International Medical Care and Facilities

It is important to be informed well in advance as to the health conditions and quality of medical care in the country to which you are moving. If a family member has special needs, you need to find out if appropriate specialists will be available in an emergency situation. There should be a contingency plan in place, perhaps evacuation home, if treatment cannot be obtained in the country. Some premium credit cards include evacuation services. Check to see whether you are covered.

What if I get sick?

The possibility of becoming ill and requiring medical attention is one of the most common concerns of those preparing for a move abroad. Many of these concerns are founded on uncertainty about what to expect and can be addressed with the right information and suitable strategies for emergencies. Depending on your destination country and city, you may be able to rely on the local medical services for even the most specialized requirements, or, at the other extreme, you may need to find alternatives to local facilities for even routine matters. Your embassy or consulate can provide lists of doctors who speak your language. Other already-established expatriates can help ease your concerns about the quality of health care you can expect to receive and advise you on any idiosyncrasies you should be aware of.

Language differences can be a problem in some places, but in medicine, English has become something of an international common language. In many countries doctors speak some English even if their administrative staff does not. If you are uncomfortable with the local medical system, it may be helpful or reassuring to find out where medical professionals received their training. Many major international centers, where standards are excellent, provide training opportunities to general physicians and medical specialists from other countries.

In areas where medical resources may be limited or substandard, there are often arrangements already in place for transporting expatriates who become seriously ill to facilities in other countries, where appropriate care can be obtained. It is a good idea to check out emergency facilities before any need arises. Your employer may already have information about such situations and may be able to provide guidance.

Should a medical emergency arise, you need not be left to deal with it on your own. Embassies and consulates can assist you in contacting medical professionals. There are also private organizations that specialize in assisting people residing or traveling abroad with telephone advice, referrals, and full-scale international evacuations through a worldwide network of medical personnel.

Dental care

If your destination country does not offer acceptable standards of dental care, you should identify the nearest neighboring country where you can find good dental practitioners. This will provide a time and cost-saving alternative to arranging a special trip to your home country, or waiting until your next scheduled return home for treatment.