300. How to Locate a Physician Away from Home


The best made travel plans can’t guarantee against illness or injuries.  Although travelers don’t like thinking about the possibility of a medical emergency, a little forethought can save you a lot of misery or aggravation.  Knowing what to do and who to contact should you need medical help, especially when traveling abroad, reduces anxiety and avoids wasting time when minutes count.



Specialized travel medical clinics exist in some areas. Consult the following for names of physicians you can contact, if need be, in the area you plan to visit.

  1. •International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers (IAMAT)  |  1623 Military Rd. #279  |  Niagra Falls, NY 14304-1745  |  1.716.754.4883  |  www.iamat.org.

  2. •Overseas Citizens Services (OCS), Bureau of Consular Affairs  |  1.888.407.4747  |  1.888.501.4444 (from overseas)  |  http://travel.state.gov/about/info/info_308.html#citizens

  3. •The American Embassy or American, British, or Canadian consul or consulate in the country you’re visiting.


Also, check appendix B for the addresses and phone numbers of national organizations for people with kidney disease, diabetes, heart conditions, or other diseases. These organizations may be able to provide information on medical aid for people with special health problems who travel overseas.


You can probably manage many minor medical problems without assistance from a doctor. The following symptoms call for medical attention, however.

  1. •Temperature of 99.5ºF (37.5ºC) or higher in a baby less than 3 months old.

  2. •Temperature of 102.2ºF (39ºC) and higher in a child 3 months to 3 years old.

  3. •Temperature over 104ºF (40ºC) in a person between 3 years and 64 years of age that lasts for more than two days.

  4. •Temperature of 102ºF (39ºC) or higher in a person age 65 that lasts for more than two days.

  5. •Severe vomiting and diarrhea.

  6. •Abdominal or chest pains.

  7. •Difficulty breathing.

  8. •Fainting.

  9. •Slurred speech.

  10. •Feelings of disorientation.

  11. •Severe weakness.

Chapter 13

  1. The Healthy Traveler