How to Find a Doctor While Traveling Abroad

Getting sick on a trip is never part of the plan. But whether it’s food poisoning, a sprained ankle, or a stubborn fever, things do happen — and suddenly you’re Googling “doctor near me” in a language you don’t speak.

The good news? With a bit of prep and a few smart tricks, finding a trustworthy doctor abroad doesn’t have to be scary or overwhelming. This guide walks you through what to do before you travel, how to find a doctor while traveling, and what to keep in mind for aftercare.

Here’s an overview of how to find a doctor while traveling:

Prepare Before You Go

A little planning before your trip can save you a lot of stress later.

Related read: International Travel Planning: Your Complete Pre-Departure Checklist

Check Your Travel Insurance Coverage

Before you fly:

• See if your health or travel insurance covers medical care abroad.
• Check what’s included: emergency care, hospital stays, telemedicine, and medical evacuation.
• Find out how to locate in-network doctors or hospitals in your destination.
• Save your policy number and emergency assistance phone number in your phone and on paper.

Research Local Healthcare Standards

Spend 10–15 minutes researching:

• The difference between public vs. private healthcare in the country.
• Which hospitals or clinics are known for treating travelers or expats.
• Any recommended international or “expat” clinics in the city you’re visiting.

Make a short list of 1–2 hospitals or clinics you’d feel comfortable going to if you got sick.

Pack Essential Medical Info

Put together a simple “health folder” with:

• A list of your medications and doses.
• Copies of prescriptions (with generic names, not just brand names).
• A short summary of your medical history or chronic conditions.
• Translated key phrases if needed (e.g., “I’m allergic to penicillin”).

Keep this with your passport or travel documents.

Related read: Managing Chronic Health Conditions While Traveling: The Complete Guide

How to Find a Doctor While Traveling

If you do get sick or injured, here’s how to find help you can trust.

Use Credible Online Resources

Instead of clicking on the first random clinic on Google, try:

• Your home country’s embassy or consulate website – they often list recommended doctors and hospitals.
• International hospital finder tools or directories.
• Reputable travel health organizations and travel medicine clinic lists.

These options are usually more reliable than paid ads or shady “24-hour miracle clinic” signs.

Ask for Recommendations

Don’t underestimate the power of people on the ground:

• Hotel or guesthouse staff – they often have a trusted clinic they send guests to.
• Tour guides or hosts – they know where locals and expats go.
• Other travelers or expats – ask in local Facebook groups, WhatsApp groups, or online forums.

A simple “Do you know a good English-speaking doctor nearby?” can go a long way.

Contact Your Insurance Provider

If you have travel coverage, use it:

• Call the emergency assistance number on your policy.
• Ask for recommended clinics or doctors near you.
• Check if they can help you book an appointment or send a guarantee of payment.

This can save you time, money, and a lot of guesswork.

Explore Telemedicine Options

For minor issues, telehealth can be a great first step:

• Use telemedicine to talk to an English-speaking doctor by video or phone.
• It’s helpful for things like mild stomach bugs, rashes, or basic questions.
• If the doctor thinks it’s serious, they’ll tell you to see someone in person.

Think of telemedicine as a quick “first opinion” when you’re not sure what to do next.

Verify a Doctor’s Credentials

Before you fully trust a clinic or doctor, do a quick check.

Look for Accreditations

Good signs include:

You’ll often see certificates on the wall or basic info on the clinic’s website.

Check Reviews Carefully

Online reviews can help, if you read them wisely:

• Focus on recent reviews and look for patterns.
• Good signs: comments about cleanliness, clear communication, and fair pricing.
• Red flags: repeated complaints about overcharging, dirty facilities, or rude staff.

Confirm Language Compatibility

Clear communication is essential, especially when you’re unwell:

• Try to choose a doctor who speaks your language (or at least English).
• Ask when you call: “Does the doctor speak English?”
• Use translation apps to help with smaller gaps – especially for symptoms, allergies, and instructions.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Knowing roughly what will happen can make the whole experience less stressful.

Typical Consultation Process Abroad

In many places, you can expect:

• Basic registration – possibly with your passport.
• Upfront payment or a deposit before seeing the doctor.
• A consultation where you explain your symptoms and the doctor examines you.
• A prescription to take to a pharmacy, if needed.

Don’t be shy to ask about costs before any tests or extra procedures.

Questions to Ask the Doctor

Before you leave, make sure you understand:

• What’s the diagnosis or likely cause?
• Which medications should you take, and how (dose, how many days)?
• What side effects should you watch out for?
• When should you come back or seek further help?

If you’re unsure, ask the doctor to write it down.

Keeping Records

After your visit:

• Ask for a medical report or short letter summarizing your diagnosis and treatment.
• Keep all receipts and invoices for insurance claims.
• Take photos of documents and medication boxes so you don’t lose the information.

You’ll thank yourself later when you talk to your insurer or your doctor back home.

Safety Tips for Travelers Seeking Medical Care

A few simple rules to stay safe:

• Avoid clinics that look visibly dirty or disorganized.
• Walk away if costs keep changing or you feel pressured into unnecessary procedures.
• For serious symptoms (chest pain, breathing trouble, high fever, major injury), go straight to a hospital, not a small clinic.
• Use trusted tools like apps that connect travelers with vetted local doctors, such as Air Doctor, instead of guessing on your own.

Aftercare and Follow-Up

Once you’re feeling better, don’t forget to close the loop.

• Tell your home doctor what happened and share any reports or test results.
• Ask if you need follow-up tests or to adjust any medications.
• Submit your insurance claim with all receipts and medical documents as soon as you can.

This helps make sure everything is properly recorded and reimbursed.

Needing a doctor while traveling can feel scary, but it doesn’t have to ruin your trip. If you:

• Prepare before you go
• Use trusted sources and recommendations
• Check basic credentials
• Keep good records

You’ll be able to handle most health hiccups with confidence.

To make things even easier, consider using a service like Air Doctor – an app that helps you quickly find vetted, reliable doctors abroad (often with English-speaking options), and book appointments on the spot. It’s like having a local friend who always knows “a good doctor nearby.”

With a bit of planning and the right tools, you can focus on what really matters: enjoying your trip.

Writer: Lauren Stuttaford