Expect the unexpected when traveling internationally. Most insurance companies will not cover the costs of an injury while traveling abroad. It is important to consult with a representative before you leave for your trip to see what kind of coverage is available.

Patients with chronic medical conditions who are stable at the time of their departure may undergo a change in health status. Such patients should always travel with enough medical supplies and a current set of their medical records.

Travelers (especially those with unusual travel plans or significant chronic illness) should also be counseled to routinely contact the US embassy upon arrival at each destination; the embassy can provide names of physicians who are available for consultation with tourists. Most tourist hotels in major cities have physicians on-call for guests who become ill or injured. The US State Department, through its overseas citizen emergency centers, provides assistance to tourists who are experiencing medical, legal, or financial difficulties.

Because of the variable quality of health care services that are available abroad, hospitalization and treatment may be associated with a risk of disease or infection from contaminated blood supplies. If at all possible, avoid any dental work or injections that are not done with a syringe that is individually sealed.

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