles from home? Whether it’s food poisoning in Thailand or a surprise autoimmune flare-up in Kenya (ask me how I know), medical emergencies while traveling abroad are stressful, but they don’t have to ruin your trip.

With some proactive planning and practical knowledge, you can handle any health issue that comes your way with confidence.

We've experienced our fair share of health scares while traveling, including the time I forgot my medication during a midnight flare-up at Giraffe Manor in Nairobi (yes, the giraffe breakfast was still magical) or when John had the worst food poisoning of his life in Thailand. Through it all, we’ve learned what works and what doesn’t when it comes to staying safe and prepared abroad.

Here’s how to prepare before your trip and what to do during a medical emergency overseas.

Before You Travel: 5 Ways to Prepare for a Medical Emergency Abroad

1. Research the Healthcare System in Your Destination

Before you even board your flight, take time to learn about the medical care options available where you're going. Some countries have modern hospitals with English-speaking doctors, while others may have more limited access. Look up:

The location of the nearest hospital or international clinic
Local emergency numbers (they're not the same everywhere!)
Whether you need vaccinations or specific medications for your destination

Pro Tip: Save these details in your phone AND print them out or have them easily accessible on your phone as a backup.

2. Purchase Comprehensive Travel Insurance

Don’t skip travel insurance. It can literally save you thousands of dollars in a worst-case scenario. Look for a plan that covers:

Emergency medical treatment
Hospital stays
Medical evacuation or repatriation
24/7 assistance helplines

We personally use World Nomads for most of our international trips, but there are many reputable providers out there.

3. Pack a Travel Medical Kit

This one is John’s non-negotiable. A basic travel medical kit can help you manage minor illnesses and avoid unnecessary trips to the pharmacy. Ours includes:

Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
Antidiarrheals and rehydration salts
Allergy medicine and antihistamines
Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and motion sickness tablets
Prescription medications in original bottles

Reminder: Always bring extra doses of any essential medications plus a copy of your prescription in case you need a refill abroad.

4. Learn Local Emergency Contact Numbers

The equivalent of 911 is different everywhere. Before you travel, look up and save the emergency numbers for:

Medical assistance
Police
Fire services

Also, keep your hotel or host’s contact information handy. They’re often your best resource during an emergency.

5. Know Where to Find a Pharmacy or Medical Help

Don’t wait until you're sick to figure out where the nearest pharmacy is. When we both got hit with food poisoning in Egypt and Thailand, knowing how to find the right pharmacy (and using Google Translate) made a huge difference.

Travel Tip: Ask your hotel concierge or host for the closest trusted pharmacy as soon as you check in. Better safe than sorry.

During Your Trip: What to Do in a Medical Emergency While Traveling Abroad

The time has come, you’ve survived your long haul, you’re having a blast, but then… a medical emergency happens, like when I got severe food poisoning on the side of Moses Mountain in Egypt after a sunrise hike which left me stuck in my room to recover for 48 hours (at least we had a good view!).

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

Your first instinct might be to panic, but take a breath and assess how serious the situation is. If it’s life-threatening, call the local emergency services immediately and give them your location and symptoms clearly.

2. Contact Your Travel Insurance Provider ASAP

Most travel insurance plans include a 24/7 emergency helpline. Call them right away. They can help:

Direct you to the nearest appropriate hospital or clinic
Cover your treatment costs (depending on your plan)
Arrange emergency evacuation if necessary

Save your policy number and emergency contact info in your phone AND bring a printed copy with your passport.

3. Seek Medical Care Immediately

If you or a travel companion is seriously ill or injured, don’t delay. Ask your hotel or guide to help arrange transport to a hospital or international clinic.

In popular tourist areas, many clinics are accustomed to working with travelers and can help navigate language barriers and payment.

4. Contact Your Embassy or Consulate if Needed

If you're hospitalized, need legal assistance, or require help arranging emergency transportation home, your local embassy or consulate can step in.

They won’t cover your medical bills, but they can help coordinate communication and offer vital resources in a foreign country.

5. Keep Important Documents Easily Accessible

When you travel, always keep a small folder (digital or physical) with:

Your passport
Travel insurance policy & emergency numbers
Copies of prescriptions
Emergency contact info

Having these ready will make any emergency situation far easier to navigate.

Real Talk: Medical Emergencies Abroad Happen (and You Can Handle Them)

From severe food poisoning on the side of Mount Sinai to unexpected autoimmune flares at midnight in Nairobi, we’ve learned firsthand that emergencies can happen anywhere. But we’ve also learned that being prepared goes a long way toward keeping stress levels low and recovery time short.

You may not be able to control when or where you get sick, but you can control how you respond. With the right tools, resources, and mindset, you can keep your travel plans on track and focus on enjoying the adventure.

Safe Travels Start with Smart Preparation

Don’t let the fear of “what if” keep you from exploring the world. By taking simple steps before you go and knowing what to do in an emergency, you’ll travel with greater confidence and peace of mind.

Staying Safe Abroad: What to Do in a Medical Emergency While Traveling