Travelling abroad with minor medical conditions
October 19, 2022
Travelling with a medical condition, no matter how minor, can leave you feeling a little anxious. It is not always as straight forward as booking a destination and dusting off you’re your passport; there are numerous additional factors that need to be considered. But, don’t worry! We have put together this short guide to travelling with minor medical conditions to help you plan your next trip and ensure you can relax, enjoy and make the most out of your much needed holiday.
What should I research when travelling with a minor medical condition?
Before booking your holiday there are some factors you should take into consideration to ensure the destination is best suited for you and your medical needs. Believe it or not, even minor medical conditions that cause you no issues day to day can be triggered by things like high pollen counts, the climate and altitude levels. This information is easy to find online or if you are booking through a travel agent, they will be able to recommend a suitable destination, location and the most appropriate accommodation for you.
Once you have found your destination, it is a good idea to have a look and see where the local pharmacy and nearest public hospital is. A quick look on Google Maps should help you find them.
If you need to take prescription medication with you, it is important to check the rules for the country you are travelling to. Some medications such as Tramadol and Diazepam are illegal abroad and being caught with them at the border can result in hefty fines, being banned from the country and/or imprisonment. It is easy to check if your medications can be taken abroad; once you have decided on the country you are travelling to either check the Embassy website or the Government’s Travel Advice. You may need to carry a doctors note and a copy of your prescription with you so factor this into your holiday planning.
Buying Travel Insurance for Minor Medical Conditions
Making sure you buy a travel insurance policy that is suitable for your needs and provides cover for your existing medical condition/s should be at the top of your list when it comes to planning a holiday. Not only will this give you peace of mind while you’re away, buying travel insurance as soon as you have booked your holiday means you will be covered should you need to cancel unexpectedly.
Emergency medical care abroad, particularly in the US and Mexico, can be costly with hospital bills easily running into the thousands. Declaring your medical condition/s, no matter how minor they are, to your travel insurance provider will give you peace of mind that should you need medical assistance abroad, due to your existing condition, you’re claim will likely be covered.
The importance of learning how to ask for help abroad
One of the most useful things you can do when travelling to a different country is to learn a few basic phrases in the native language. Not only will the locals greatly appreciate your efforts, it’ll also make asking for help a lot easier should you need to.
Among the most useful phrases to learn would be “I need help” and “where’s the closest pharmacy/hospital please”. It is also a good idea to carry a copy of your prescription and a doctor’s note, translated into the language of the country you are travelling to, with you – just in case!
Top Tips for Travelling with Diabetes
Speak to your GP before travelling
Before booking your holiday, if you have been diagnosed with either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, it is a good idea to book an appointment with your doctor. This will ensure you’re fit for the trip and you can also discuss the following:
- If you are taking insulin, you can discuss any adjustments that may need to be made to your insulin doses to accommodate the time difference.
- They may be able to provide a prescription for your medication so you have spare to take with you or in case you need to get more while you’re away.
- If you need a vaccine and the side effects it may have.
- If required for the country you are travelling to, your doctor will be able to provide you with a letter/doctor’s note stating your medical condition and details of the medication you are taking.
Managing your diabetes medication when crossing time zones
When travelling across a time zone it may mean that you will need to adjust your insulin. In most cases, this is nothing to be concerned about as many people cross time zones regularly without any issues. However, everyone is different so it is always best to discuss this with your GP prior to your trip.
It is a similar situation if you take tablets to manage your diabetes, such as metformin. You may be advised to alter your medication to accommodate any time difference but again, there is no one rule fits all so it is best to discuss this with your GP prior to your holiday.
Regardless of whether you control your diabetes with insulin or tablets it is advised that you keep all medication in the original packaging with the sticker which includes your personal details, dosage and pharmacy details. If you have one, you should also carry your medical card with you in case you need to go to a pharmacy abroad or require medical assistance.
Tips for travelling with an insulin pump
If you need to take an insulin pump with you when you go on holiday, make sure you contact your airline when you book your holiday. Some airlines will require you to notify them of your medical equipment and you may need to fill in additional paperwork prior to your flight.
It is also important that you do not put your insulin pump through the x-ray machine at security as it could damage it. You also do not have to disconnect it. Instead, notify the nearest security worker and ask for a hand inspection instead.
Storing insulin in hot and cold climates
When travelling somewhere hot, it is important to keep your insulin cool as the heat can damage your insulin which will stop it from working properly. It is recommended you store your insulin in either a fridge or a cool bag (just make sure it does not freeze). Insulin that has been affected by the heat will turn a brownish colour and should not be used. When travelling to a cold climate it is important that the insulin does not freeze. So, if you are planning a trip to a cold climate, make sure you store your insulin at room temperature.
Top Tips for Travelling with Asthma
Choosing the right holiday for you
Many people live with mild asthma daily without it causing any problems and you shouldn’t let it get in the way of your travel plans either! However, there are a few things to consider that may trigger your asthma – no matter how mild it is. The main thing the location of your holiday; if pollen is a trigger for your asthma, then you might want to avoid countries that have high pollen levels or check the country’s pollen season. If the weather affects your asthma, then it would be advised that you check the climate of your location to see if it is suitable for you.
Consult with your GP before travelling
Before going on holiday, you should visit your GP or medical team for an asthma health check, even if your condition is considered mild. Remember! When travelling via plane the oxygen levels reduce putting more pressure on your lungs which may make it harder for you to breathe.
When visiting a GP it is likely you will be asked to carry a “fit to fly” test to ensure that you are able to withstand the pressures of travelling at high altitude. If you pass the test, your GP will give you a certificate that shows you are fit to fly.
Carrying asthma medication when you go on holiday
When travelling with asthma, it is important that you carry your inhaler and any associated equipment with you at all times in your hand luggage. Putting it in the hold poses two risks; one, you may need it inflight and will not be able to access it if it’s in the hold and two, suitcases are always at risk of getting lost or delayed.
It is also a good idea to get a doctor’s note if you are carrying medication and carry a copy of your prescription with you just in case you need medical attention or access to more medication abroad. You may want to take some extra medication with you, just in case – but this is best discussed with your doctor.
Top Tips Travelling with High Blood Pressure
Choose the right holiday for you
When picking a holiday destination, you may want to think about your symptoms and what factors could affect them. For example, a location that requires a lot of walking in the extreme heat may cause dizziness, fainting or dehydration. When booking accommodation, be sure to find one that suits your needs. You can request a room on the ground floor if you want to avoid having to walk up and down stairs.
High altitudes can also raise your blood pressure, so you may want to avoid countries with high altitudes or mountainous regions.
Consult with your GP before travelling
You should always speak with your GP to discuss your travel plans. Your doctor will test your blood pressure to see if you are fit enough to fly. Your doctor will also prescribe you the necessary medication, if required.
Preparing your medication
It is always a good idea to take extra medication with you in case your return home is delayed. Be cautious of the amount of medication you are carrying though; check the government travel advice for the rules on carrying prescription medications in to the country you are travelling to.
It is also advised that you keep the medication in its original packaging so that if you are in a situation where you find yourself needing more it will be easily identified by the local pharmacy.
You should always pack your medication in your hand luggage too as suitcases are at risk of being lost.
Flying with high blood pressure
When flying with controlled high blood pressure, it is unlikely you will face any issues. Having said that everyone will react differently to the changes the body endures during a flight so be sure to discuss this with your GP prior to your holiday.
The dry conditions of the cabin will likely make you feel dehydrated so make sure you drink plenty of water. On long flights, you should get up and move around the plane as much as you can to promote circulation and decrease the risk of blood clots. It is also recommended that you bring your own ‘healthier’ snacks with you as the on-flight snacks tend to be high in salt and sugar. In the case that you do become unwell, you should alert the flight crew immediately.
Top Tips for Travelling with High Cholesterol
Consult with your GP before travelling
As with any medical condition, even if it is mild or well controlled, before going on your travels you should speak with your GP to ensure that you are fit to travel and also arrange to get a medical letter and prescriptions for the necessary medications.
Travelling with Cholesterol Medication
It is always a good idea to make sure you take extra medication with you in case your return home is delayed. Be cautious of the amount of medication you are carrying though; check the government travel advice for the rules on carrying prescription medications in to the country you are travelling to.
It is recommended that you pack your medication in your hand luggage too so you can easily present it if you are asked to by border control and, of course, suitcases are always at risk of being lost!
It is advised that you keep the medication in its original packaging so that if you are in a situation where you find yourself needing more it will be easier to identify.
Flying with high cholesterol
During the flight, there are some small things you can do to make it more comfortable for yourself. The dry conditions in the cabin will likely make you feel dehydrated so make sure you drink plenty of water.
On long haul flights it is important you move around as much as possible to help with circulation and prevent swelling and blood clots.
You may also want to bring your own healthier snacks on the flight as the on-flight snacks tend to be higher in salt and sugar.
If you do start to feel unwell at any point during the flight you should alert the flight crew immediately.
Whilst you are there
When enjoying the local cuisine abroad, you are of course allowed to treat yourself, you are on holiday after all! However, it is important to keep everything in moderation. Avoid fast food or anything that contains high salt and sugar. Be sure to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables as you want to increase your fibre intake. You may even want to consider bringing a fibre supplement with you
