Medical practices in other countries may be very different from those found in the United States. Add to this the potential for language barriers and unfamiliarity with your medical history, and the value of planning for potential medical care becomes obvious. A few minor precautions and strokes of the pen can save you considerable hassle later on. Doing some homework can save you time, money, and offer peace of mind if you encounter health problems while traveling.

The following tips, contact information, medication names, and additional resources will help you be ready for medical needs both minor and critical.

Start with the Consular Information Sheets
If you aren't very familiar with the country you are visiting, the US State Department Consular Information Sheets and Travel Advisories are a good place to start, to see what type of medical services will be available to you once you are there.

Collect Healthcare Contact Information Before You Leave
Write down the following information in your address book, journal, itinerary, or other location, preferably one that you will have with you at all times.

1. Your regular doctor's office and home phone numbers in case you need a consult while traveling.
2. Also, ask your doctor for a contact name and number in the event of an emergency that occurs when your own doctor is not available.
3. HMO/insurance company contact information in case you need to get approval for treatment.
4. Embassy contact info for countries in which you are traveling.

This information should be in your carry-on luggage, wallet, purse, billfold, or fanny-pack, and with your primary identification, so that, should you be incapacitated, whoever comes to your assistance will find it. If you have serious allergies or medical condition such as diabetes, be sure to ask your doctor about medical emergency bracelets.

Obtain Information at Your Location
Before you call your doctor or insurance company, try to obtain complete contact information at your location, including a fax number. Your provider will often be able to fax pertinent documentation to your location.

Know the Generic Names of Your Medications
Common brand names at home may not be available or widely known where you are traveling. Knowing the generic/medical names of common medications may help you find the over-the-counter medications you need, and help you avoid taking the wrong medications. If possible, pack these items in a first-aid kit before you leave. The following generic medication names should help if you need to replenish your supplies while traveling.

1. Advil/Motrin/Alleve = ibuprofen
2. Tylenol/Excedrin = Acetaminophen for fevers or pain
3. Bayer, others = Aspirin
4. Benadryl (antihistamine) = diphenhydramine
5. Dramamine = dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine hydrochloride, meclizine (bonine)
6. Mylanta or Pepto-Bismol = contains bismuth subsalicylate
7. Antacids = calcium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide, or magnesium hydroxide

Locating Doctors and Clinics While Traveling Abroad

1. Check your guidebook - many include health doctor recommendations.
2. Especially at upscale lodgings, ask your hotel concierge for physician recommendations. Some doctors will make "house calls" to your hotel.
3. Contact nearest medical school, where you will often find English-speaking doctors and students.

The following agencies provide contact information for English-speaking doctors throughout the world. Note that the following links are to disclaimer pages on the sites; the Web sites do not guarantee the links or information found, or the quality of the care at the clinics. We recommend that you read the disclaimer, which doesn't necessarily mean you can't trust the doctors and clinics in the list.

International Society of Travel Medicine (ISTM); P.O. Box 871089, Stone Mountain, GA 30087-0028, USA (770) 736-7060. Fax: +1-770-736-6732 - E-mail USA: istm@istm.org
International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers; 417 Center Street, Lewiston, NY 14092, (716) 754-4883.
Highwaytohealth.com offers an annual membership that grants access to doctors in over 100 countries, including scheduling assistance and more.

Medical Assistance Companies
Membership with a medical assistance company buys you access to an extremely wide range of medical and other services, from the mundane (vaccination recommendations, doctor referrals, and legal advice), to the dramatic (repatriation, emergency evacuations, and emergency cash loans).

Plans, services, and prices can vary widely, so read all information carefully, and compare the various service levels and companies. Some recommended medical assistance companies include:

- AEA International SOS Assistance

The following government and private agencies provide valuable information for US citizens traveling abroad:

US Department of State Overseas Citizens' Services
M-F, 8:30-5:00 PM: (888) 407-4747 or (317) 472-2328
Weekend/After-hours Emergencies: (202) 647-4000. Be sure to ask for the OCS duty officer.

The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
60 Revere Drive, Suite 500, Northbrook, IL 60062 - Phone: (847) 480-9592

Other Pertinent Information
See our Travel Insurance page.