Call 911 for a life-threatening emergency. Say your address first, then what happened. Ask for an interpreter if you need one.
Or go to the nearest emergency room. You do not need to call your insurer first.
The ER must check and stabilize you, whatever your insurance, money or status.
Your plan must cover emergency care even at an out-of-network ER, at in-network prices.
Tell your insurer within a few days if you are admitted to the hospital. Check your plan's rule.
An ambulance ride can be expensive and may not be fully covered. Still call one when it is needed; you can ask about the bill later.
Prepare now:
Save your address, insurance card photo, medicines list and allergies in your phone.
Set up Medical ID or the emergency information on your phone's lock screen.
Know where your nearest ER and urgent care are.
When you travel abroad, including home
Many US plans cover little or nothing outside the US, except sometimes emergencies. Call your insurer before the trip and ask: "What do you cover abroad?"
Consider travel medical insurance for the trip, including medical evacuation.
Bring your medicines in original packages with prescriptions.
Students and J-1 visitors: check that your school plan or J-1 insurance covers you when you travel.
If you get care abroad, keep every receipt and report, translated into English if you can, and send a claim to your US plan.
Keep copies of your passport, visa or green card, and insurance card in your phone and in a separate bag. US embassies help US citizens find local doctors but do not pay medical bills; other travelers can ask their own country's embassy.
Thinking you need permission before going to the ER. You do not.
Leaving for a long trip abroad without checking your coverage.