GETTING SICK IN EUROPE

Day 4 in France. I’ve woken up in a fevered haze. I check my temperature. 102 degrees, not good. There was far too much involuntary vomiting and diarrhea to allow myself to leave the safety of my Airbnb’s toilet. It’s either the flu or food poisoning; no matter which one, I can feel myself withering away. Is this how it ends? Cold and shivering on the bathroom floor. I make my best attempt to not look like such a sad, half-naked mess when the French paramedics have to kick in my door.

Thankfully, a few hours later, I’m finally able to peel myself off the cold lyonnaise tile. My head has cleared, and the fever has broken. That was a bit too close for comfort. Being one of my first overseas visits, my lack of familiarity with the EU healthcare system really hindered me from finding the proper medical service. Not gonna lie, the whole situation left me feeling a bit helpless. So, heed the words below if you ever find yourself across the pond and in need of medical assistance. If this article can keep a few of you from praying to the foreign porcelain gods for sweet relief, I will consider it a success.

SAVED BY THE PHARMACY

Since my close call in Lyon, I’ve learned a few things that help keep me on my feet. The most important of them being the beloved European pharmacy. Marked with a green cross, European pharmacies can diagnose and prescribe remedies for your run-of-the-mill issues: fevers, sore throats, stomach bugs, sinus infections, muscle pain, urinary tract infections, etc. Keep in mind that pharmacies in small towns usually keep limited hours, while those in bigger cities will have 24-hour locations. 

IN NEED OF HARDER DRUGS

For the moments that can’t be cured at the pharmacy, a clinic is your best option. There's nothing too different from your U.S. clinics, aside from the language barrier. With that said, the best way to find an English-speaking location is to contact a tourist center or any big hotel concierge, as they will be accustomed to aiding traveling Americans. Most clinics will be free or charge a flat fee; in the event of the latter, keep your paperwork and you can submit a claim with your insurance.

OH GOD IT WON’T STOP BLEEDING

For the most dire situations—some might call them life-threatening—go to the hospital. The European Union’s emergency number is 112, and most counties will have their own dedicated emergency service. Depending on the country, emergency services are sometimes free or charge a flat rate for visits. Thanks to the social programs in most countries, procedures and surgeries are as ruinously expensive as in America, but depending on the country, you should still expect to come out of pocket.

GET YOU SOME TRAVEL INSURANCE

The simplest solution for peace-of-mind while traveling lies in the purchase of travel insurance. These policies cover emergency situations like sudden illness, natural disasters, family deaths, and really anything else that causes massive disruption to your trip. Companies like Allianz, Nationwide, John Hancock, and April International provide comprehensive plans that range from $120-200 depending on your elected coverage.