How To Find a Family-Friendly Doctor on Vacation

When your child falls ill or gets injured on vacation, the last thing you want is to be scrambling to find a local doctor or emergency care. 

Finding qualified and child-friendly doctors and clinics abroad can be a challenge — not to mention stressful!

But a bit of research and some expert assistance can make it much easier to connect with the care you and your family need, wherever you are.

Benefits of a Family-Friendly Doctor

A child with a spiking temperature that just won’t go down, an insect bite, diarrhea… these are some of the commonly reported health problems children can have when traveling.

On top of the stress of having a sick or injured family member is the daunting task of finding a doctor in an unfamiliar country. Symptoms often appear differently for children, and they can’t always communicate how they’re feeling, so finding a doctor you can trust is paramount. 

Being sick can also be scary for kids. Choosing a family doctor or pediatric specialist will help reassure you that they’ll receive compassionate and age-appropriate care.

READ MORE: Travel Insurance and Safety Tips for Family Vacations

How To Research and Locate a Doctor Before Your Trip

While you probably don’t want to think about illness or injury as you’re planning your tours and dinners, it’s good to plan for the unexpected, too — particularly when kids are concerned. 

Doing a little pre-trip groundwork will help you know how and where to locate a family doctor when you’re in the middle of your Greek island vacation.  

Ask your travel insurance provider

If you’ve got travel insurance, you can check the availability of preferred doctors and hospitals before you head off.

If something does happen on your trip, you can contact your insurer’s 24/7 emergency assistance services — most providers have one. They can help you find a doctor and book an appointment, making the situation a whole lot smoother.  

If you don’t have insurance (which we never recommend!), you can call a local doctor’s office or clinic to schedule an appointment or head to the nearest hospital. 

READ MORE: Understanding Travel Insurance for Kids

Research local clinics and hospitals

You can find doctors and hospitals in different countries by:

• Visiting the website of the relevant U.S. embassy. If you’re going to a non-English-speaking country, consular officials can give you a list of local English-speaking doctors.
• Googling “Find a doctor nearby.” Familiarize yourself with the medical facilities available, such as clinics and private practices, and work out how close they are to your accommodation.
• Asking your hotel or tour guide for some local recommendations.
• Looking for recommendations from expats or travelers online.
• Using a platform like Practo or Doctoralia (if available in the destination country) to find doctors, check reviews, and book appointments.

While researching, check for clinics that cater specifically to foreigners, as these may offer English-speaking staff and more familiar healthcare practices.

Be sure to make a note of local emergency contact numbers so you’ve got them quickly — you can find these through the local U.S. embassies.

Check reviews and credentials

Once you’ve found some local doctors, check them out online to see if they have a website and bio that lists their experience and qualifications with pediatric care. 

Find reviews on Google Maps to give you a sense of what the locals think — there could be some from fellow travelers as well.

If you’re specifically looking for pediatric care, try looking into parenting groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Reddit, for local pediatric recommendations and reviews.

If you really want to do a deep dive, scope out the medical qualification requirements in that country and then cross-check with the doctors you’re reviewing. If you’re heading to a U.S. territory or Canada, you can also check the doctor with the American Board of Medical Specialists.

Steps to Take During a Medical Emergency Abroad

If something happens and your child needs care, follow these steps to get them the treatment they need and any reimbursements you’re eligible for. 

1. Contact your travel insurance provider

Most travel insurers provide 24-hour emergency assistance. Contact them for advice on where to receive care. Most will have pre-approved providers that they want you to use, so it’s best to call them as soon as possible.

You’ll need to give your insurance details to the hospital or clinic, and the travel insurer may need to liaise directly with the hospital to coordinate payment. This could be before or after receiving treatment.

If you don’t have insurance, find a local doctor to book or, if it’s urgent, call emergency services or go to the emergency department of the nearest hospital.

If things really take a turn for the worse, the U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs can help U.S. citizens find medical services, inform family and friends, and help transfer funds. 

READ MORE: How To Choose the Right Travel Insurance for Family Vacations  

2. Collect documentation from their treatment

If your child receives medical treatment on your travels, you’ll need documentation for any follow-up care when you return home, and to get reimbursed through your insurance provider. 

Use this checklist to get everything you need:  

• Carry your insurance card. Have your policy identity card and claim form for easy processing.
• Always ask for a receipt. If you've already paid for the treatment, your claim will be for reimbursement. Talk to your insurer about their claims process.
• Keep records. Collect copies of all medical certificates, treatment details, and a medical report confirming your condition.
• File your claim. Submit your claim with your insurer online or by mail, and include all required details such as treatment dates, diagnosis, and what medical care you or your family received.

Common Challenges When Seeking Medical Care Abroad

While you can certainly access quality medical care on vacation, it can be difficult. Here’s how to overcome the two biggest challenges. 

Language barriers

Language barriers can result in miscommunication and confusion around symptoms, treatment, and the cost of care. To avoid this as much as possible: 

• Check directories like the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers (IAMAT) or the International Society of Travel Medicine for English-speaking doctors.
• Use translation services. Many insurers offer translator services if an English-speaking doctor isn’t available. Language apps can also help.
• If you can't communicate with local services, get a tour guide, hotel concierge, friend, or family member to help.

Finding healthcare in remote areas

Accessing healthcare when you’re far from a town or city can be challenging, so you really do need to do your research before you go. 

Check with the U.S. State Department’s travel advisories about any healthcare access issues.

It’s also a good idea to carry a comprehensive first-aid kit if you’re going to be away from major towns and medical care. This should include your usual stock of medicines and first-aid essentials, but would also have things like:

• Anti-nausea medicine
• Bandages
• Antiseptic wipes
• Antibiotic ointment
• Hydrogen peroxide to clean and disinfect wounds
• Instant cold packs
• Water purification tablets
• Medicine to prevent malaria if you need it where you’re going

READ MORE: Tips for Picking Family-Friendly Travel Destinations

FAQs About Family-Friendly Doctors Abroad

How can I verify a doctor’s qualifications in a foreign country?

Each country will have its own health system and qualifications. You can research the specific medical licenses or credentials recognized in your destination and use them to check a doctor’s qualifications. 

Look at the doctor’s or clinic’s website and bios to see if they have pediatric experience and qualifications.

Are emergency room visits better than visiting a local clinic abroad?

Always call emergency services or head to the emergency department of the nearest hospital if you think there is a serious issue that needs urgent medical attention.

If the issue isn’t an emergency and you have some time, see if you can book into a doctor or local health clinic first. 

Does travel insurance provide pediatric-specific assistance?

Many comprehensive family travel insurance policies will include coverage for children — just make sure you check the details, as there may be limits to how many kids per adult are covered. 

Coverage can include emergency medical assistance, transportation, and 24/7 customer service. Some may also offer pediatric-specific assistance.

If your child has a pre-existing condition, you may need to add extra coverage or choose a policy that includes a pre-existing condition waiver.

TL;DR: Finding a Family-Friendly Doctor Abroad

Finding a family-friendly doctor to care for your child on vacation doesn’t have to be stressful. 

Research ahead of time, rely on your travel insurer's assistance services, and read online reviews of local clinics for pediatric care to give you peace of mind.

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