During my trip to El Salvador, I never expected to need emergency care. Severe motion sickness hit me out of nowhere, and before I knew it, I was in the ER. It was a miserable experience at the time because I felt so unwell. Looking back now, it was intriguing to see how emergency healthcare works in another country. In this post, I’ll share what happened, the treatment I received, and my perspective on the local medical system.
How I Ended Up in Emergency Care in El Salvador
In January 2024, I took my daughter on a two-week trip to Central America as a special graduation gift. We began our journey in San Salvador, where we met a friend I had connected with through work. After a fun weekend exploring the city, we joined a hiking tour to Volcán de Santa Ana, the tallest volcano in El Salvador.
The ride to the volcano was rough. Sitting in the back of the shuttle, the stop-and-go traffic made me sick halfway through the drive. Although I felt better during the hike, the return trip brought on severe motion sickness again, even while sitting in the front. By the time we got back to our Airbnb, I was severely dizzy, weak, and vomiting.
With a flight to Costa Rica in just two days, I couldn’t wait it out. Desperate for relief, I called my friend, who brought me some medication. Unfortunately, it didn’t help, and I felt even worse—too weak to talk much. Seeing my condition, my friends urged me to seek emergency care in El Salvador.
A Night in Emergency Care
When we arrived at the hospital, my friend helped me check in since I didn’t speak much Spanish. The emergency center was clean and well-organized, which was a nice surprise.
Unlike the long waits in the United States, the hospital admitted me to a room within 10 to 15 minutes. The staff quickly started an IV, ran blood tests, and the doctor promptly reviewed the results. Although I usually avoid hospitals and medications, I felt desperate to recover and save our vacation.
I expected quick treatment and a prescription before heading out, but the hospital staff surprised me by saying I needed to stay overnight. Concerned about the cost, I feared it might be as high as medical bills in the United States. However, I didn’t feel like I had much choice but to agree. This experience with emergency care in El Salvador highlighted the importance of having travel insurance—a lesson I’ll never forget.
My Overnight Hospital Experience
My friends stayed with me until late into the night, not leaving until they were sure I was doing better. It was almost 1 a.m. when they finally headed home. My daughter stayed with me overnight, and thankfully, the hospital room was spacious and clean, with an extra bed for her. Even though I struggled with the language, the kindness and care of the staff made a big difference.
When morning came, I wasn’t expecting much, but then breakfast arrived. To my surprise, it was a plate of fresh papaya, watermelon, and banana—exactly what I needed to feel human again after such a rough night.
The surprises didn’t stop there. A staff member later asked me to choose my lunch, which I didn’t expect. I picked grilled fish for my daughter and steamed vegetables with rice for myself. The thoughtfulness and hospitality of the staff in El Salvador turned what could have been a stressful and unpleasant emergency care experience into something memorable. It’s a kindness I’ll always appreciate and never forget.
A Lesson in Healthcare
The next morning, the doctor told me I might need to stay another night. I explained that I had a flight the next day and couldn’t extend my stay. The doctor listened and ordered additional blood work to make sure I was well enough to leave. By noon, the results came back normal, and I was finally cleared to go.
The bill surprised me in a good way—it totaled $659.52. In the U.S., I would have paid three or four times as much for a similar stay. I remembered when my daughter visited the ER for a rash, and the hospital charged us $1,500, even after insurance.
My friend pointed out that, in El Salvador, my bill was considered expensive since the average monthly income is about $350. She also explained that I received treatment in a private hospital, which offers better organization and care but comes with higher costs.
This was my first time experiencing emergency care while traveling, and it opened my eyes to how healthcare systems work in other countries. While it was a challenging experience, it also gave me a new perspective on what affordable and compassionate care can look like, even far from home.
Gratitude and Lessons from Emergency Care in El Salvador
Being sick far from home was a challenging and eye-opening experience, but it gave me a glimpse into how healthcare works in another country. Even though I only experienced a small part of it, I’m grateful for the care I received and the kindness of the hospital staff in El Salvador.
I’m especially thankful for my friends who stepped in to help when I was at my weakest. Their support meant the world to me and made all the difference during such a difficult time. This experience reminded me of the importance of having a strong support system, especially when traveling. It’s a lesson I’ll carry with me and always be grateful for.
Be sure to check out my posts on preventing motion sickness while traveling and the importance of special friendships.
