Medical Care in a Foreign Country If medical care is needed abroad, travel agents or the American Embassy or Consulate can usually provide names of hospitals, physicians, or emergency medical service agencies. Prior to departure, travelers should contact their own insurance companies concerning their coverage. In addition to receiving appropriate vaccinations and medications prior to departure, travelers should be aware of useful measures to minimize the risk of injury or disease while abroad. These include precautions for foods and beverages, swimming, and injury prevention, as well as the appropriate use of insect repellents and an awareness of potential environmental hazards. Travelers who take prescription medications should carry an adequate supply accompanied by a signed and dated statement from a physician. The statement should indicate the major health problems and dosage of such medications to provide information for medical authorities in case of emergency. The International Certificate of Vaccination should also be completed with personal medical information. The traveler should take an extra pair of glasses or lens prescription, and a card, tag, or bracelet that identifies any physical condition that may require emergency care. There is also a growing public awareness of the AIDS epidemic, and a resulting concern about acquiring the AIDS virus through blood transfusion or certain medical procedures. Systematic screening of blood donations is not yet feasible in all developing countries. The safety of the blood supply ultimately depends on the quality of blood transfusion services in the host country. Blood should be transfused only when absolutely necessary, especially in those countries where screening of blood for transmissible diseases is not yet widely performed. International travelers should take active steps to minimize the risk of injury and establish a plan for dealing with medical emergencies. The risk of bloodborne transmission of hepatitis B can be minimized with hepatitis B vaccination prior to travel.