All travelers should familiarize themselves with conditions at their destination that could affect their health (high altitude or pollution, types of medical facilities, required immunizations, availability of required pharmaceuticals, etc.).

A key resource for health information is the Travelers’ Health page of the CDC’s website at cdc.gov/travel. The CDC site also provides general guidance on health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect-bite protection as well as guidance on vaccinations and other health precautions.

It’s also a good idea to jot down their international travelers' hotline number 877-394-8747, and take it along on your trip.

Insurance, Medicare & Medicaid, Medical Evacuation
Obtaining medical treatment and hospital care abroad can be expensive, and medical evacuation to the U.S. can cost more than $50,000. Note that U.S. medical insurance is generally not accepted outside the United States, nor do the Social Security Medicare and Medicaid programs provide coverage for hospital or medical costs outside the United States.

If your insurance policy does not cover you abroad, it is a good idea to consider purchasing a short-term policy that does. There are health insurance policies designed specifically to cover travel. Many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

The names of some of the companies offering short-term health and emergency assistance policies are listed on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1215.html.