Important! Workers' Rights for Caregivers in Israel – Everything You Need to Know (2025 Update)

Emergency Plan for Caregivers: What to Do If You Get Sick Abroad

iSavta | 19.10.2025

As caregivers, we always put our patient’s needs first. We give medicine, prepare food, and make sure they are safe. But what happens when we are the ones who get sick? Many caregivers are afraid to tell their employers about their illness because they worry about losing their job or being sent home. Some continue to work even when they feel very weak. This is dangerous. Caregivers also need care. This article will help you understand what to do if you get sick while working in another country.

1. Know Your Rights and Health Insurance

Before anything happens, it is important to understand your rights:

Most caregivers in countries like Israel are legally required to have health insurance paid by the employer.
This insurance usually covers doctor visits, hospital care, tests, and medicines.
You have the right to go to the doctor if you are sick—this is part of the law, not just kindness.

Ask your employer or agency:

What hospital or clinic can I go to?
Where is my health insurance card or document?
What should I do in case of emergency?

Keep a photo of your passport, visa, and health insurance on your phone.

2. Do Not Ignore Symptoms

Some caregivers keep working even when they have fever, cough, chest pain, stomach problems, or difficulty breathing. They are afraid or feel guilty to rest. But ignoring symptoms can make your condition worse and harder to treat.

Common signs you should not ignore:

High fever for more than one day
Strong headache, dizziness, or fainting
Chest pain or difficulty breathing
Severe stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhea
Weakness, body shaking, or fast heartbeat

When you feel these symptoms, you must act early. Your health is important.

3. Inform Your Employer Calmly and Clearly

Do not wait until you collapse. Tell your employer in a calm and respectful way:

“I am not feeling well today. I think I need to see a doctor.”
“I have fever and dizziness. I hope it is okay if I rest or visit the clinic.”

Most employers will understand. If they do not, you can contact your agency or insurance company for help. Remember: informing them early is responsible and professional.

4. Visit a Doctor or Clinic Immediately

When you go to the doctor:

Bring your passport or ID, health insurance card, and list of any medicines you take.
Explain your symptoms slowly and clearly.
If you don’t speak the local language, write your symptoms on your phone in English or in the local language using Google Translate.

The doctor might give you:

Medicine you need to take regularly
A medical certificate saying you need rest (sick leave)
Advice on diet and activities to avoid

5. Taking Sick Leave Properly

If the doctor gives you a sick leave paper, show it to your employer. Sick leave means:

You can rest for the number of days written in the paper.
You are not allowed to do heavy work.
You must take your medicine and rest to recover faster.

Your employer must respect the sick leave. If they do not, contact your agency or the organization that protects caregivers’ rights.

6. Prepare an Emergency Kit for Yourself

Before you get sick, prepare a small “caregiver health kit” for yourself:

Basic medicines for fever, headache, cough, and stomach pain
Vitamins or supplements you normally take
Copies of important documents (passport, visa, health insurance)
Contact numbers of your agency, embassy, and closest hospital
A small amount of emergency money

Keep this in a safe, easy-to-find place in your room.

7. Who to Contact in Serious Situations

If you are very sick or in danger:

Call your employer or someone in the house immediately.
If they do not help, call your agency or insurance helpline.
In life-threatening situations, call ambulance or emergency number of the country.
Inform a trusted friend or family member back home.

Conclusion

Getting sick in a foreign country is scary, but you are not alone and you are not powerless. You have rights, you have health insurance, and you have people who can help. The most important thing is to act early—do not hide your pain. Take care of yourself the same way you take care of others. A healthy caregiver means better care for the patient and a safer future for yourself.

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