Think Your Medical Condition Means You Can’t Travel? You Might Be Surprised.
My dad got a liver transplant two years ago. While his job often has him on the road, he doesn’t stray more than a few hours from home; and more importantly, no further than a few hours from the medical team that manages his post-transplant care. He dreams of escaping Midwestern winters to visit tropical climes, imagining himself fishing from the deck of a boat somewhere in the Pacific. Post-transplant, he’s put that wish aside, wondering aloud what he would do if “something” happened. Like many with ongoing medical conditions, he questions if he’ll ever feel comfortable traveling very far from home.
Life with any chronic medical condition can be a challenge. Whether it’s a child with asthma, a spouse living with an autoimmune disease, or your own day-to-day diabetes management, the thought of getting too far from home can feel daunting. Is it safe to travel with a complex medical condition?
The answer, of course, is: it depends. But with a few extra layers of planning and precautions, you might find that dream destination is within reach after all.
Careful Planning is Key
Travel pushes you into new situations; that’s half the fun! However, all those new situations - unfamiliar foods, sleep disturbances from jet lag, exposure to a different climate - can exacerbate existing conditions. Planning ahead can help you handle these challenges with ease.
First - and I cannot emphasize this enough - talk to your doctor. Some medical conditions truly do make travel an unsafe proposition, but most shouldn’t stop you from hopping on that plane. Share exactly where you want to go and the activities you plan to do, then work together to choose an adventure that fits your medical needs.
During your appointment, ask for written instructions about managing flare-ups and emergencies and how to adjust medication doses across time zones. Make sure to get refills of all your medications.
Your next stop should be the CDC traveler’s health website. Use it to figure out which vaccines and preventative medications you may need for your trip. Your medical provider can prescribe vaccines, anti-malarials, and antibiotics as needed based on your destination and planned activities.
Look into medical care options for your destination. Many popular tourist destinations have walk-in clinics for travelers. Save the location of nearby clinics and hospitals to your phone, as well as the emergency services line for the country you’ll be visiting.
Travel Insurance: The Most Important Item You’ll Pack
Not every person who travels needs specific travel insurance, although it’s never a bad idea. These policies typically cover basics like lost baggage and cancelled flights, but some also cover medical expenses while abroad.
Important to note: not all travel insurance policies cover emergencies related to pre-existing medical conditions. Look for a plan that covers your condition and would assist with medical care while abroad, medical evacuation to get home in the event of an emergency, and coverage for repatriation of remains. Choose a company with a 24/7 help line, so that support is never more than a call away. You can pay for a plan for the duration of your trip, or some companies offer a yearly subscription for frequent travelers.
Medication Planning for International Travel
Get your meds organized before you leave to avoid airport mishaps or missed doses. Here’s a few tips:
Pre-Trip Checklist
Confirm your medication is legal at your destination. Some meds may be banned in certain countries, such as some stimulants, psychiatric prescriptions, and medical marijuana. You’ll need to do careful research into the rules surrounding bringing these medications into the country. Some may require a doctor's note, and some may be entirely illegal.
Don’t forget to pack a few extra doses of crucial medications; at least a week’s worth is a good rule of thumb.
Packing Strategies
Keep meds in their original labeled containers. This can help avoid an airport kerfluffle by making it clear what you’re carrying.
Store your prescriptions in your carry-on luggage, just in case your checked bags get lost.
For temperature-sensitive medications (such as insulin), bring a portable cooler with solid ice packs. It’s best to double-check TSA policies and your airline’s rules, but this is generally acceptable. Have a plan to refrigerate your meds upon arrival.
Planning ahead on how you’ll manage and store your medications ensures a safe trip and a smooth airport experience.
Communicate Your Medical Action Plan
Your loved ones are your safety net. Be sure your travel companions know what to do if your medical condition flares, and give them contact information for your doctor and your loved ones back home. Be sure to bring a copy of any medical documents and your travel insurance details, plus leave a copy of these documents at home with someone you trust. Consider wearing a medical alert bracelet or carrying a medical ID card to let responders know how to care for you.
Take steps to stay healthy during your travels. Keeping a consistent sleeping pattern, eating well, staying hydrated, and washing your hands can go a long way in keeping you healthy and energetic so that you can enjoy your trip to the fullest.
Embrace Your Adventure
While your medical condition may create a hurdle, you have the right to explore!
Redefine what “travel” means for you. It may be a leisurely picnic with a view, a calm beachside day, or a short, easy trail instead of a demanding hike. Your trip doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s; it just has to fit you.
