Having a medical condition doesn’t necessarily restrict your opportunity to travel. Of course, you’ll have to be cleared by your doctor – but with a bit of forward-planning, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy a holiday abroad.
We’ve gathered some top tips for anyone planning to travel abroad with a medical condition. They’ll help make your trip a straightforward, enjoyable one. Check the advice out:
- Keep medical paperwork on you
Make the lives of those around you easier, by keeping your medical information easily accessible. Not only will it help you through airport customs if you’re carrying any medication, but it means foreign medical services are able to help you out in an appropriate way, should you run into difficulties. You should carry the following details, even if you’re wearing a medical bracelet:
- Your GP’s name and contact information
- Your relevant health insurance information
- Your full travel insurance information
- The names of all medication being taken
- A full list of allergies and illnesses
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- Research the country’s medical care system
A key part of your planning and preparation should be researching foreign medical systems. Find out how you would be treated and what you’d need to do to get medical help, should you fall ill. It might sound obvious – but when you’re abroad, you can fall under different regulations and when you don’t speak the local language, it can quickly get stressful if you don’t know what to expect.
To avoid a stressful situation like this, you can shortlist a few reputed doctors and save their contact and address on your phone for quick reference. Make sure to read reviews about those professionals and check their qualifications before finalizing them. Also, make sure that the doctors you choose understand your language. This step is extremely crucial because when a doctor doesn’t understand your language, it can lead to misdiagnosis, incorrect treatment, and other medical complications. Sure, you can always contact a medical solicitor for negligence cases, who can help you restore your rights and get the necessary compensation. Nevertheless, it is best to avoid such a situation, especially when traveling abroad. Remember that a little research can save you from a lot of hassles.
If you want to get more information, you can become a member of The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers (IAMAT) for free. You’ll have access to healthcare providers vetted by the organisation.
- Pack carefully
For those with a medical condition, packing is even more of a nuisance as there’s a lot to think about. How long are you away for? Will the temperature or humidity cause you any problems? What about any specialist equipment – are there luggage restrictions on the plane, ferry or train you’re taking? These are all things you’ll have to consider when packing.
Medication is key too. You’ll need to ensure you have enough for your holiday – plus a little extra, just in case. Countries overseas will have some pharmacies to stock up on your medication but there could be a language barrier. Just make sure you’ve packed your prescription in case you do need more supplies. Check the laws of the country too, as some won’t allow the medication you want to bring.
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- Get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
If you’re travelling to Europe, in addition to your medical travel insurance, it’s worth registering for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). If you need any treatment, you’ll get it at a reduced cost or for free. You can find out more here.
Have you travelled overseas with a medical condition? Share your advice with us.
