How to Prepare for Medical Emergencies Abroad with Kids

What we’ve learned from ER visits, ear infections, and rashes around the world

Let’s get one thing out of the way: getting sick while traveling with kids is not on anyone’s dream itinerary. But between airplane germs, new foods, different climates, and all the extra stimulation that comes with travel, it’s almost inevitable that young kids will get sick.

While experiencing medical emergencies abroad with kids is never fun, it doesn’t have to be terrifying , especially when you’re prepared.

We’ve been there, more than once unfortunately. In Portugal, we ended up in an ambulance racing through the streets of Lisbon after a scary (thankfully false-alarm) medical emergency.

In Guatemala, we had to visit a local doctor for a mysterious rash. And in Morocco, we had to track down a pediatrician when a mysterious toddler tummy issue struck mid-trip.

Here’s exactly what we do to find and access quality, timely medical care when we’re traveling abroad with our kids.

Before You Go: Set Yourself Up for Success

After experiencing an emergency evacuation ourselves, I’m a big believer in always being prepared. Preparation can make a world of difference when you’re in a high-stress moment far from home. Below are the things I always do before we travel internationally with the kids.

1. Save the Local Emergency Number

Every country has its own version of 911. Look it up before you go and save it in your phone. I also keep it on a sticky note inside our travel medical kit and written in a shared note on our phones in case we lose service or are in a panic.

• For example:
  • Portugal: 112
  • Morocco: 19 (Police), 15 (Ambulance)
  • Guatemala: 122 (Ambulance), 110 (Police)

2. Search for English-Speaking Doctors Near You

Before you leave (or shortly after you arrive), do a quick Google search  to locate nearby clinics and doctors who speak your language. 

Save the clinic to your Google Maps and save the phone number in your phone contacts — so if you’re holding a feverish toddler at 2 a.m., you’re not starting from scratch. I save it it my phone as Country Name & Doctor.

I usually save at least one urgent care clinic and one pediatrician within a 30-minute radius of where we’re staying, ideally even closer.

I also make sure to know where the closest local hospital is located.

What to Pack: A Thoughtfully Stocked Travel Medical Kit

Having the right supplies on hand can help you treat minor issues and avoid unnecessary stress. Ours includes:

• Baby and toddler fever reducer (e.g., infant Tylenol or ibuprofen)
• Digital thermometer (this one is our favorite)
• Saline spray + nasal aspirator
• Electrolyte powder or hydration packets
• Antihistamines (liquid or chewable)
• Bandaids, antiseptic wipes, tweezers
• Baby-safe bug spray + sunscreen
• Any allergy meds or prescriptions
• A few syringes/dosing spoons (local ones can be confusing)

We keep ours in a zippered pouch inside our carry-on so it’s always accessible. If you’re flying, make sure liquid meds follow TSA/international carry-on rules, or bring chewable tablets when possible.

Use Virtual Care When You Can

In Portugal, when we couldn’t figure out if our toddler’s condition needed immediate attention, we used Doctorsa to video chat with an English-speaking pediatrician within 15 minutes.

Pro tip: Make sure you’re set up with a Virtual Private Network (VPN) before you travel.

They reviewed symptoms, asked questions, and emailed us a prescription that we picked up at the local pharmacy. It was fast, affordable, and gave us so much peace of mind.

Other virtual care options include:

• Air Doctor – connects you with doctors globally, including virtual and in-person care
• Doctorsa – connects you with a doctor for virtual care. This is what we used to see a pediatrician quickly and virtually in Portuga.
• Teladoc Health – often covered by U.S. insurance

Pro tip: Check if your insurance plan includes virtual care — some do. Virtual care is also relatively affordable, it was about $20 to see a doctor.

When You Need In-Person Care

If you do need to visit a clinic, here’s what’s helped us:

• Ask your accommodation host (hotel or Airbnb) for local recommendations. They often know who speaks English and which clinics are kid-friendly.
• Look for international hospitals, university hospitals, or clinics in expat neighborhoods.
• If it’s an emergency, don’t hesitate to call for an ambulance. In our experience (Lisbon, for example), public emergency services are fast and professional — even for tourists.

Lean on Community & Embassy Resources

You’re not alone out there. Some of our best leads have come from:

• Expat Facebook groups (search: “Families in [City]” or “Traveling with Kids in [Country]”). This is how I found an English speaking pediatrician in Guatemala.
• Local WhatsApp or Telegram parenting groups
• Your country’s embassy or consulate, which usually has a list of local doctors and emergency instructions
• Travel insurance hotlines, which can help translate, book appointments, and even provide emergency evacuation if necessary.

Medical Emergencies Abroad With Kids: A Little Prep Goes A Long Way

Needing medical care abroad isn’t something any parent hopes for, it has even made me question if it’s worth it to travel internationally. However, with a little prep and the right mindset, you can handle it.

I say that as someone who has rocked a feverish baby in a Moroccan guesthouse, ridden an ambulance in Lisbon, and found pediatric care in Guatemala with a toddler on my hip.

So pack the meds, save the numbers, read all the safety tips, and know that even far from home, you have what you need. You are your child’s safety net and now, you’re a well-informed, globally-prepared one, too.