Tips for Finding a Doctor Abroad

You’re in an unfamiliar place, it’s late at night, and the cough you’ve had since your plane landed isn’t going away.

It’s probably time to see a doctor even though you don’t want to interrupt your vacation. But how do you find the best one nearby?

Here’s how to make finding a doctor as seamless as possible so you can receive the treatment you need and get back to your piña colada.

. . .

Prepare for Potential Medical Needs Before Your Trip

Healthcare will vary in each country, with different systems, medical practices, and costs, so get a little intel before you travel. 

Check the U.S. State Department’s travel advisories for any healthcare-related warnings, such as doctor shortages or limited medical facilities.

Laws and cultural norms can also impact your access to care. In some countries, pregnancy outside of marriage could be used as evidence of breaking local laws — even potentially leading to arrest. 

Serious mental health episodes may result in forced hospitalization while acts of self-harm could be treated as a criminal offence. Things to keep in mind!

Tourists typically must pay for medical care upfront, as most countries don’t provide free public healthcare for visitors. In many cases, you’ll be responsible for the full cost of treatment, so having travel health insurance is a wise move.

Save emergency numbers and contacts

Save the stress of trying to find the local equivalent of 911 when an emergency happens — make a note of the number before you leave and keep it handy.

You can find the key numbers you’ll need in an emergency on the website of the U.S. embassy in the country you’re visiting.

Search online to see if there are any 24-hour health hotlines and find local health clinic details.  

Make note of your travel insurer's details as well — you’ll need to contact them when accessing care. You can find your insurer’s emergency contact details on their website or on your Certificate of Insurance.

Check Your Travel Insurance for Doctor Referrals

Many travel insurers offer 24/7 emergency assistance services to help you find medical care. 

These services can connect you with support teams who can locate doctors, book appointments, and, in many cases, cover costs directly for when: 

• You have to go to hospital
• You are being treated as an outpatient and the treatment cost is over a certain amount
• You fall seriously ill or injured at any point of your trip (even if it’s when you are returning)
• You need any sort of medical assistance
• In the event of a motor vehicle accident
• You have injured yourself or someone else

Verify coverage for doctor visits

Understand what services your health insurance will cover — will an emergency dash to the hospital leave you out-of-pocket? What about a local visit to a doctor’s clinic, emergency surgery, or an outpatient consultation?

Knowing what your policy does and doesn’t cover will help you avoid costly bills. For example, many policies don’t cover care for mental health issues, since they’re considered a pre-existing condition. (Although you may be able to get a waiver for pre-existing conditions with some plans.)

Some insurers have rules about where you can seek medical care, as they have preferred providers. If you need emergency care during your trip, call your insurer as soon as possible — if you don’t, you may end up paying more for your medical expenses.

. . .

How to Locate Doctors Abroad

You can find doctors and hospitals in different countries by:

• Checking with your travel health insurance provider to see if they have a network of preferred providers
• Visiting the U.S embassy website of the country you’re visiting for a list of local English-speaking doctors
• Asking your hotel or tour guide for recommendations
• Searching online using “Find a doctor nearby” and checking for clinics close to your accommodation
• Using platforms like the GeoBlue app (if you have coverage with them), Practo, Doctoralia, or Healthgrades
• Seeking recommendations from expats or travelers in online forums
• Visiting a nearby pharmacy, as pharmacists can usually suggest a local trusted doctor

Tips for Ensuring Quality Care Abroad

The care you receive in another country may be very different from the care you’d get at home. That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not as good, but you’ll want to do your due diligence.

Verify the doctor’s credentials

Put your investigative hat on and do some online research. See if the doctor has a website and bio that lists their experience and qualifications.

Find reviews on Google Maps to give you a good sense of what locals and visitors think.

If you’re really keen, you can check the medical qualification requirements in the country you’re traveling to and then check them against the doctors you’re looking into. 

If you’re heading to a U.S. territory or Canada, you can also check the doctor with the American Board of Medical Specialists.

Bring the right paperwork

Bring copies of prescriptions, doctor’s notes, medical records, and vaccination records with you. This will help you to communicate with the local doctor or healthcare provider.

Also, bring your passport and make sure you have details of where you’re staying and a contact number.

The doctor or hospital may ask for your insurance details, so carry your insurance card and take a claim form with you — this will make getting reimbursed a lot easier.  

Opt for tourist-friendly clinics when possible

Depending on where you’re traveling, there might be specialist clinics for tourists. Having doctors who are used to communicating in English and dealing with travelers might make getting treatment a smoother process.

Try searching for one through the International Society of Travel Medicine (ISTM) Global Clinic Directory, which lists travel clinics worldwide run by ISTM members in more than 90 countries.

To find English-speaking doctors, you could also use a directory like the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers (IAMAT).

FAQs About Finding a Doctor Abroad

What should I do if I need a prescription refill while traveling?

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, carry a letter from your doctor outlining your condition and any prescribed medications. Bring copies of your prescriptions, including the generic names, in case brand names differ abroad.

Also check if your medication is legal where you are, as some prescriptions may be restricted. Overseas pharmacies may not accept your prescription, so you might need to see a local doctor for a new one. 

Always buy medicine from an official pharmacy with qualified pharmacists to avoid harmful counterfeit or expired drugs.

Are online consultations a good alternative for minor illnesses abroad?

Some doctors and health clinics won’t offer telemedicine or online consultations, so you’ll need to check their website or contact them. If they do, they can advise if it’s an online consultation for your particular issue is enough or if a physical examination is necessary.

There might be online doctor platforms or health hotlines in the country you’re visiting — many will see international tourists. 

Can embassies help me find a doctor during my trip?

The local U.S. embassy in the country you’re visiting can provide a list of doctors, health clinics, and hospitals. 

The U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs can help U.S citizens find medical services, inform family and friends, and transfer funds.

Embassies won’t recommend doctors though. It will be up to you to verify or check with your travel insurance provider.

TL;DR: Locating a Doctor Abroad

With a bit of preparation, finding a doctor abroad doesn’t have to be overwhelming. 

Research before you go (just in case — you never know!), use local resources like pharmacies or expat chat forums, and check that your travel insurance will support you if things take a turn for the worse. 

. . .