What to Do If You Get Sick Abroad: 6 Steps for Care, Receipts and Claims

Who to call, what documents to collect, and how to claim travel insurance when you fall ill or get hurt overseas. Prepare before you go.　About 6 min read · Updated 2026-11-01

Falling ill abroad is hard mainly because of the logistics. This is a back-up plan; we hope you never need it.

Before you leave

• Make sure your travel insurance covers overseas medical treatment for sudden illness and ideally emergency assistance or evacuation. Card benefits are often not enough.
• Save the insurer's 24-hour number on your phone and on paper.
• If you take regular medication, carry an English prescription and doctor's note.
• Pre-existing and chronic conditions are often excluded; read the policy.

6 steps when it happens

1. Stay safe. In an emergency call local emergency services (112 in Europe, 911 in the US, 119 in Japan).
2. Call your insurer's assistance line if you can; they may direct you to a hospital and arrange payment.
3. Explain symptoms, allergies and medication; ask staff to write things down if needed.
4. Ask for a medical certificate or diagnosis, ideally in English.
5. Keep itemised receipts, not just card records or screenshots.
6. Photograph all documents.

What you need to claim

Claim form, medical certificate, receipts and itemised bills (originals are safest), plus accident reports or proof of travel for injuries, and discharge summaries for hospital stays. Non-English documents may need translation.

Three easy-to-miss things

• Not getting the certificate and original receipts on the spot.
• Paying for something that may not be covered without checking.
• Losing the photos by changing phones.

Our take

Keep the insurer's number, policy number and a passport copy in your phone's favourites so you can open them offline.

FAQ

Do I always have to pay first?

It depends on the insurer and situation. Calling the assistance line first is safest.

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