Travel Medicine

US Department of State

Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad

Medical information American travelers should know:

Reminder from the US Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs

Vaccinations may be needed ....

Under international health regulations adopted by the World Health Organization, a country may require international certificates of vaccination against yellow fever.

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 for travel.

Check your health care 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.

If an American citizen becomes seriously ill or injured abroad, a US consular officer can offer assistance, including locating appropriate medical services, informing family or friends, and/or assisting in the transfer of funds from the United States.

However, 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 preexisting 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. This publication may be obtained through the Superintendent of Documents, US Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.

read the document titled "Health Information for International Travelers" published by the Centers for Disease Control, which provides a global assessment of disease, immunization advice, and ther health guidance, including risks in particular countries.

For additional health information, the CDC maintains the international travelers hotline at 1-888-232-3228, an automated faxback service at 1-888-232-3299, and a page on the Internet at http://www.cdc.gov.

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 and up, depending on your location and medical condition. Insurance can be purchased to cover emergency evaluations.

This page was last updated on: February 14, 2008.

For patient inquiries, call 1-800-492-5538 or click here to make an appointment.