Emergency abroad: what to do?

In short: In an emergency abroad first call for help (112 in the EU), then inform your insurer and, if needed, the German diplomatic mission. Save important numbers beforehand.

In more detail: The embassy or consulate helps with lost papers, arrest or emergencies, but is no substitute for insurance or emergency services.

In detail

• Emergency call: 112 applies in the EU and many other countries; otherwise know the local number.
• Illness and accident: Contact your travel health insurer, keep invoices and reports (reiseversicherungen-ueberblick).
• Lost papers: Inform police, obtain a loss report, apply for replacement documents at the embassy (reisepass-und-personalausweis-auf-reisen).
• Lost cards: Block immediately, emergency number 116 116 from Germany, from abroad +49 116 116 (bezahlen-im-ausland).
• Crisis in the country: Register with the Federal Foreign Office crisis list “Elefand”.
• Stay calm: Back up documents, ticket information and emergency contacts digitally.