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What to do in case of an emergency abroad

What should you do if you have an accident or become ill while abroad? If you’re well informed and prepared in advance, you’ll be able to better manage an emergency situation.

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Things can happen quickly, including on holi day! In the event of an accident, injury or den illness, you’ll urgently need to find a doctor’s surgery or hospital. Such situations are easier to handle if you put in some preparation work before going on holiday. This means that you will know what to do in case of an emergency abroad and you’ll have the necessary information to hand.

Assistance over the phone 

Rega doesn’t just provide assistance in the case of serious or severe illnesses – our doctors are on hand at all times, even if you don’t know whether you should contact a hospital or a doctor. When you call Rega from abroad on +41 333 333 333, you can get medical advice, the address of a local surgery or nearby hospital, as well as help translating and understanding an established diagnosis. 

Alerting the local rescue service 

What should you do if something more seri ous happens – a road traffic accident or acute illness, for example? In emergency situations such as these, you must alert the local rescue service or find a doctor or hospital immediately. Rega cannot provide first aid abroad. Contact Rega only once initial medical ment has been provided – to start the ball rolling on a repatriation to Switzerland.

When can a patient be repatriated? 

Repatriation to Switzerland may be necessary in the case of serious injury, severe illness or if suitable medical care cannot be guaranteed abroad. 

The decision on whether repatriation is necessary and the best solution for the patient is made by the Rega medical consultant on duty. They will also discuss the diagnosis with the doctor on location, as well as with the patient and their next-of-kin. In addition, they will contact the patient’s doctor back home for the patient’s medical history. 

Making decisions based on various criteria 

Decision criteria include the standard of local medical care, therapy options or anticipated complications after an operation. Also taken into consideration are the expected duration of the hospitalisation, the treatment and rehabilitation, as well as the risks involved with transportation, plus social motivations – for example, if the patient cannot remain abroad on their own. 

Ambulance jet or scheduled flight 

Seriously ill or injured patients are generally flown back to Switzerland in one of Rega’s three ambulance jets – especially if they require intensive medical care. 

If the patient’s health allows, the patient may return home on board a scheduled aircraft with medical supervision or even by ambulance from nearby destinations accompanied by ambulance staff.
 

Important tips

Important tips

Before your journey

  • Make a note of the emergency numbers in your destination country as well as the emergency numbers for your basic, supplementary or travel insurance, and Rega.
  • Check your insurance cover.
  • Check your first-aid kit and update it, if necessary.
  • Take your health insurance card with you.
  • Make sure you have smartphone credit to be able to call Switzerland from abroad.
  • Check your vaccination status at least six weeks before you travel, find out about mandatory vaccinations in your destination country and pack your vaccination certificate.
  • If you suffer from allergies, chronic illnesses, pre-existing illnesses: Take a list of your medication in the language of your destination country so that you can present it, if necessary. Get a “Fit to fly” medical certificate from your local doctor and take your most recent medical report with you (in electronic format or as a paper copy).

While travelling

What to do in the event of an acute illness or accident?

  • Get help if you have a medical emergency or accident. Call the rescue service or find a hospital or doctor.
  • The European emergency number 112 works in Europe and a number of other countries. If necessary, your call will be forwarded directly to the local rescue services.
  • Contact your health insurer, Rega and/or your travel insurer and – in the case of an accident – your employer's accident insurer.
  • Keep your next-of-kin informed of your condition so that they don’t have to worry any more than necessary.
  • Inform your tour operator, hotel and airline about the accident or illness if you are unable to continue with your trip as planned.

Rega number from abroad: +41 333 333 333

Our flight coordinators and physicians will answer your questions and help you plan your next steps.

  • Contact person: Name, telephone number 
  • Information about the patient: Name, date of birth, home address 
  • Patient’s place of residence: Hospital and ward, telephone number 
  • Responsible doctor: Name, telephone number 
  • Condition of the patient: Diagnosis? 
  • Cause: What happened where?
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