Travelling With a Chronic Health Condition or Disability

Travelling with a chronic condition or disability can feel stressful, but it doesn’t mean you can’t travel. The key is planning ahead so you can still access your medication, equipment, and medical care if needed.

One important thing to remember: healthcare overseas might be very different from what you're used to at home. Doing a bit of preparation before your trip can make your experience much safer and more enjoyable.

1. Talk to Your Doctor Before You Travel 🩺

Book an appointment with your GP or specialist before your trip.

They can help you:

• Understand how travelling might affect your condition
• Plan how to manage your health while away
• Prepare for emergencies

Ask your doctor for a Physician’s Letter

This letter can:

• Explain your medical condition
• List your medications and dosages
• Confirm any medical equipment you carry
• Help you get through airport security
• Help doctors overseas treat you if needed

Also ask your doctor to help you create an emergency plan for your trip.

2.  Think About Your Medications 💊

Medication rules and availability can vary between countries.

Ask yourself:

• Do I have enough medication for the whole trip?
• Should I bring extra in case of delays?
• Will my medication be available where I’m travelling?
• Can I refill prescriptions overseas?
• Who do I contact if I lose or run out of medication?
• Will the medication cost more overseas?

If possible, bring all the medication you’ll need for the entire trip plus extra.

The same applies to medical equipment or supplies.

3.  General Travel Planning ✈️

Even without a health condition, everyone should plan these things.

Before travelling, check:

• Are my vaccinations up to date?
• Do I need extra vaccines for my destination?
• Have I planned my itinerary?
• Are my flights and accommodation booked?
• Do family or friends know where I’m going?
• Do I have access to money while travelling?
• Have I organised time off work or school?

You can check health and safety alerts for destinations through government travel websites.

4. Packing Medications and Medical Equipment 🎒

Think about the practical side of travelling with medications.

Ask yourself:

Storage

• Does my medication need refrigeration?
• Will my accommodation have a fridge?

Temperature

• Can the medication be out of the fridge during travel?
• Do I need a cooler bag or ice packs?

Quantity

• How much medication do I need for the trip?
• Should I bring extra in case of delays?

Packing

• Will the medication or equipment be easy to carry?
• Can it fit safely in my luggage?
• Will it be secure at my accommodation?

Tip: Keep medications in original packaging with pharmacy labels.

5. Medical ID and Emergency Info 🚨

It’s very important to have medical identification when travelling.

Options include:

• Medical alert bracelet or necklace
• Medical ID on your phone

On smartphones, you can store emergency medical info that can be accessed without unlocking the phone.

This can help emergency responders know:

• Your condition
• Your medications
• Emergency contacts

6. Flying with a Medical Condition✈️

If you're travelling by plane, plan ahead.

Mobility

• Do you need a wheelchair at the airport?
• Would a seat near the toilet help?

Medication

• Always keep medications in hand luggage.

Hydration

• Cabin air is very dry, so drink plenty of fluids.

Medical Forms

Some airlines require a Passenger Medical Information Form (MEDIF) if you have certain conditions.

7. Travel Insurance🛡️

Travel insurance is extremely important, especially with a medical condition.

A common rule:
If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.

Insurance can help cover:

• Medical treatment
• Hospital visits
• Emergency evacuation
• Lost medication or equipment

Things to check in your policy

• Cost of the insurance
• Excess you must pay
• What conditions are covered
• What conditions are not covered
• Claim limits
• How to contact the insurer overseas

Some pre-existing conditions may require extra assessment or an additional fee.

Always read the fine print.

8. Airports and Security  🛄

Airports can be challenging if you have medical needs, so plan ahead.

At check-in and security

Declare any:

• Needles
• Syringes
• Medical devices
• Oxygen equipment

Bring documents such as:

• Physician’s letter
• Medical ID
• Prescription labels

Medical supplies at security

• Ice packs and liquid medications may need special screening
• Devices like pumps or IV bags may go through X-ray screening

Always inform security if you have medical devices attached to your body.