Emergency Guide
Suddenly unwell abroad? First, stay calm.
In an emergency, don't hesitate to call emergency services in your country. If you're not sure, contact Cotovia on LINE. We're available in Japanese 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Emergency Numbers
Emergency numbers by country
These numbers have been checked with official sources in each country. Besides ambulance and police, we also list options for when you can't speak on the phone.
Singapore
- 1777Non-emergency ambulance
- 70995Emergency SMS (for people with hearing or speech impairments)
995 dispatches an ambulance only after assessing whether it's a real emergency. For toothache or mild symptoms, you won't be transported and will be referred to 1777.
Malaysia
- SaveMe 999Government app (you can send photos and your location)
999 is a single contact point combining the police, fire service, Ministry of Health and others (MERS 999). It moved to a next-generation system in November 2025.
Philippines
It became the single nationwide number on September 11, 2025, replacing more than 30 regional numbers with 911. It is free, available 24 hours a day, and supports several local languages.
Thailand
- 1155Tourist Police (English available)
If you don't speak Thai, ask for English or call 1155. An English-speaking operator will connect you to the right service. Help typically arrives in about 10 minutes in cities, but may take longer in rural areas.
Hong Kong
- 112From a mobile phone (connects to 999)
- 992Emergency SMS (for people with speech or hearing impairments)
- HKSOSPolice app (connects directly to 999)
- 2735 3355Fire Services Communications Centre (to request an ambulance)
112 can be called even when you are in the coverage area of a network you are not subscribed to.
On many mobile phones, 112 also connects to emergency services (it works even without a SIM card or credit). However, each country's own number is the most reliable. Please call the numbers above first.
Emergency numbers may change. Please also check the latest information at your destination.
Triage
How to judge urgency
This is only a general guide. If you're not sure, don't hesitate to contact emergency services or Cotovia.
Call emergency services now
Don't wait for Cotovia to respond. Call the emergency number right away.
- Severe chest pain or difficulty breathing
- Drowsy or confused / slow to respond
- Seizures, sudden paralysis or slurred speech
- Heavy bleeding, a fall from height or a major accident
See a doctor soon
Not serious enough for an ambulance, but you should see a doctor rather than wait. Ask us on LINE and we'll tell you where to go.
- Persistent high fever, or unable to drink fluids
- Ongoing severe stomach pain or vomiting
- Symptoms suddenly getting worse
- A chronic condition becoming unstable
Ask us on LINE first
You can ask us whether you need to see a doctor at all. We're available in Japanese 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
- Not sure whether to see a doctor
- Mild cold, runny nose or sore throat
- Want to continue your usual medication
- Worried about your child's health
How to Call
What to say when you call emergency services
Just knowing the order in advance helps you explain calmly. You may need to speak in English or the local language.
- 01
Say you need an ambulance
“Ambulance, please.”
- 02
Say where you are
Building name, street name, floor and room number. If you don't know, mention a nearby landmark
- 03
Say who is affected and what is happening
Age and sex, whether the person is conscious, breathing or bleeding
- 04
Say when it started
How many minutes ago, or at about what time, the condition began
- 05
Give your name and contact details
They may call you back. Stay on the line and wait for instructions
Writing your address in English on paper or your smartphone in advance helps you give it accurately even when you're panicking.
Language
Preparing for language barriers
Language is the biggest challenge in an emergency abroad. Knowing the options each country provides means you can use them when you need to.
Singapore
Emergency SMS to 70995
Designed for people with hearing or speech impairments, but it can also be used when you can't talk on the phone
Malaysia
SaveMe 999 app
You can send photos and your location, so your situation is clear without having to explain it in words
Philippines
911 supports multiple languages
Several local languages are supported
Thailand
1155 Tourist Police
English-speaking operators who are used to helping foreigners
Hong Kong
Emergency SMS to 992 / HKSOS app
The app connects you directly to the 999 response center
What We Do
What Cotovia can do
In an emergency, emergency services come first. After that, there are ways Cotovia can help.
When you're not sure whether to call emergency services
Tell us your symptoms on LINE and we'll advise you, including whether it's urgent. It's fine to contact us while you're still unsure.
After an emergency visit
Not sure what happened at the hospital or what to do next? We can help after you've been seen at a local hospital.
When you need to go to a general hospital
Cotovia Counter helps with arranging a specialist, accompanying you and medical interpreting.
When you don't know where to go at night or on a holiday
LINE is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We'll tell you which medical facilities are open.
Not sure? Contact us
You can contact us even if you can't tell whether to call an ambulance. Tell us your symptoms, and we'll advise you, including whether it's urgent. We're available in Japanese 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Ask us on LINE