4 Steps to Take If You’ve Been Injured on Holiday Abroad

There is nothing unusual about getting nervous when you’ve been injured in an accident at home, much less abroad. It is common because it was obviously quite unexpected. Whether you were in a car accident, slipped and fell in a restaurant, or have been injured as the victim of a grab and run on the street, you may require medical assistance to get home. However, even before thinking about that, you should know what to do if you are injured in any way while on holiday.

1. Call That Country’s Equivalent to 911

The one thing you will always need to do is call for emergency assistance the moment you, or someone in your party, is able to. Most countries, just like here at home in the United States will send a police officer and an ambulance if you say that someone was injured. According to most insurers, any losses sustained from physical injuries must be well documented. The police are on the scene to ensure everyone is safe but also to document the accident or injury. This will be vital when filing a claim.

2. Follow the Doctor’s Advice

Before even trying to cut your holiday short to get home to your own provider, you must follow the advice of the attending physician. Not only is it better for you to ensure you are safe to travel, but insurance companies are reluctant to pay on a claim if the covered party did not follow the doctor’s advice. This may be especially important if you were injured to the degree that you are unable to walk without sustaining further injuries.

3. Consult Your Personal Insurance Coverage

Some health insurance policies will cover medical expenses abroad, especially if they were emergency services, but few will cover travel expenses back to the United States. They will pay for ambulances at home but international medical travel assistance services are also available, and they work with insurance companies. Just remember that to ensure coverage for emergency transport in a foreign country, your health or travel insurance will want to verify that the coverage was necessary.

4. Keep All Documents

Although you called your insurance company as soon as possible after being injured in an accident of some sort, you will most often need a hard copy verification of the facts as you reported them. Keep all documents and also the names and contact information of any witnesses. Bear in mind that insurance companies will want proof beyond doubt that you were not to blame for your injuries and that another party was responsible.

Just remember that your health and safety are of utmost importance so take care of your injuries first and worry about being compensated after. Your insurance provider may not cover the cost of medical assistance on international transport, but there is coverage available if not. Don’t be disheartened by a ‘potential’ injury because you are on holiday. You can always take care of emergencies as they arise but for now, Have fun!