Travelling abroad with medical conditions
April 09, 2024
Disclaimer: the information should not substitute specialist professional advice specific for your requirements. We do not accept liability in relation to the use of any information contained here or within the third-party information or websites.
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 some of the common 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.
A useful website is https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice .
What should I research when travelling with a 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 stress, 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. Furthermore, as your GP/ Specialist knows you and your conditions it’s a good idea to talk to them prior to booking a holiday.
If you need to take prescription medication with you, it is important to check the rules for the country you are travelling to (or even passing through). Some countries do not allow medications 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. It’s helpful to carry a doctors note and a copy of your prescription with you so factor this into your holiday planning.
https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/medicines/can-i-take-my-medicine-abroad
Buying Travel Insurance for 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!
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A useful website is https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/type-1-diabetes/living-with-type-1-diabetes/diabetes-and-travel/
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.You should discuss how best to store your medication at the correct environment / temperature.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/specialist 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.
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.
Furthermore, when booking your accommodation check it’s a non-smoking room and that the air conditioning is in place and working. You may want to also take your own pillows if there are concerns over feather filled pillows or check that there are alternatives available prior to booking/ travelling.
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 as travelling / flying may make your asthma worse Make sure you take an ‘asthma attack card’ and a personal asthma action plan which will help you manage in case of an asthma attack.
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/ Specialist 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.
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Choose the right holiday for you
When picking a holiday destination, it is important to take into consideration your medical conditions as they could be affected . For example, a location that requires a lot of walking in the extreme heat may cause dizziness, fainting or dehydration.
High altitudes can also raise your blood pressure and have a reduced oxygen in the atmosphere, so you may want to avoid countries with high altitudes or mountainous regions if you have heart or lung conditions. You may also want to take into account any issues with joints when planning a holiday involving a lot of walking especially up mountains.
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. You may want to check if there are lifts as they may breakdown.
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 and oxygen levels to see if you are fit enough to fly. Your doctor will also prescribe you the necessary medication, if required. Some patients travel with oxygen which your GP can talk to you about. You will need to inform the airline if this is the case.
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
Everyone will react differently to the changes the body endures during a flight so be sure to discuss your blood pressure with your GP prior to your holiday and inform them of your destination as the climate and altitude may affect it.
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.
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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.
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It is always a good idea to make sure you take extra medication with you in case your return home is delayed either because of you or other reasons including the weather or another passenger. 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, taken in error or stolen!
It is advised that you keep the medication in its original packaging so that if its checked by the authorities its clear what it is. Furthermore, if you are in a situation where you find yourself needing more it will be easier to identify.
Travel In Comfort
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.
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. Try to avoid fast food or anything that contains high salt and sugar. Be sure to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables and when drinking bottled water check the seal has not been broken.
