When planning a trip, especially abroad, it’s as important to think about medical requirements as it is packing the proper wardrobe. Dr. Johnnie Yates, medical director of travel medicine for Kaiser Permanente Hawaii, offers these tips.
Question: How should prescription medications be packed?
Answer: Make sure they are all in their original bottles and that you have enough for your trip plus an extra week’s supply in case of unexpected delays. Always pack them in your carry-on. Since most people have smartphones, it’s a good idea to take photos of your medication labels in case you lose your medications or run out. Having a hard copy of the prescriptions is even better.
Some countries prohibit certain medications (e.g., stimulants and opioid pain medications), so check the U.S. Department of State or country-specific embassy websites to be sure your medication is not illegal at your destination. If you wear glasses, take an extra pair and bring a copy of your prescription. (Note: tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures is another good resource.)
Q: Are immunizations necessary?
A: Travelers should be up to date on all their routine immunizations, including flu and tetanus shots and, for those over 60, pneumonia shots. Additional travel-specific vaccines such as hepatitis A, typhoid and rabies may be recommended depending on your destination and itinerary.
The yellow fever vaccine is recommended for some travelers going to sub-Saharan Africa or tropical South America. People traveling to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage are required to get a meningitis vaccine.
Your travel medicine doctor and the Centers for Disease Control Traveler’s Health website are the best resources for information about required and recommended vaccinations.
Q: What do I need to know if I have a chronic medical condition?
A: People with chronic medical conditions should carry a summary of their medical history, medications, allergies, doctor’s name and phone number, and emergency contact with them and also have the information on their mobile phones and other devices. If you have a heart condition, be sure you have a copy of your most recent EKG. Those who have a medical device such as a pacemaker should bring information about it with them.
If you have serious allergies to food or medications, keep a list of them on your smartphone with descriptions of the reactions that you get. Also carry an EpiPen — and be sure you know how to use it.
Wearing a medical alert bracelet would also be prudent. Your doctor can explain how you can obtain it.
Q: Should I take a travel medical kit?
A: Yes, especially if you are traveling to developing countries or somewhere “off the beaten path.” A basic kit should include a thermometer, hand sanitizer, bandages, medications for fever and pain (e.g., acetaminophen and ibuprofen), an antihistamine for allergies and Imodium or another antidiarrheal product.
An antibacterial cream or ointment and hydrocortisone cream for rash, itching, irritation and inflammation are also recommended. Electrolyte replacement powders are useful if you are prone to dehydration or if you are traveling with small children (who dehydrate quickly).
Check with your doctor to make sure any over-the-counter medications you plan on taking are OK. Some, including certain antihistamines and sleep aids, aren’t recommended for older travelers due to the potential for serious side effects. More extensive travel kits can be purchased or assembled with guidance from your doctor.
Q: What if I need assistive devices?
A: Bring your own devices if possible. Airlines should be notified in advance to be sure your devices can be accommodated; if so, be aware additional charges may apply. There are resources for rentals in the U.S. and other Western countries, but none, to my knowledge, in developing countries.
Q: Why is travel health insurance important?
A: Medicare does not cover medical care abroad, but supplemental travel health insurance can help defray the cost of overseas emergency care. For those going to countries where Western-standard medical care is not available, medical evacuation insurance is highly recommended (an air-ambulance evacuation can cost $100,000 or more and is not reimbursed by regular domestic health insurance).
Many companies offer travel and medical evacuation insurance; MEDEX and International SOS are among the best known. Be sure to read the fine print because coverage for certain pre-existing conditions or high-risk activities such as high-altitude trekking may be excluded.
Cheryl Chee Tsutsumi is a Honolulu-based freelance writer whose travel features for the Star-Advertiser have won several Society of American Travel Writers awards.
