If you have a non-life-threatening injury or illness, you should look for the nearest urgent care location.

• Urgent care treats routine medical needs in easily accessible locations across the region. You do not need to go to a hospital for this care.
• To find the nearest location, search “urgent care” on your mobile device.

 

If you have a life-threatening injury or illness, an emergency department (ED), also known as an emergency room (ER), is best equipped to handle major medical emergencies, with the necessary equipment and trained staff to provide immediate, advanced care.

• If you need emergency care, seek the nearest hospital emergency department by searching “ER” or “emergency department” on your mobile device.
• If you do not have transportation, call 911. Calling 911 will connect you to an operator who will dispatch an ambulance to take you to the nearest appropriate medical facility.

 

In the United States, some but not all pharmacies may have urgent care locations in their buildings.

• You cannot receive care or be prescribed medication at a pharmacy unless there is an urgent care location on site.

Go the nearest urgent care for minor or routine needs, including:

• Mild asthma
• Allergies
• Back or muscle pain
• Bronchitis
• Broken bone without deformity/that does not protrude through skin*
• Cuts and minor burns
• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Earache
• Fever
• Headache
• Skin conditions
• Sore throat
• Sprains or joint pain
• Upper respiratory infection
• Urinary tract infections
• Vomiting

*Find an urgent care location with imaging, such as X-rays.

Go to the nearest emergency department for life-threatening medical emergencies, including:

• Bleeding that won’t stop
• Broken bone with deformity/that protrudes through the skin
• Chest pain or pressure
• Difficulty breathing
• Head injuries
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures
• Severe abdominal pain
• Severe burns
• Shortness of breath
• Sudden, severe headache, paralysis or weakness

The cost of care depends on your medical needs and whether you have health insurance. 

If you have insurance: It is very important to have travel or health insurance before coming to the United States, always carrying an insurance card or proof of insurance.

You may be asked to pay a co-pay at the time of your visit. This is a patient fee not covered by insurance. Further questions about cost can be directed to your insurance carrier to help you better understand your coverage. 

If you do not have insurance: Emergency medical care will be provided regardless of insurance status. However, it is strongly recommended to secure insurance before traveling. Medical care without insurance can be very expensive in the United States, and you may be asked to make a payment before and after receiving care.

It is best to bring all the necessary prescribed medications with you while traveling. It is possible you can refill your prescription, but some prescriptions may not be approved for use in the United States.  It may also take longer to refill if it requires a physician’s order outside the United States.