Getting sick or hurt on vacation is more common than many people think. A survey by the financial site ValuePenguin found that about 28% of Americans had become ill or injured while on a trip. When that happens far from home, especially abroad, doctors who have never met you need to understand your health quickly. Having your key medical information ready can make a real difference.
Why it matters
When you’re traveling, you’re away from your usual doctors and the people who know your history. You may face a different health system or a language barrier. In the worst case, you might be too ill or injured to explain your situation yourself.
For some people, missing information can be dangerous. Someone with diabetes may need insulin quickly. Someone who has had certain surgeries, such as a complex heart repair in childhood, may need doctors to know exactly what was done. Allergies to medications, blood thinners and implanted devices are other details emergency teams need right away.
What to include in a travel health summary
- Your name, date of birth and emergency contacts
- Current medical conditions and past major illnesses or surgeries
- All current medications, with doses
- Allergies, especially to medications
- Implanted devices, such as a pacemaker or insulin pump
- Your blood type, if you know it
- Your doctor’s name and contact information
- Your health and travel insurance details
Keep the summary short, ideally one page, and use plain language. Doctors abroad may not read English fluently, so for long trips some travelers carry a translated copy as well. Update it whenever your medications or conditions change.
Ways to carry it
- Your phone. Many phones let you set up an emergency medical ID that first responders can see from the lock screen without your passcode. On iPhone, this is in the Health app. Many Android phones have a similar emergency information feature.
- Your patient portal. Most health systems now offer online access to your records. Download or screenshot key documents before you leave, in case you don’t have internet access.
- Paper backup. Keep a printed one-page summary in your wallet or bag, and give a copy to a travel companion.
- Medical ID jewelry. A bracelet or necklace is useful for serious conditions like diabetes, epilepsy or severe allergies.
More tips for staying healthy on the road
- Pack medications in your carry-on in their original labeled containers, with extra in case of delays.
- Bring copies of prescriptions, listing generic names, since brand names differ between countries.
- Check your insurance. Many U.S. health plans, including Medicare, offer little or no coverage abroad. Travel medical insurance can fill the gap.
- See a doctor before international trips to check whether you need vaccines or preventive medicines for your destination.
- Know where to get help. Look up the local emergency number and nearby clinics before you arrive.
If you get sick while away
Don’t wait to seek care for serious symptoms just because you’re on vacation. Contact your travel insurer early, since many have 24-hour help lines that can direct you to a trusted clinic. Keep receipts and records from any treatment, and share them with your regular doctor when you get home so your records stay complete.
The bottom line
Illness and injury while traveling are common. A few minutes spent putting your medical information on your phone and on paper can help doctors anywhere give you safer, faster care.
This article is for general information and isn’t medical advice. Talk with your healthcare provider about your individual needs.
