Prepare for emergencies by knowing how to handle problems before leaving on your trip.

• Check with your medical insurance provider to determine your coverage while out of the country. Know how to reach a representative while you are abroad and how to obtain compensation for any care received. If you are not comfortable with your current level of coverage, look into supplemental travel insurance.
• Determine your needs in advance and do your homework—all insurance policies are not created equal. Frequent travelers may want a yearly policy; others may choose coverage only for the length of a one-time trip. Policies may or may not cover air rescue, ambulance transport, help in making hospital arrangements, coverage of medical or hospital bills, cash advances, evacuation to your home country or 24-hour telephone assistance.
• You might already have partial coverage, or the option to purchase it, through travel-related memberships. Some credit card companies include insurance if you charge your trip, and many international auto and touring clubs offer policies along with the usual provisions for car towing and accident assistance. Some tour packages also include insurance. Check carefully to find out what is covered.
• Most foreign medical providers require cash payment. Before you leave home, make sure you will have access to funds while abroad.
• Try to have an advocate with you any time you receive medical care. A health care provider who will see to your best interests, a traveling companion or, at a minimum, someone who speaks the local language can serve as a valuable ally in an emergency.
• Ask your health care providers if they can recommend providers or hospitals in your destination country. In serious emergencies, go to the largest medical facility in the area as quickly as possible.
• Those with a medical condition should wear medical alert tags and carry a list of important foreign words related to their condition.
• Avoid injections, dental procedures or skin piercing while traveling. Even manicures and shaves at public barbers can be risky in some areas. All can expose you to HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and other blood-borne pathogens.
• If you have a condition requiring injections, bring your own supply of needles and syringes. Carry a letter from your doctor explaining your medical need.
• If injected medications are advised, ask if there is an oral formulation that you can take instead. If injections are necessary, insist on individually wrapped, disposable needles.
• If there is a chance that an injection offered abroad is unnecessary (especially if circumstances are questionable or if the injection is to be given by nonmedical personnel), ask if there is an "administrative fee" or penalty you can pay in lieu of the shot.