How to find a doctor abroad: tips for expats

Part of moving abroad involves learning and adapting to the local healthcare landscape, which could be very different to what you’re used to back home.

A family doctor/GP will usually be your first point of contact when getting medical treatment abroad, so knowing how to access consultations is a good place to start. Here’s our tips to support you with this so you can manage your care with confidence.

Learn about the local health system

Having a solid overview of how the local health system works is crucial in finding the right doctor abroad.

This could involve researching your eligibility for state healthcare and if medical treatment is delivered through public or private facilities, or a mix of both. It’s also helpful to learn how much doctor visits typically cost, so you’re fully informed before you need treatment.

Having reliable healthcare nearby can give you peace of mind in a new environment. As you explore local medical facilities, consider their specialisms, opening hours and if there are physicians available who speak your language.

Review information like patient testimonials and online ratings as well to assess the quality of medical facilities. There are lots of handy resources online where you can check their accreditations too, such as the Joint Commission International (JCI) website.

Check government information

You can obtain reliable guidance from online government resources that can make it easier to identify a suitable doctor. For example, their websites sometimes have lists of local medical facilities as well as details of their specialisms and language capabilities.

These sites might be where you’re required to register for state healthcare, and become a valuable resource on topics including local regulations or how foreign nationals can access medical treatment. The government may also have online portals on their website or mobile apps that allow you to book and manage your doctor appointments, or view your medical records.

Another route you can take consists of getting in touch with your embassy, and providing contact details for medical facilities in the area. If a serious situation arises, they can also contact your family with your consent.

Get international health insurance cover

Consider the benefits of international health insurance cover in helping you promptly receive treatment after you’ve moved abroad.

Digital services like our Easy Claim app can prove useful here, where you can find the details of nearby healthcare providers in a few clicks. You’re able to submit and track your reimbursement claims directly on the app too, or upload any documents relating to this.

Remote medical consultations are a convenient way of seeing a doctor that saves you from travelling or having to wait for an in-person medical appointment. Our expat health insurance plans offer 24/7 access to this, allowing you to speak to a licensed physician from anywhere around the world within three hours of submitting a request.

Our expert second medical opinion (SMO) service can be utilised if you have a complex or serious condition and are unsure of a diagnosis or proposed treatment plan. A specialist doctor will be assigned to your case, who will review your medical history and write a detailed report so you can make an informed decision.

Tap into local knowledge

Remember that a good source of knowledge for identifying suitable doctors where you live is utilising local knowledge.

Forums dedicated to expats are a valuable way of getting information on this subject and learning about the experiences of others. Reading discussions or asking your own questions can point you to appropriate medical facilities nearby, helping you understand the quality of care and guiding you to a provider that best meets your needs.

There’s plenty of opportunities in everyday life to get recommendations as well. Seek guidance from friends and colleagues if you’re comfortable, as they are likely to be familiar with local medical facilities and have used them in the past.

Pharmacists could also provide you with details of appropriate doctors, and be quite knowledgeable of the local healthcare landscape. Pharmacists can provide a range of services that could save you a trip to the doctor, such as support with minor illnesses like colds or hay fever, administering vaccinations, or carrying out health checks.