Travel Emergency Assistance 101: How to Get a Medical Referral While Traveling

Imagine this: You’re traveling abroad when you start to feel unwell. You know you need to see a doctor—but where do you go? How do you find someone you can trust? Will they speak your language? And how do you even begin to navigate the local healthcare system?

On Call’s Global Response Center receives several of these inquiries daily, and has some great recommendations for travelers who need to get medical referrals abroad—and back to their trips—as quickly (and as painlessly) as possible:

Know Who to Call
While hotel concierges or locals may offer suggestions, travelers enrolled in On Call’s global emergency assistance programs have a better option: contact us directly. Our team provides vetted medical referrals you can trust—backed by medical expertise, cultural awareness, and over three decades of travel emergency assistance experience.

Relying on informal recommendations can sometimes lead to misaligned expectations, culture shock, or even safety concerns. Finding the right care abroad isn’t just about convenience—it’s about making informed, trusted choices.

What Happens When You Contact On Call?
When you contact On Call for a medical referral, we’ll assess your situation and help determine the best next step. If an in-person consultation is needed, we’ll locate the nearest English-speaking doctors, provide their contact information, and even help schedule the appointment.

If your condition is minor, we may recommend a telehealth consultation instead. This is a fast, effective way to access medical advice, support, and even prescriptions—without leaving your hotel room. Whether it’s through video, phone, or secure messaging, telehealth can be a game-changer for travelers.

Before you go, a little preparation can go a long way in staying ahead of potential health issues:

• • Visit your primary care doctor before departure – Especially if you have preexisting conditions, a quick check-in can help ensure you’re fit to travel and that your medications and care plan are up to date. It’s also a good time to ask about any destination-specific health considerations.

  • Consult a travel medicine specialist – These experts can help you determine if you need vaccinations or preventative medications based on your destination, travel activities, and health history.

  • Pack a traveler’s first-aid kit – A travel first-aid kit is an efficient way to prepare for unexpected emergencies—especially when your travels take you off the beaten path and a drugstore isn’t around the corner. Include basics like bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal essentials.

  • Bring extra prescription medications – Always pack at least a week’s worth of extra medication in case of travel delays, lost luggage, or unexpected itinerary changes. Keep them in their original packaging and carry a copy of your prescriptions, just in case you need a refill abroad.

Want to Learn More?
All travelers enrolled in On Call’s medical assistance service options automatically have access to medical referrals—it’s as simple as that! Not an On Call client yet? Visit www.oncallinternational.com/assistance or contact us today.

About On Call International
When traveling, every problem is unique—a medical crisis, a political threat, even a missed flight. But every solution starts with customized care that ensures travelers are safe and protected. That’s why for over 30 years, On Call International has provided fully-customized travel risk management and emergency assistance services, protecting millions of travelers, their families, and their organizations. Visit https://www.oncallinternational.com and follow us on LinkedIn to learn more.