Telemedicine abroad: How to consult a doctor online while traveling

Accessing telemedicine abroad is a convenient way to get professional medical guidance, symptom assessments, and prescriptions without having to navigate unfamiliar local healthcare systems or language barriers. Whether you’re traveling on vacation, living abroad as an expat, or working remotely, virtual care allows you to consult certified doctors directly from your smartphone anywhere in the world.

With Holafly, travelers get complimentary access to telemedicine abroad through Meeting Doctors. Instant primary care and specialized chats are included at no extra cost with your Trip (Daily data packages). Read on to discover how this medical benefit works, what services are covered, how to get e-prescriptions abroad, and how to start a consultation directly from your app.

⚠️ Important: This service is currently only available to users who purchase Spain as their destination.

How does telemedicine abroad work?

Telemedicine abroad connects you with certified doctors through secure video calls or real-time chat directly from the Holafly app (once your eSIM is activated, and you have an internet connection via mobile data or Wi-Fi). During a virtual consultation, doctors can assess acute symptoms such as fever, traveler’s diarrhea, or altitude sickness. They can also offer preventive guidance, issue digital medical reports, and provide e-prescriptions to present at local pharmacies where legally supported.

How to start a virtual doctor visit in the Holafly app

• Open the Holafly app → Tap Purchases in the bottom menu → Select your active Trip (Daily data package) → Under Benefits, tap Healthcare 24/7 included → Select preferred Consultation language →  Scroll down and check the Terms and Conditions box → Finally, tap I need a consult button to enter the Meeting Doctors virtual consultation platform.

What to expect from telehealth while on vacation

Response times and available languages depend on the type of consultation you choose.

Service	Available formats	Schedule and days	Response time	Languages
General Medical Care	Real-time chat and video calls	24/7	Chat: < 2 min | Video: < 4 min	Spanish (chat and video) | English (chat only)
Pediatrics	Real-time chat	Monday to Sunday	< 2 min	English and Spanish
Gynecology	Real-time chat	Monday to Friday	< 2 min	Spanish
Veterinary Guidance	Real-time chat	Monday to Sunday	< 2 mins	Spanish

Note: You cannot change the language during an active consultation (chat or video call). To select a different language, exit the consultation, change your preference in the Holafly app, and open the medical portal again.

Can you get prescriptions and medical reports via telemedicine abroad?

Yes. Depending on where you are, Meeting Doctors can provide electronic prescriptions and official medical documentation.

• E-prescriptions. Issued for prescription medications and accepted at local pharmacies in select countries across the European Union and Latin America (where local law recognizes digital international prescriptions).

• Pharmacies in the United States do not accept international e-prescriptions. Instead, doctors can recommend over-the-counter (OTC) medications (non-prescription remedies like common pain relievers or allergy medicine) and provide an official medical report.

• Digital medical reports. Doctors can issue official digital medical reports worldwide (including the U.S. and Europe). You can submit this document to your travel insurance, local clinics, or employer.

When should you seek in-person medical care?

Meeting Doctors provides virtual medical guidance for non-emergency conditions while you travel. You should seek in-person medical care in the following situations:

• Medical emergencies: For severe chest pain, major trauma, loss of consciousness, or any life-threatening condition, do not use the app. Call local emergency services immediately (such as 911 in North America or 112 in Europe) or go directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.

• Conditions requiring physical examination or tests: If your symptoms require hands-on physical evaluation, blood work, X-rays, or specialized diagnostic procedures that cannot be performed virtually.

⚠️ Important note on coverage and costs: Meeting Doctors is a virtual medical consultation service, not a health insurance policy. It does not cover hospital admissions, surgeries, ambulance transport, or medical evacuations. Any in-person clinic visits or medications purchased at local pharmacies are out-of-pocket expenses and must be paid directly by you.

What should I know about activation, refunds, and cancellation?

• Benefit activation. Access to the Meeting Doctors virtual medical platform becomes available in the Holafly app automatically once your eSIM is activated on your device for your Trip (Daily data package). Holafly provides access to this digital benefit, while all medical care is delivered directly by certified healthcare professionals from this external medical service. 

• 6-month refund policy. You can request a full refund through Holafly Support within 6 months of purchase, as long as you haven’t activated your eSIM or used a Meeting Doctors consultation.

• Bundled product terms. This medical service is tied to your Trip (Daily data package) and cannot be canceled, transferred, or refunded separately. If you cancel or receive a refund for your Holafly eSIM, access to virtual consultations will be deactivated immediately.