My grandmother always said she had the energy to get ready for a trip or to go on a trip, but not both. Planning for a trip can be a hassle. But if you also have a health condition such as diabetes, epilepsy or a lung disease, it can take twice as much thought to make sure you stay healthy while you're away from home.
Here's a roundup of tips. Talk to your doctor for advice on your specific illness and travel needs.
Consult the experts. Discuss your itinerary with your doctor well before you travel. Your doctor can tell you how much medication to bring and how to adjust your dosing schedule if you're crossing time zones (for example, if you use insulin for diabetes or take medication to prevent epilepsy seizures). Your doctor may also have advice on how to pace yourself, whether you need any vaccinations and what other supplies you should bring. Foot care is important if you have diabetes, so comfortable walking shoes and antifungal cream should be on your packing list. Your doctor may also prescribe additional medication, such as antibiotics or treatments for nausea or diarrhea.
Consider telling your travel agent about your medical condition. He or she can request supplemental oxygen for your flight if you have a lung condition. You can also ask the agent to request special meals if, for example, you follow a low-salt diet for high blood pressure or a low-sugar diet for diabetes. If you have diabetes, be sure to pack plenty of snacks to keep your blood sugar from dropping too low.
You can ask your pharmacist about how to safely store your meds during your travels. Insulin lasts for a month at room temperature but loses its potency faster in warmer climates. You may need to store your supply in an insulated bag or refrigerator. Insulin should not be put in checked bags, which are subject to extreme temperatures in the cargo hold.
Do you research. Spend some time thinking about how your destination could affect your medical condition. Before attending the Olympics in Beijing, for example, people with asthma, emphysema or other lung conditions would have wanted to give special thought to air pollution. People with dietary restrictions or food allergies should look into their destination's cuisine to find out which menu options are safe and which to avoid.
It's a good idea to learn a few phrases in the native language so you can tell someone about your condition if you need assistance. You can also get the names of English-speaking physicians from the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers.
Make sure you're covered. Call your insurance company to make sure you're covered for medical problems and emergencies while traveling. It's important that you fully understand the extent of your coverage and any restrictions. Be sure to bring all your insurance information along with you.
Consider wearing an alert bracelet that identifies your medical condition. Information about your condition should also be in your wallet and travel documents. This is especially important if you're traveling alone.
Pack your medical kit. Bring more than enough medication for your trip. Your doctor can help you decide how much. Some experts recommend packing it all in your carry-on luggage. Make sure you have all the medical supplies you need.
Take copies of all your prescriptions, and keep your medications in their original packaging, clearly labeled with your name. This will minimize any hassle at airport security or customs. If you have a pacemaker or another implanted device, consider carrying an identification card and let airport screeners know when you're going through security. Visit the Transportation Security Administration website for more about traveling with medical supplies and devices.
It's a good idea to have a letter from your doctor, on letterhead, documenting your condition and your medications. This is especially important if you are using an injectable medication or any controlled substances (such as some painkillers). If you are traveling to another country, the U.S. State Department recommends contacting that country's U.S. embassy to make sure none of your medications are considered illegal.
Remember to pack a basic medical kit , including bandages, antibacterial wipes, a digital thermometer, and over-the-counter remedies for diarrhea, congestion and other common ailments.
Finally, don’t forget to have a terrific time. Bon voyage!
—Sophie Ramsey, patient editor, BMJ Group
ConsumerReportsHealth.org has partnered with The BMJ Group to monitor the latest medical research and assess the evidence to help you decide which news you should use
Find out more on how to stay healthy while you fly.
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