Presenting my course “Maritime Medical Emergency Management” at Trawlerfest these past few years has been a distinct privilege. I’ve gained insights into the problems and concerns that boaters confront across a spectrum of experiences.

Cruisers who are preparing to go exploring typically ask me about three topics: how to access medical assistance when a primary care physician is not available; how to obtain medication refills; and how to vet a doctor who is referred.

First, organize your personal health history form. List all your medical and surgical history details, identify your medications, note your vaccine history, and include your providers’ names and contact information. Make your doctors aware that you will be traveling and may need to be in touch episodically. Ask for their recommendations about contacting them from offshore. 

Telehealth services are specifically designed for virtual care, and numerous vendors provide a broad range of services. First, determine your focus: Do you need primary care, behavioral health, specialty consultation or chronic care management? What type of health insurance program are you enrolled in? Are you looking for on-demand urgent care or post-acute care followup? 

Most plans offer numerous telehealth services through health portals. Some plans offer 24/7 virtual care to talk with a provider, or patients can visit a local urgent care or clinic. It’s usually possible to obtain mental health counseling, medications and support.

Also determine the modality of the telehealth needed. Perhaps a direct-to-consumer virtual care platform may be better than a health-system integrated telehealth model, or a specialty or remote monitoring program. Know the plan’s model. Is it fee-for service, value-based or risk-sharing? These different services may include care coordination, remote monitoring and outcomes tracking. Call member services, describe your voyage plans, and ask what is provided and covered. 

Teladoc Health, Amwell and MDLive are direct-to-consumer virtual care platforms for urgent care with national provider networks. When evaluating these services, consider their network adequacy, state licensure coverage, specialty availability, and turnaround times for appointments and prescriptions. 

Epic Systems via MyChart, as well as Oracle Health, are health-system integrated models that provide an excellent resource for continuity of care. They have integrated documentation among all care providers who have access to your medications, health problems and test results. These systems also let you locate nearby doctors, link different healthcare networks, and consult with a doctor without having to find a local clinic or emergency department. 

Prescription Medications

When you need prescription medications far from home, the correct course of action depends on where you are located: U.S. waters, international waters or a foreign country. It also depends on whether you need routine medication or a controlled substance. 

Most U.S. pharmacies can transfer non-controlled substance medications. Identify the nearest port pharmacy (large chains such as CVS, Walgreens and Walmart are easier), and then call and request a prescription transfer. They will need your name and date of birth, the original pharmacy name and phone number, and your medication name and dose. Note that controlled substances cannot be transferred and may require a new prescription. 

Before traveling, speak with your physician about providing a 60-to-90-day supply of medications. Make the doctor aware that you may need refills during your voyage. Most physicians have electronic access to prescribe nationwide to a pharmacy at your next port, if you provide the destination pharmacy’s details.

In foreign waters or countries, have your medication bottles with intact labels. Your physician or travel health consultant may provide a medical certificate for ongoing conditions and required medications. There must be a section on the certificate of diagnosed medical conditions, date of diagnosis, current status and monitoring notes.

Some medications used in the United States may be prohibited in foreign countries and will require a local physician consultation if limited quantities may be dispensed. Contact the consulate or embassy of your destination, and embassies of countries where you have layovers, to make sure your medicines are permitted at these destinations.

Seek immediate evaluation if you are missing heart medication, require insulin, are experiencing withdrawal symptoms, or need medication for seizures, severe asthma or anticoagulation. Consider evacuation for cardiac events, severe injuries, acute medical conditions or environmental emergencies.

Qualified Physicians

Away from home, finding a qualified physician can be a daunting task. Your objective is to verify the physician’s licensure and scope of practice, access the physician’s quality-of-care measures, and secure timely access to address your condition.

You can identify a qualified physician by checking with your healthcare plan’s in-network directory. Make certain the physician has achieved national board certification. Determine whether a healthcare institution, insurance company or regulatory body has rigorously verified the physician’s credentials. Verify the physician’s license by checking with the state medical board website where you are physically located. 

Emergencies do not wait for calm seas. Whether you are island hopping or offshore, medical readiness is part of responsible seamanship. With the right plan, you can manage medical challenges decisively, so your voyage stays focused on the horizon.

This article originally appeared in the May/June 2026 issue of Passagemaker magazine.