Getting sick or injured is never convenient, but dealing with a health issue in another country can feel especially stressful. You may be unfamiliar with the local healthcare system, face a language barrier or simply not know where to go for help.

Fortunately, a little preparation can make it easier to find appropriate medical care when you’re away from home. Whether you need treatment for a minor illness or more urgent attention, here’s what to know about finding a doctor while traveling internationally.

Make a plan before you travel

You don’t have to research every hospital near your hotel, but it’s helpful to know what resources are available at your destination before you leave.

Start by reviewing your health insurance coverage. Your domestic health insurance may offer limited or no coverage when you’re outside the United States, which is one reason to consider international medical insurance before your trip.

Before you leave, understand what your plan covers and how to use it. Find out whether your insurer has a network of international healthcare providers, whether you’ll need to pay for care upfront and submit a claim later and whom you should contact if you need assistance abroad.

Save your insurance information and important phone numbers somewhere you can access them even without reliable internet service.

Use trusted resources to find a doctor

When you need medical attention abroad, your international health insurance provider can be a good place to start. Many insurers offer directories or assistance services that can help you identify appropriate doctors, clinics and hospitals at your destination.

Using an in-network provider may also simplify payment and claims, depending on your coverage.

Other trusted resources can help, too. The nearest U.S. embassy or consulate may provide information about local medical services and healthcare facilities. Your hotel, tour operator or cruise line may also be able to direct you to a nearby clinic or hospital that regularly treats international visitors.

For a non-emergency problem, you may also want to contact your doctor at home. They may be able to offer general guidance about whether your symptoms require in-person evaluation and what information to share with a local healthcare provider.

Consider telehealth for non-emergency concerns

Not every health concern requires a trip to a local clinic or hospital. Depending on your symptoms, telehealth may be a convenient first step.

Before traveling, check whether your health insurance includes telehealth services you can use internationally. A virtual visit may let you discuss your symptoms with a healthcare provider, get advice for managing a minor illness or determine whether you should seek in-person care.

Keep in mind that telehealth availability and prescribing rules can vary depending on where you are traveling.

Telehealth should never replace emergency care. If you experience severe or potentially life-threatening symptoms, seek local emergency medical attention immediately.

Be prepared for language differences

A language barrier can make a medical problem more challenging, particularly when you need to explain symptoms, allergies or medications.

Before your trip, consider saving important health information on your phone, including:

• Current medications, including generic drug names and dosages
• Medication or food allergies
• Chronic health conditions
• Previous major surgeries or significant medical history
• Your blood type, if known
• Emergency contact information
• Your international health insurance information

A translation app can help with basic communication, but it may not always translate medical terminology accurately. For more complicated health concerns, ask whether the hospital or clinic has a professional medical interpreter available.

Understand that healthcare systems differ

Getting medical care abroad may not work the same way it does at home. Payment practices, prescriptions, referrals and follow-up care can all differ depending on your destination.

Keep copies of bills, receipts, medical records, prescriptions and other paperwork from your visit. You may need these documents for insurance purposes or to help your doctor at home understand what care you received.

If you are prescribed medication, make sure you understand what it is, why you are taking it and how it should be used. Medication names, dosages and availability can differ from country to country.

Know when it’s an emergency

For symptoms such as difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, signs of a stroke, serious bleeding, loss of consciousness or a severe allergic reaction, seek emergency care right away.

Emergency phone numbers vary by country, so look up the local number before your trip and save it in your phone. If you’re traveling with others, make sure they know where to find your health and insurance information in case you cannot communicate it yourself.

Protect your health wherever you travel

No one wants to spend part of an international trip searching for medical care. But knowing where to turn before a problem happens can make an unexpected illness or injury much easier to navigate.

International medical insurance can help give you access to care and support when you’re far from home. Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions offers international medical insurance with access to a global network of healthcare providers in more than 190 countries, 24/7/365 support and telehealth services. People covered by eligible international health insurance plans also receive complimentary Global Citizens Association (GCA) membership, providing access to additional resources and benefits for international travelers.

Before your next trip, explore your international medical insurance options and learn more about the benefits available through GCA membership.