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Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad
Vaccinations Reminder from the US Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs
Under international health regulations adopted by the World Health Organization, a country may require international certificates of vaccination against yellow fever and cholera.
Typhoid vaccinations are not required for international travel, but are recommended for areas where there is risk of exposure.
Smallpox vaccinations are no longer given.
Check your healthcare records to ensure that your measles, mumps, rubella, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis immunizations are up-to-date.
Medication to deter malaria and other preventative measures are advisable for certain areas.
No immunizations are needed to return to the United States.
Medical information American travelers should know:
In case of illness, American citizens traveling abroad should be aware of the services that are offered by the US embassies and consulates. US Consular officers can assist in locating medical services, transferring funds, and informing relatives of a health condition.
However, they cannot act as lawyers, or bankers, and payment of hospital and other expenses is the responsibility of the traveler. (The Medicare program does not provide coverage for hospital or medical costs outside of the United States.)
The US Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs recommends that international travelers:
- learn what medical services your health insurance will cover overseas before going abroad.
- carry both your insurance policy identity card as proof of such insurance and a claim form.
- when going abroad with any pre-existing medical problems, carry a letter from your physician describing the medical condition and any prescription medications, including the generic name of drugs.
- keep medications in their original containers and be sure they are clearly labeled. Also, make sure the prescribed or required medications are not considered to be illegal narcotics in the countries that you will visit by contacting the foreign embassies prior to travel.
- complete the information page on the inside of your passport providing the name, address, and telephone number of someone to be contacted in an emergency.
- take a listing of addresses and telephone numbers of US embassies and consulates in the countries you will visit.
- some countries require foreign visitors to have inoculations or medical tests before entering. Before traveling, check the latest entry requirements with the foreign embassy of the country to be visited.
Before traveling, please note that, although many health insurance companies will pay "customary and reasonable" hospital costs abroad, very few will pay for medical evacuation back to the United States. Medical evacuation can easily cost $10,000 or more, depending on your location and medical condition.
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