Getting sick and feeling ill are never any fun, but getting sick while on vacation is even worse. Instead of splashing in the waves or exploring the local environment, you find yourself panicking and wondering what to do. When you’re out of your daily life and in a foreign culture, figuring out what to do when you get sick while traveling can add unnecessary stress to your illness. Knowing what to do if you become sick in a foreign land or even become hospitalized in a foreign country will have you ready for whatever life throws your way.
Don’t Panic
If you wake up and think you’re getting sick while on vacation, it’s important not to panic and make things worse. First, calmly note how you’re feeling and track the pain and discomfort’s progression. To prevent travel sickness, make sure to drink plenty of water, avoid exposure to extreme heat, and get plenty of sleep. Pushing yourself to your limits by being in the sun all day or hopping from tour to tour can make you susceptible to becoming sick in a foreign land, especially during flu season. If you get sick while traveling, the first thing to do is relax, take it easy, and consume water and nutrients to prevent travel sickness from progressing.
Notify Your Concierge
When resting and drinking fluids doesn’t stop you from getting sick while on vacation, it’s time to notify your hotel staff and concierge. They have experience in helping guests who have become sick in a foreign land and know what it’s like to be hospitalized in a foreign country. They can assist in recommending a doctor or pharmacy, making figuring out what to do easier. Some resorts even have an onsite doctor who can help diagnose your illness and get you additional medical attention if necessary.
Check Your Insurance Coverage
As people think about how to prevent travel sickness, they often look into traveler’s insurance or check their existing coverage for international coverage. If you don’t already know what medical care is covered for you when you get sick while traveling, call your insurance provider to see what they provide. Even if you are hospitalized in a foreign country, you’ll often be surprised at how inexpensive health care can be.
See a Doctor
If you symptoms haven’t gone away with some rest and hydration, it’s time to seek medical attention. Your insurance company or hotel staff can direct you to a reputable clinic where you can receive the help you need. Even if you think your illness isn’t that bad and you would rather spend the day at the beach, going to see a medical professional is the best option for feeling better quickly.
Take it Easy
As you recover, give yourself permission to take it easy. On vacation, you may want to be on the go, doing and seeing as much as possible. However, you don’t want to return home feeling poorly, so take advantage of the tranquil moments of vacation to relax and recover. Resting and drinking plenty of water isn’t just important during flu season. Letting your body recover is just as important on vacation.
Don’t let getting sick ruin your vacation. Whether you’re traveling during flu season or not, don’t be surprised if you find yourself feeling a little tired or queasy during your journey. Knowing what steps to take when you feel ill and giving yourself time to recover will help you return to normal so that you can enjoy every moment of vacation.
FAQs
What to do if you feel sick. It is expected that most people infected with flu will recover without needing medical care. However, if you have severe illness or you are at higher risk for flu complications, seek medical care. A U.S. consular officer can help you find local medical care in a foreign country.
What to do if you get sick in a foreign country? ›
Health Care Resources for Travelers
The nearest US embassy or consulate can help travelers locate medical services and notify your friends, family, or employer of an emergency. They are available for emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, overseas and in Washington, DC (888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444).
What to do if you get a cold while traveling? ›
If you get sick while traveling, it will most likely be a stomach virus like norovirus, a cold or the flu. Usually, treatment involves drinking lots of water, rest and taking care of your symptoms. But it's also a good idea to keep an eye out for signs of infection such as high fever, chills, headache and fatigue.
Why do I get sick when I travel to another country? ›
These illnesses—mostly mild viral infections—happen for a variety of reasons, including a weakened immune system, traveling between different climates, poor hygiene and air travel.
Should I get a flu shot before international travel? ›
It is important that you are up to date with routine vaccines like the measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (Tdap) vaccine, poliovirus vaccine, and influenza (flu) vaccine before your trip.
What happens if a US citizen gets sick in Europe? ›
While no system is perfect, Europe's universal health care does mean that everyone is taken care of — including foreigners. So if you get sick or injured while traveling, you will receive treatment, no questions asked.
What happens if I need medical care in another country? ›
The U.S. government does not pay overseas medical bills. The patient must pay all hospital and other expenses. You can find lists of doctors and hospitals in the country you are visiting. Check the website of the U.S. embassy in the country you are visiting.
How to get over a cold fast while travelling? ›
Here are 16 things you can do to relieve cold symptoms and feel better.
- Drink plenty of fluids. ...
- Get enough sleep. ...
- Try Theraflu. ...
- Use saline drops. ...
- Use a neti pot. ...
- Gargle salt water. ...
- Take pain relievers. ...
- Take a spoonful of honey.
An airline can deny boarding of any passenger who looks unwell, especially if they suspect the passenger might be infectious (infect other passengers).
How to deal with a sore throat while travelling? ›
Craig Webb, Area Medical Director at MedExpress, also recommends taking advantage of the free hot water in your hotel room. “Recuperate with a warm shower or bath to help clear your sinuses, drink hot tea to soothe your sore throat and take a nap,” he suggests. “Your body — and others — will thank you for it later.”
7 Most-Effective Ways to Boost Immunity for Travel (Before &...
- Drink Plenty of (Coconut) Water. ...
- Prioritize Quality Sleep. ...
- Maintain a Balanced Diet. ...
- Incorporate Regular Exercise. ...
- Practice Good Hand Hygiene. ...
- Consider Immune-Boosting Supplements. ...
- Manage Stress Levels.
Whether its tea, warm water with lemon or broth, drinking warm liquids can be soothing, prevent dehydration and ease congestion. Avoid salty foods, alcohol, coffee and sugary drinks, which can be dehydrating. Ice chips are another simple way to stay hydrated and calm a scratchy throat. Gargle with salt water.
What are the symptoms of the flu abroad? ›
More Information for Travelers
These include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache, and fatigue. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults. It's important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.
What to do if you're sick before a flight? ›
Take a decongestant that contains pseudoephedrine (such as Sudafed) 30 minutes before takeoff. Carry medication in your carry-on allowance. A full guide on travelling with medication can be found here. We recommend that you bring vitamins with you on board to help ease the discomfort in your journey.
What happens if I get ill abroad? ›
Your insurance policy should have given you an international number that you can use to get in touch with your insurers. Your call will usually be dealt with by an assistance company which is appointed by the insurer to arrange the necessary medical treatment.
Will my US health insurance cover me in Europe? ›
U.S. health insurance plans typically do not cover regular and routine medical care required overseas. This means your health insurance won't pay for care if you need to visit a doctor for a prescription medicine, or if you need treatment for a condition that is not considered an emergency.
What do you do if you are stranded in a foreign country? ›
If you are overseas and in need of emergency assistance contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. If you are concerned about a loved one overseas, please call: From the U.S. & Canada - 1-888-407-4747. From Overseas - +1 202-501-4444.
What happens if you don't pay medical bills in another country? ›
What happens if you leave a country without paying your medical bills? This could result in a number of different consequences, including debt pursuit through legal action or debt collection, negative impacts on credit scores, or issues re-entering a country where your debt is owed.
