What Should I Do If I'm Hospitalized or Need to See a Doctor While Traveling?
No one expects to become sick or injured while on vacation, but medical emergencies can happen anywhere in the world. Whether it's a minor illness, a broken bone, or an unexpected hospital stay, knowing what to do ahead of time can make an already stressful situation much easier. The most important takeaway: if you need medical care while traveling, seek treatment first if it's an emergency. Then, as soon as reasonably possible, contact your travel insurance carrier's 24-hour Emergency Assistance team. They are there to help guide you through the next steps.
If It's an Emergency…
If you're experiencing a life-threatening emergency:
- Call the local emergency services immediately.
- Go to the nearest appropriate hospital or emergency medical facility.
- Prioritize your health and safety first.
Once you're stable—or if someone is traveling with you—contact your travel insurance carrier's Emergency Assistance team as soon as possible.
Early notification allows the assistance team to begin coordinating your care and explaining your available benefits.
If It's Not an Emergency
For illnesses or injuries that are not life-threatening, your Emergency Assistance provider may be able to help you:
- Locate a nearby doctor or clinic
- Find an English-speaking physician (when available)
- Recommend an appropriate hospital
- Coordinate medical appointments
- Explain next steps under your policy
Depending on your destination, they may also help coordinate payment arrangements or communicate with the treating medical facility.
A Real-World Example
A traveler is enjoying a guided tour through Spain when she develops severe abdominal pain that continues to worsen.
After visiting a local urgent care clinic, the physician recommends that she be admitted to a nearby hospital for additional testing and treatment.
Once admitted, her traveling companion contacts the 24-hour Emergency Assistance number listed on her travel insurance policy.
The assistance team helps communicate with the hospital, explains the traveler's policy benefits, coordinates updates with her family back home, and monitors her condition throughout her hospitalization.
Depending on the policy terms and the medical circumstances, eligible emergency medical expenses may be covered, and if her physicians determine she cannot safely continue traveling, additional transportation arrangements may be coordinated if medically necessary and covered by the policy.
What Information Should I Have Ready?
When contacting your insurance carrier's Emergency Assistance team, try to have:
- Your policy number
- Your current location
- The name of the hospital or clinic
- The treating physician's name
- A brief description of your illness or injury
- A phone number where you can be reached
Don't worry if you don't have every detail immediately. The assistance team can often begin helping with the information available.
Should I Save My Medical Records?
Yes. Keep copies of:
- Medical reports
- Hospital discharge paperwork
- Prescriptions
- Receipts
- Invoices
- Payment confirmations
- Any communication from the medical provider
These documents are often needed if you later submit a claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Should I call the insurance company before seeing a doctor? | In an emergency, seek medical care first. Contact the Emergency Assistance team as soon as possible afterward. |
| What if I'm admitted to the hospital? | Notify your insurance carrier's Emergency Assistance team as soon as reasonably possible. |
| Can they help me find a doctor? | Many plans include assistance locating appropriate medical providers. |
| Should I save my receipts? | Yes. Keep copies of all medical records and receipts. |
| What if I don't speak the local language? | Many Emergency Assistance providers can help coordinate communication and locate English-speaking providers when available. |
Will the Hospital Bill My Insurance Directly?
It depends.
Some hospitals may be able to coordinate directly with your insurance carrier, while others may require payment at the time of service.
Your Emergency Assistance team can often explain how your particular situation may be handled and what documentation you'll need if reimbursement is required later.
Every hospital, country, and insurance policy is different.
⚖️ Important Information
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not guarantee coverage or benefit eligibility. Travel insurance plans vary by provider, and all benefits are subject to the terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the policy purchased.
ICI Traveler is not the insurance carrier or claims department and cannot determine claim outcomes. All coverage decisions, claim approvals, and reimbursements are made solely by the licensed insurance company or claims administrator identified in your policy documents.
We encourage every traveler to review their complete policy documents to fully understand their coverage.
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