Falling ill in a foreign country can be anything from an inconvenience to an ordeal. The best way to try to avoid potential problems is to prepare well ahead of time.
Know the risks before you go
The risk of dengue in [country] depends on the spread of infected mosquitoes. When you first book your trip, you can get advice from your doctor about how you can help protect yourself, check useful websites with the latest country-specific health advice, and check back regularly to make sure you stay up to date with vaccine recommendations, current health risks, and disease outbreaks.1
Am I entitled to healthcare in [country]?
Healthcare systems around the world are not uniform. You may be entitled to use your existing healthcare coverage to access medical treatment in [country] during your stay, or you may require additional documentation. We recommend that you discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider before your trip.
What do I do in an emergency?
If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial [###] [for an English-speaking emergency service] and ask for an ambulance. If you are referred to a hospital for treatment, contact your insurance company immediately.1
Do I need travel insurance that covers my health-costs to travel to [country]?
It’s important to have appropriate travel insurance before you travel if needed to help cover health-related costs.
[Country] may accept your passport/health insurance card for health-related costs, but your passport/health insurance card might not cover all health-related costs; it is not a substitute for appropriate travel insurance.
If you fall ill while you’re away, you may need both your [passport/health insurance card] and travel insurance. We recommend that you seek local advice regarding insurance requirements before travel. 1
