Travelling with a Medical Condition
When you are travelling with a medical condition, it is important to take steps to make the journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Take a look through our suggestions for those that apply to you.
Before Your Trip
Get an ID bracelet or necklace that identifies your medical conditions and/or allergies. Check out the many options available from www.id4u.com.au .
Leave your destination contact phone number and address with a friend or relative. Make two copies of your travel documents e.g. passport, visas, tickets etc and leave one with a friend in case of emergency. Keep the other copy with you in separate bag to the originals. This will really speed up replacements if your documents are lost, damaged or stolen.
Register your travel plans if possible with your government agency & check travel warnings for the areas you are planning to visit
You may require vaccinations for destinations you plan to visit. Some need to be done up to six weeks prior to travel. Check with your doctor for details
Arrange for international roaming on your mobile/cell phone. This can take several weeks with some providers. Or you can buy a new SIM card at your destination to use while in a particular country or region. SIM cards are usually available from retailers at major airports. Store important contact numbers in your cell/mobile phone
Arrange for travel insurance. A medical evacuation is VERY expensive.
Ask your doctors’ for notes regarding any medications you are taking and keep them in your hand luggage. Keep your medications and prescriptions in your carry-on case your luggage is lost. Bring extra prescriptions in case you lose your medications. You may want your medication made up into Webster packs for your trip. This helps to avoid confusion with times & doses. Ask your pharmacist for details.
Clearly label ALL of your belongings – include phone number if possible and allow yourself extra time to avoid unnecessary stress and fatigue. Use luggage with wheels to avoid carrying it.
Use the bathroom just before you board the plane, bus or train (airlines can make you sit with the seatbelt on for a while after take-off).
Ask for seats near an exit if you are physically handicapped (you won’t get exit row as they are reserved for people who can assist the crew in an emergency but you should be able sit nearby). Wear special travel pressure socks if you are concerned about your feet swelling or vain problems such as deep vain thrombosis (DVT). You will also need to pre-request any special meals that may be required during a flight.
Buy some hand sanitiser to use when you can’t wash your hands with soap and water. Moist wipes can be very handy in many situations and both of these items are sold in purse packs at supermarkets & pharmacies.
Confirm with your hotels any special access requirements for wheelchair access etc. Make use of assistance with wheel chairs to avoid fatigue.
Check electrical voltage and purchase conversion plugs for your destination for any medical equipment.
You may need a small cooler bag & ice packs if your medication needs to be stored at a certain temperature.
If you are fitted with a pacemaker – carry your pacemaker ID card and show it to airport staff before going through security check points.
Carry a small, portable sharps container for syringes if required.
Pack your own medical kit with paracetamol, bandages, thermometer, antiseptic cream, gastro prevention, antihistamines etc.
Familiarise your self with exchange rates for the countries you are planning to visit and get some local currency from your bank for each of your main destinations. Your bank may need to order some currencies. Just get enough cash to get your started in each place in case you wish to purchase small items like food, drinks, newspapers, taxis etc.
During Your Trip
Keep hydrated by drinking water throughout the journey. Stick to bottled water if possible.
Make use of assistance with wheel chairs to avoid fatigue and ask about special services for those with disabilities at your destination.
Avoid prolonged sun exposure, wear a hat & apply sunscreen regularly.
Keep medications with you in a convenient place such as a purse or backpack and check locations of local hospitals.
Wear ID your bracelet at all times in case of emergency. You can order one online from www.id4u.com.au. Allow plenty of time for little emergencies.
Practice good hygiene and wash your hands often – use sanitising hand wash if no water available.
These suggestions may seem rather long and over cautious but some advance preparation will make your trip memorable for the right reasons.