What to Do If You Get Sick While Traveling in the USA on a Visa

This article was last updated and fact checked on October 24, 2024 by Mani Karthik.

So, you’re traveling in the USA on a visa, and suddenly, you’re feeling unwell.

The last thing anyone wants during a trip is to fall sick, but it happens, and when it does, it’s important to know what to do.

Let’s walk through how you can handle this situation without panicking.

Step 1: Assess the Situation

First, take a moment to assess how serious your illness is.

Is it just a common cold, or something that feels more severe?

For minor illnesses like a headache or mild fever, you might just need over-the-counter medications available at most drugstores like CVS or Walgreens.

But if it’s something more serious, you’ll need to consider getting professional medical help.

Tip: Always carry a basic first-aid kit and common medications when traveling. It can save you time and stress.

Step 2: Check Your Travel Insurance

Hopefully, you purchased travel health insurance before your trip.

If so, now’s the time to check your policy and see what it covers.

Most travel insurance policies will cover doctor visits, hospital stays, and even prescription medications.

Make sure you have your insurance card or policy details on hand.

Call the emergency number provided by your insurance company to understand where you can go and how much of the cost they will cover.

Step 3: Find a Doctor or Medical Facility

If you need medical attention, find a doctor or urgent care center near you.

Many cities have urgent care facilities that can handle non-life-threatening issues, and they usually don’t require appointments.

For more serious issues, you might need to go to the emergency room (ER).

Use apps like Google Maps or Zocdoc to find nearby doctors and clinics, or simply ask the front desk at your hotel for assistance.

Tip: Urgent care centers are often a quicker and cheaper option than the ER for non-life-threatening issues.

Step 4: What If You Don’t Have Insurance?

If you didn’t purchase travel insurance, don’t worry — you can still get help.

In the US, hospitals are required to provide emergency care regardless of your insurance status.

However, medical treatment can be expensive, so be prepared for a bill if you need non-emergency care.

In this case, you might want to consider using telemedicine services like Teladoc or Doctor on Demand for consultations, which can be more affordable than an in-person visit.

Step 5: Get the Right Documents for Your Insurance Claim

If you do have insurance, make sure to get the necessary documents to file a claim.

Ask for detailed invoices, doctor’s notes, and any other relevant documents.

Keep everything in a safe place because you’ll need to submit these to your insurance company when you return home.

Getting sick while traveling can be stressful, but with a clear plan, you’ll handle it like a pro.

Just remember to take it one step at a time, assess your situation, and make use of the resources available to you.

Traveling doesn’t always go according to plan, but with the right preparation, you can minimize the inconvenience and stay on top of your health.