Telemedicine
Also known as: Telehealth, Virtual consultation, Online doctor, Remote consultation, E-health
Telemedicine is a remote medical consultation via video call, phone, or chat with a licensed doctor.
Last updated: 2 April 2026
Real-world example
You're on a road trip through rural Portugal and develop a skin rash. The nearest clinic is 90 minutes away. You open your travel insurance app, which includes a telemedicine service. A doctor video-calls you, identifies the rash as an allergic reaction, and sends a prescription to a pharmacy in the next town you'll pass through. Total time: 15 minutes.
Why travellers need to know
Telemedicine solves the two biggest problems travellers face: finding a doctor and the language barrier. Many travel insurance policies now include telemedicine with English-speaking doctors who can diagnose, prescribe, and refer you to local providers. It's particularly valuable in rural areas, countries with language barriers, and for conditions where a physical examination isn't strictly necessary.
Country-specific notes
Cross-border telemedicine prescriptions vary by country
EU telemedicine is growing but fragmented. A prescription issued via telemedicine in one EU country may not be accepted in another. In practice, most telemedicine providers work with local pharmacies in your current location to ensure prescriptions are fillable.
Frequently asked questions
How Nomedic helps
Share your Nomedic health record with a telemedicine doctor before the call, so the consultation focuses on your current problem rather than your background history.
Sources
Your health records, anywhere you go
Video-call a doctor with your records already shared.
Free to start. No credit card required.