No travel insurance? What to do in an emergency.

simon8416
Oct 8
3 min read

Updated: Oct 13

What to Do If You Have a Medical Emergency Abroad Without Travel Insurance

Falling ill or being injured while overseas can be frightening — especially if you don’t have travel insurance. Without cover, you may face unexpected hospital bills, language barriers, and uncertainty about how to get safely home for further care.

At Altrincham Medical Limited, we specialise in arranging medical repatriation and air ambulance services for travellers who experience medical problems abroad — whether or not they’re insured. If you’re currently overseas and need help, here’s what to do.

1. Get Immediate Medical Attention

Your health always comes first.If you experience a medical emergency overseas, seek help at the nearest hospital or clinic immediately. Emergency departments will treat urgent cases, though you may be required to pay upfront if you don’t have insurance.

Ask the hospital for:

Copies of your medical records, test results, and treatment summary.
A written estimate of costs.
The contact details of your treating doctor.

These documents will help any medical assistance or repatriation provider assess your condition and arrange the safest way home.

2. Contact Your Embassy or Consulate

If you’re uninsured abroad, your embassy or consulate can offer guidance. They can:

Recommend reliable hospitals and medical facilities.
Help contact family members back home.
Connect you with trusted medical repatriation companies.

While embassies won’t cover medical or transport costs, they can provide valuable local advice and assistance.

3. Speak to a Medical Repatriation Specialist

If you’re stable but unable to travel independently, contact a medical repatriation service such as Altrincham Medical Limited.Our clinical coordination team can:

Review your medical situation.
Liaise directly with treating doctors abroad.
Advise on the safest and most cost-effective method of repatriation without insurance.

We operate globally, supporting patients who need urgent medical transfers — from short-haul medical escorts on commercial flights to fully equipped air ambulance flights for critical cases.

4. Understand Your Options for Returning Home

Depending on your medical condition and location, there are several ways to be transported home safely:

Commercial flight with medical escort – ideal for patients who are fit to fly but need professional monitoring and assistance with basic medical care.
Air ambulance – for serious cases requiring intensive care equipment and specialist clinicians.
Ground ambulance transfer – for shorter regional journeys or transfers to nearby hospitals.

Our team will coordinate every step — from medical clearances and equipment to logistics, ensuring you receive continuous care throughout your journey.

5. Managing Costs Without Insurance

Without insurance, you’ll need to arrange payment directly for medical treatment and repatriation. Reputable air ambulance and repatriation companies will provide transparent, itemised quotes and can often work with family members, employers, or crowdfunding efforts to assist with payments.

At Altrincham Medical Limited, we prioritise clarity and compassion — offering guidance and practical solutions so you can focus on your recovery.

6. Plan Ahead for Future Travel

If this situation has highlighted how quickly things can change abroad, you’re not alone. Many travellers only realise the importance of insurance when emergencies arise. Before your next trip, make sure your policy includes: