How to Find Medical Care Abroad

We all hope our holidays will run smoothly. Of course, life doesn’t always run smoothly – and it’s always best to be prepared. That includes knowing how to seek help if the worst does happen.

Just in Case

If you have an existing medical condition, there are lots of steps you can take to reduce the risk of complications happening in the first place. These include:

• Make sure you have a good supply of any regular medicines you take. Do remember to order them well in advance from your GP, and take extra in case of delays or loss.
• Know the restrictions for taking any of your medication abroad. You can find out more from our article on taking medication abroad.
• Travelling with your medicine in your hand luggage, to reduce the chance of baggage (and your medicine!) going astray.
• Ideally, divide your medication with a travelling companion (make sure you’re with them as you go through security) just in case you mislay your hand luggage.

LEARN MORE: Travelling with Medication

Documents to Travel with, in Case of Emergency

GHIC and EHIC

Countries within the EU, along with some other countries, are covered by the GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) which has replaced the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card). If you have an existing EHIC, you can use it until it expires (both the GHIC and the EHIC are valid for 5 years).

GHICs can be used in:

• Any EU country
• Montenegro (emergency treatment is free but you’ll need to pay for other treatments)
• Australia
• Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man
• St Helena, Tristan and Ascension
• Switzerland
• Norway

EHICs are valid in:

• An EU country
• Montenegro
• Norway
• Iceland
• Liechtenstein
• Switzerland

However, there’s a big ‘but’ around whether all your needs will be covered even in these countries. GHIC and EHIC entitle you to the same care as local residents – this isn’t always free. In many countries, residents have to pay a ‘co-payment’ of part of the bill. The GHIC/EHIC doesn’t cover co-payments.

 In addition, they only cover “medically necessary healthcare” – that’s emergency treatment or treatment that can’t wait until you get back to the UK. Nor do they cover medical repatriation if you need to be brought back to the UK.

READ MORE: GHIC, EHIC & Travel Insurance

Insurance Documents – Be Insured!

Because the GHIC and EHIC are not a replacement for travel medical insurance, government advice is that you should always have separate travel insurance. This needs to include healthcare cover, even if you’re travelling to a country where the GHIC/EHIC are accepted.

If you have an existing medical condition, it’s essential to take out insurance that specifically covers your condition. If it doesn’t, you may find that your insurance isn’t valid – which is the last thing you need if you’re unwell. Medical care can run into tens of thousands of pounds.

So always declare any medical conditions and go through a specialist insurer who can offer cover for your condition. Read through the terms and conditions carefully when the cover arrives, and contact your insurance company if you have queries. And keep a copy of your insurance with you when you travel, so you’re not scrabbling around for it if you’re taken ill.

READ MORE: Do You Need Travel Insurance?

Know Your Numbers

It’s always a good idea to find out beforehand the practicalities of accessing emergency medical care at your destination. Remember, other countries don’t have our NHS, and you can’t just dial 999 and assume everything will be sorted. Likewise, some hospitals are privately run, and may not accept you if you don’t have insurance. There are certain numbers you always need to have to hand.

Emergency Medical Help

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has a list of the emergency numbers for every country. Go to their website on travel advice, select the country you’re visiting and click on the health section.

Your Travel Insurer

Your travel insurance company should have a 24-hour-a-day emergency number. Do contact them as soon as possible, or get someone else to do it for you. You’ll need to confirm with them whether you’re covered for the help you need. Remember, this may include medical translation services.

Local Doctors for Urgent (Not Emergency) Care

Your hotel or tour company guide should be able to provide you with details of local doctors. Remember, in many countries, the GP is not the first port of call – depending on your condition, you may go straight to a specialist.

Getting Help in a Medical Emergency

If you’re taken ill and can’t follow these steps yourself, a family member or fellow traveller can call on your behalf. If none of you speak the local language, or if you’re travelling alone, hotel staff may be able to help.

• Call the emergency services in your country – check here if you haven’t already made a note of the local emergency number.
• Always take a credit card. Even if you’re fully covered by insurance, you may need to pay for your medical care and claim it back.
• If you’re in a country covered by GHIC or EHIC, make sure you take your card with you to show to staff on arrival.
• Take a copy of your travel insurance policy documents with you.
• Call your insurer’s emergency contact number to explain your circumstances, and check what they need to cover your treatment.
• If you need a translator, the hospital may be able to provide one (usually at a cost). Alternatively, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has an online search tool for finding translators across the world. These translators are qualified in their own country as translators, and can all translate to/from English.
• Keep a copy of all receipts – you may need these for your insurer, or to claim care back through the EHIC/GHIC.

READ MORE: Your Guide to Handling Holiday Illness or Accident

Lost Your GHIC Card? Don’t Panic!

If you discover when you need emergency care that you have lost or don’t have, your GHIC, you can still get care as long as you’re eligible for the card.

You do this by applying for a Provisional Replacement Certificate, which gives you the same cover. Someone else can apply on your behalf if you’re not able to.

You can apply for a Provisional Replacement Certificate:

• Online
• By calling +44 191 218 1999 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm UK time)

You’ll need to provide the following details:

• Name
• Address
• Date of Birth
• National Insurance Number (if you have this)
• Treating Hospital or Clinic Name (staff at the hospital can provide this).

Ensuring that you are properly prepared for any potential health issues while travelling is crucial for peace of mind. Always carry your GHIC or EHIC when travelling in applicable countries and double-check that your travel insurance policy comprehensively covers all your healthcare needs, especially any pre-existing conditions.

Familiarise yourself with local emergency numbers and healthcare procedures to avoid surprises. By staying informed and organised, you can focus on enjoying your journey, knowing you're equipped to handle unforeseen medical situations should they arise.

 For more articles like this, make sure you explore our blog and guides.