Health & Pharmacy: Handling Medical Needs While Traveling
8 min read
35+ phrases
Minor health issues can happen to anyone while traveling. Knowing how to describe symptoms, buy medicine, and seek medical help when needed gives you confidence to handle these situations. This lesson covers pharmacy visits, common ailments, and medical vocabulary for non-emergency situations.
Pharmacies in English-speaking countries are well-stocked with over-the-counter remedies, and pharmacists can often recommend treatments for common problems without needing to see a doctor.
At the Pharmacy
Pharmacies (also called chemists in British English or drugstores in American English) are your first stop for minor health issues:
You
Hello, I have a bad headache. What do you recommend?
Pharmacist
How long have you had it?
You
Since this morning. It is getting worse.
Pharmacist
Are you taking any other medications?
You
No, nothing at the moment.
Pharmacist
I recommend paracetamol. Take two tablets every four to six hours, no more than eight in 24 hours.
Pharmacy / Chemist / Drugstore
Store that sells medicine
Pharmacist
Professional who dispenses medicine
Prescription
Doctor's written order for medicine
Over-the-counter (OTC)
Medicine available without prescription
Dosage
Amount of medicine to take
Side effects
Unwanted effects of medicine
Common Symptoms
Being able to describe your symptoms helps get the right treatment:
Headache
Pain in the head
Fever / Temperature
Higher than normal body heat
Sore throat
Pain when swallowing
Cough
Forcing air from lungs
Runny nose / Cold
Nasal congestion or discharge
Stomachache
Pain in the stomach area
Diarrhea
Frequent loose bowel movements
Nausea
Feeling like you might vomit
"I feel dizzy and have been vomiting."
Describing multiple symptoms.
"I have had diarrhea for two days now."
Indicating duration of illness.
"My throat is very sore and I have a cough."
Describing cold or flu symptoms.
Common Medications
Learn the names of common over-the-counter medicines:
Paracetamol / Acetaminophen
Pain and fever reducer
Ibuprofen
Anti-inflammatory pain reliever
Antihistamine
For allergies
Antacid
For heartburn and indigestion
Cough syrup
Liquid for coughs
Throat lozenges
Tablets for sore throat
Health Tip
Brand names for the same medicine vary by country. If you need a specific medication, know the generic name (like ibuprofen) rather than a brand name (like Advil or Nurofen).
Allergies and Skin Problems
"I have been bitten by something and it is very itchy."
Describing an insect bite.
"I have a rash on my arms. It appeared yesterday."
Describing a skin reaction.
"I am allergic to penicillin. Is there an alternative?"
Warning about a drug allergy.
Rash
Red, irritated skin area
Itchy
Wanting to scratch
Swelling
Area that has become larger
Sunburn
Skin damage from sun exposure
Visiting a Doctor
For more serious issues, you may need to see a doctor:
You
I would like to see a doctor, please. I am not feeling well.
Receptionist
Do you have an appointment?
You
No, I am a tourist. Is there a walk-in clinic nearby?
Receptionist
Yes, we accept walk-ins. Do you have travel insurance?
You
Yes, here is my insurance card. How long is the wait?
Walk-in clinic
Medical facility without appointments
GP (General Practitioner)
Family doctor
Urgent care
For non-emergency medical needs
Travel insurance
Coverage for medical costs abroad
During the Examination
Useful phrases when seeing a doctor:
"The pain started three days ago and has gotten worse."
Describing when symptoms began.
"It hurts here when I press on it."
Showing the location of pain.
"I take blood pressure medication daily."
Mentioning current medications.
Getting a Prescription
"I need to fill this prescription, please."
Asking to get prescribed medicine.
"How many times a day should I take this?"
Asking about dosage instructions.
"Should I take this with food or on an empty stomach?"
Asking about how to take medicine.
Insurance Tip
Always travel with health insurance. Keep digital copies of your policy on your phone. Know your insurance company's emergency contact number and understand what is covered before you need it.
Essential Health Vocabulary
Bandage / Plaster
Covering for wounds
Antiseptic
Kills germs on wounds
Thermometer
Measures body temperature
Injection / Shot
Medicine given with a needle
Tablets / Pills
Solid form of medicine
Ointment / Cream
Medicine applied to skin
With these phrases and vocabulary, you can handle most minor health situations while traveling. In our next lesson, we will cover banking and financial services vocabulary.