Receiving Medical Care While Traveling in Europe

No one wants to get sick or injured while on vacation. But life happens. If you’re in your home country, you can easily access medical services. But what if you’re in a foreign country and you don’t speak the language? Who do you call? Where do you go?

Before becoming a resident of France, I spent six years traveling for several months at a time throughout Europe. In those years, I had several medical situations arise. Please be assured that if you have a medical emergency, or even a minor injury, you’ll be well taken care of, even if you don’t speak the language. Almost all European countries have universal health care, which means everyone is taken care of. The quality of medical care in most countries in Europe is on par with what you’d receive in North America.

For the best care and peace of mind, let's go over where to seek medical care and what else you need to know before your next trip to Europe. Let me add a disclaimer: this post is not meant as medical advice and is for informational purposes only.

Purchase travel medical insurance

All 29 Schengen Area countries require non-residents to carry around $35,000 in medical coverage, including emergency hospitalization and repatriation (returning you to your home country in the event of a serious illness or death). According to a recent Forbes article, travel insurance checks are on the rise at the border, at airline check-in and even in the middle of a train journey.

If you incur medical expenses abroad, you’ll need to pay for those services out-of-pocket and then file a claim with your insurance company to get reimbursed. You’ll either pay at the time you receive service, or a bill will be mailed to your home address. 

I’ve used World Nomads many times. Their prices are quite reasonable for extended stays. However, there are many travel insurance companies and it's important to find the right one for your length of travel and specific needs. Medical insurance requirements vary by country, so before traveling, check the specifics listed on the official government or embassy website of the countries you’re visiting.

Know the European emergency number

If you’re in urgent need of medical assistance or you are reporting a fire or other emergency, call the European emergency number: 112. This is similar to calling 911 in North America. The 112 number works throughout Europe. They will forward your call to the appropriate service, and if you don’t speak the local language, you should be connected to an English speaker.

In the US, I never dreamed of calling an ambulance because I knew it would cost over a thousand dollars. In France and Spain I was not even charged for the ambulance ride. So don’t hesitate to call in the event of an emergency. Paramedics will come to where you are, treat you and take you to the nearest hospital.

Contact the nearest US embassy

If you are in a serious accident or need an operation, you can contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for a list of local healthcare providers and medical facilities. If you want, they will also inform your family and friends.

Go to the nearest emergency room

If you are physically able, and if there is a hospital nearby, walk or have your travel mate drive you to the nearest emergency room. A few years back, I had grand plans for my last day in Paris, but awoke with strange chest pains. It was only a 10-minute walk to the nearest hospital. The emergency room nurse spoke English. During my nine-hour stay, I underwent several electrocardiograms, blood tests and X-rays. The first doctor diagnosed my ailment, Pericarditis, an inflammation of the lining of the heart caused by a virus. But they wouldn't let me leave until I was seen by a cardiologist.

It was not how I wanted to spend my last day in Paris. But I was glad I went. They mailed me a bill for the equivalent at that time of $150. I wish I had been able to receive all my medical care in France, as my cardiologist in the US charged $1,500 for each 20-minute visit.

Make an appointment with SOS Médecins

If you’re in France, and you or a family member are sick and you don’t require an ambulance, you can contract SOS Médecins, which will connect you with a general practitioner 24/7, even on public holidays. You can make an appointment online to have a doctor come to where you are staying. Yes, an actual house call! Or you can set up a teleconsultation online.

The doctor will be able to diagnose you and prescribe medication, if needed. When calling to make the appointment, you will need to know your department number, your phone number, the patient's first and last name, the exact address (including the building code, floor, and any other relevant apartment-specific information), the reason for the call, and the age of the patient. The cost varies depending on the time of day, anywhere from 36.50 euros to 86 euros, and less if you only need a consultation over the phone. You can request an English-speaking doctor, but it's not guaranteed one will be available. Although in my experience, most French doctors speak some English.

Unfortunately, this service is only available in France. I recommend doing a simple Google search to find the urgent care facilities and services available in the country or countries you are visiting.

Visit a pharmacy

Pharmacists in Europe are well trained and offer advice and treatment for minor injuries and illnesses. Many people in Europe go to their pharmacy first, before going to their doctor. Visit a local pharmacy for problems such as a sprain, a cold, allergies, or even Covid. Although they can’t prescribe medication, they can tell you whether or not you need to see a doctor. Many will test for Covid and strep throat. I am very grateful to the pharmacist who helped confirm I had Covid and provided me with appropriate pain medication.

It’s easy to find a pharmacy. Just look for the flashing green cross sign, which in Europe is the symbol for a pharmacy, not a marijuana dispensary.

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I hope you never have to seek medical aid during your European travels. But even if you never need it, knowing you have the right insurance and access to medical services will put your mind at ease. Do your homework before you travel. Purchase the right travel medical insurance plan for the countries you are visiting. Research the medical services available. Then relax and enjoy your European adventure.