Whenever and wherever you plan to travel, it’s a good idea to pack and carry a medical travel kit with supplies you may need to manage preexisting medical conditions, prevent illness or injury, or treat any minor health problems that may occur while traveling.
The following is a list of items I always pack in my medical travel kit:
- Prescription medications in their original containers (officials may require proper identification of each drug)
- A Z-Pack or other antibiotics to treat various types of infections
- An extra pair of prescription eyeglasses and extra contact lenses (plus copies of my prescriptions)
- Favorite over-the-counter medications for the treatment of pain or fever, stomach upset, dehydration, an antihistamine, cough drops, and saline eye drops
- Essential first aid items (adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointment, hydrocortisone cream, aloe gel for sunburn…)
- Sunscreen and insect repellant (better to prevent than treat burns and bites)
- Medications to prevent malaria, altitude sickness, or seasickness if needed
Don’t forget the documents! Either keep digital records on your phone and/or pack these health records:
- Proof of required vaccinations on an International Certification of Vaccination card or medical waiver form (Covid, yellow fever,…)
- Copies of prescriptions for medications
- Documentation of preexisting medical conditions such as diabetes or allergies
- Contact information for health insurance and supplemental travel health or evacuation insurance (contact me for destination-specific advice)
- Contact information for a family member remaining in the US
- Contact information for your health care providers (doctors, dentist)
If you have a preexisting medical condition, carry more than enough medication for the duration of your trip to allow for any unexcepted delays in returning home. Pack an EpiPen if you have a history of severe allergic reactions. Certain medications, such as controlled substances, are not permitted in some countries. If you are unsure about restrictions in the countries you plan to visit, contact the country embassy for current restrictions. Of course, before traveling, it is advisable to check with your doctors for updated medical advice pertinent to your health condition. When it comes to your health while traveling, better to be safe than sorry.
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Featured image by Artem Podrez
