Nobody boards a flight expecting to end up in a foreign hospital. But if it happens — whether it’s a high fever, an injury, or something more serious — the last thing you want is to be figuring out your next steps from scratch.
This guide is worth reading before you travel, so that if you ever need it, you already know what to do.
Step 1: Assess the Situation Calmly
Before anything else, take a moment to gauge how serious things are.
If it’s a genuine emergency — severe injury, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or anything requiring immediate intervention — call local emergency services right away. The number is 112 across the EU, 911 in the US, and 999 in the UK. Don’t wait.
If the situation is urgent but not life-threatening — a high fever, gastroenteritis, a minor injury — you have time to act methodically. That distinction matters, because the steps are slightly different.
Step 2: Call Your Insurer Before You Go to the Hospital
This is the step most travellers skip — and it’s often the one they regret most. Before you walk into a clinic or hospital, contact your insurer’s 24/7 assistance line.
Why does it matter? Because your insurer can direct you to hospitals and clinics within their network, which means costs are settled directly — you won’t need to pay out of pocket and claim back later. It also means you avoid the risk of visiting a facility your policy doesn’t cover, which can create real complications down the line.
Save your insurer’s emergency number in your phone before you travel — not just on a piece of paper that might not be with you when you need it.
Step 3: Keep Every Document
Whatever happens, hold on to copies of everything:
- Medical reports and test results.
- Receipts for every payment made.
- Any prescriptions or medication records.
- The name and contact details of the doctor or facility that treated you.
These documents are what your insurer will need to process your claim. Without them, the process becomes significantly harder — and in some cases, reimbursement can be delayed or denied.
Step 4: Consider Whether Repatriation Is Needed
In more serious cases, the right call may be to return home to continue treatment. If your policy includes medical repatriation cover — which most comprehensive policies do — your insurer will handle both the logistics and the cost.
Don’t try to organise this independently. Medical repatriation involves specialised coordination between healthcare providers, airlines, and ground services. Your insurer has the infrastructure to manage it properly; you don’t need to navigate it alone.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Going to a private clinic without notifying your insurer first. Some facilities require pre-authorisation. If you skip this step, you may find the claim rejected or only partially covered.
- Throwing away receipts. Every receipt is evidence. Even small amounts can add up, and your insurer will need documentation for all of them.
- Signing documents you don’t understand. If you don’t speak the language, ask for a translation or contact your insurer before signing anything. Medical and administrative documents in a foreign language can contain clauses that matter.
- Delaying contact with your insurer. The sooner you report an incident, the smoother the process. Most policies have a notification window — missing it can complicate your claim.
If you’re not sure whether your current coverage is adequate for where you’re going, ” What Does Travel Insurance Cover” is a good starting point. And if you’re travelling within Europe and relying on your EHIC, ” EHIC vs Travel Insurance” explains clearly why the card alone isn’t enough.
✈ At a Glance
- In a genuine emergency: call 112 (EU), 911 (US), or 999 (UK) immediately.
- Contact your insurer’s assistance line before going to a hospital — they can direct you to network providers and avoid out-of-pocket costs.
- Keep all medical documents and receipts — they’re essential for your claim.
- Don’t arrange medical repatriation on your own — your insurer handles this.
- Save your insurer’s emergency number in your phone before you leave home.
FAQ
What do I do if I don’t speak the local language? Contact your insurer’s 24/7 helpline immediately — they typically offer support in English and can assist with translation or communication with local healthcare providers.
What if I lose my policy documents while travelling? Always keep a photo or digital copy on your phone. Your insurer can identify you by your policy number or personal details — contact them directly.
Should I notify my insurer even for a minor issue? Yes, it is advisable. Even a mild fever can develop further. Notifying your insurer early ensures that any subsequent steps are properly covered.
If I pay out of pocket, how quickly will I be reimbursed? Timelines vary by insurer. A formal claim submission with complete documentation is generally required. This is why it is essential to keep all receipts and medical records from the outset.
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