Travel Emergency Preparedness Checklist
Be prepared for medical emergencies, natural disasters, theft, and unexpected situations while traveling. Complete this checklist before departure.
Why Emergency Preparedness Matters
According to the State Department, over 100,000 Americans face emergencies abroad annually—from medical issues to natural disasters. Proper preparation can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a life-threatening situation.
Preparedness Progress
0 of 30 items completed
Ready to travel safely
Before You Leave
0/7U.S. State Department program for emergency alerts and assistance
Understand what's covered, exclusions, and claim procedures
Insurance hotline, embassy, local emergency services
Get required vaccines and prescription refills before departure
Prevent card freezing while traveling
Include hotel addresses, flight numbers, and check-in times
Review State Department, CDC, and local government warnings
What to Pack
0/10Bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication
Bring 30% more than you need in original containers
Pain relievers, antihistamines, motion sickness pills, anti-diarrhea
For areas with limited hygiene facilities
SPF 30+ sunscreen and DEET-based repellent for tropical areas
For areas where tap water isn't safe to drink
Lightweight signaling device for emergencies
With extra batteries for power outages
Fully charged 10,000+ mAh capacity
Cheap phone for local SIM card in case primary phone is lost/stolen
Critical Backups
0/5Passport, insurance, visas, prescriptions - in cloud storage
Passport, insurance card, emergency contacts (separate from originals)
Insurance, family, embassy numbers in waterproof format
Card numbers and reporting phone numbers (stored securely, separately)
For quick claims filing and emergency assistance access
Financial Safety
0/4USD $200-300 in small bills, concealed in luggage
At least 2 credit cards from different banks + 1 debit card
For passport and cash in high-risk areas
For tips, street vendors, and areas without card readers
Health & Safety
0/4With blood type, allergies, emergency contact
For air quality issues, illness, or pandemic precautions
For hostel lockers and luggage security
For added hotel room security
Common Travel Emergency Scenarios
Lost/Stolen Passport
Report to local police immediately, then contact nearest U.S. embassy. Having photocopies and digital scans speeds up replacement.
Medical Emergency
Call travel insurance 24/7 hotline BEFORE treatment if possible. They can direct you to network providers and guarantee payment. Save receipts and medical reports for claims.
Natural Disaster
Follow local authorities' instructions, contact embassy/consulate, and notify family. STEP program sends real-time alerts about natural disasters and evacuation orders.
Credit Card Theft
Immediately call card issuer's international hotline to freeze the card. Having backup cards from different banks ensures you're not stranded without money.