Volunteering Abroad: Before You Travel
Before You Travel Abroad
Note: Use the following information at your own discretion. The AAFP provides this list for information only, not as an endorsement.
Collect country-specific information about the following before your trip:
- Travel alerts, warnings or notices
- International travel safety information
- International financial scams
- How to register at the U.S. embassy or consulate
- How to find emergency assistance for American citizens abroad
- Applicable family and children’s issues
- Applicable international travel health issues:
- Vaccinations you need to have
- Regional disease information
- How to ensure safe food and water
- Tips for planning a healthy trip in that area
- How to seek health care abroad
Where to look
The following agencies and organizations may be able to help you prepare for your trip:
- U.S. Department of State
- U.S. Department of State Emergency Assistance, call: (888) 407-4747 or (202) 501-4444 (from overseas)
- U.S. Embassy where you are traveling
- U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
- The World FactBook from the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or call: 800-CDC-INFO
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- familydoctor.org, the AAFP's patient education web site
Medical Evacuation and Travel Insurance Services
- Allianz Global Assistance
- Gallagher Charitable International Insurance Services
- Global Rescue
- Medjet Assist
- New York International Group Inc.
- On Call International
- SquareMouth
- USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services
- Travelex Insurance Services
Crisis Management and Non-medical Evacuation
Gallagher Charitable International Insurance Services provides crisis management and evacuation for non-medical events such as natural disasters, political upheaval and terrorist activity for persons traveling abroad.
Contact Information:
- Telephone: (803) 758-1400
- Toll-free: (800) 922-8438
- Fax: (803) 252-1988