More and more people travel with chronic medical conditions, diabetes, heart or lung disease, gastrointestinal disorders or disabilities. In most cases, travelling is entirely possible – but careful planning before your trip is important.

Healthcare, medicines and accessibility can vary considerably between countries. In some destinations, particularly outside major cities and tourist areas, it may be difficult to obtain the medicines, insulin, injection equipment or medical care you need if complications occur.

Before You Travel

Consider speaking to your doctor or vaccination clinic before travelling if you:

• have a chronic medical condition
• take prescription medication
• have diabetes
• have heart or lung disease
• need to use syringes or needles
• have reduced mobility
• have impaired vision or hearing
• have recently been ill or undergone surgery

For longer trips or if you have a more complex medical condition, it may also be useful to find out before departure:

• where the nearest suitable hospital or medical facility is located
• whether you will be able to communicate with healthcare professionals at your destination
• whether your travel insurance covers medical treatment and medical repatriation if required

Important Things to Bring

• enough of your regular medication for the entire trip
• an additional supply of essential medication in your hand luggage
• prescriptions or a medical certificate in English where appropriate
• a list of your medicines and doses, preferably including the generic names of the active ingredients
• information about important allergies
• contact details for your doctor and emergency contacts

Keep medicines in their original packaging.

If You Have Diabetes

Travelling across several time zones can affect the timing of insulin, other diabetes medicines and meals.

The adjustments required depend on the direction and duration of travel, your usual treatment regimen and the type of insulin or other medication you use. If you use insulin, discuss how to manage significant time-zone changes with your diabetes care team before travelling.

Also remember that:

• insulin must not be allowed to freeze
• excessive heat can damage insulin
• travellers' diarrhoea can significantly affect blood glucose levels
• infections can make blood glucose more difficult to control

When travelling to hot climates, an appropriate insulated medication pouch or cooling case may be useful. Follow the manufacturer's storage instructions for your particular insulin.

If You Have Heart or Lung Disease

Cabin pressure during commercial flights is lower than at sea level and may affect some people with:

• heart disease
• COPD
• asthma
• heart failure
• a previous blood clot
• other lung disease
  
  

Take particular care during or when exposed to:

• long-haul flights
• high altitude
• extreme heat
• air pollution
• high humidity
  
  

Some important precautions:

• consider compression stockings for long-haul flights if appropriate for you
• move your legs regularly and get up periodically during longer flights
• drink enough fluids
• if you have previously had a blood clot or are at increased risk, discuss this with your doctor before travelling
• bring an adequate supply of your regular medicines

If You Have a Gastrointestinal Condition

People with certain gastrointestinal conditions or treatments may be more vulnerable to travellers' diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal infections, including those with:

• Crohn's disease
• ulcerative colitis
• previous stomach surgery
• reduced stomach acid
• treatment with acid-suppressing medicines
  
  

Depending on your destination and individual circumstances, particular consideration may be given to vaccination against:

• hepatitis A
• cholera
• typhoid

Careful food and water hygiene is also particularly important while travelling.

If You Use Syringes or Needles

If you need regular injections, bring:

• enough syringes and needles for your trip
• a medical certificate in English where appropriate
• information about your medical condition and the treatment you require

Carrying appropriate documentation can help avoid difficulties at airport security checks, customs or border controls.

If You Have Reduced Mobility or Impaired Vision or Hearing

Check your requirements before booking:

Flights and transport

• Is the airport accessible for your needs?
• Do you need to arrange assistance in advance?
• Are there any restrictions on wheelchairs, mobility aids or other equipment?
• Are transfers and local transport accessible?
  
  

Accommodation

• Is there a suitable lift or ramp?
• Are the toilet and shower accessible?
• Are emergency exits and evacuation arrangements suitable for your needs?
• Can you easily access the restaurant, pool and reception?

Make sure that any essential accessibility arrangements are confirmed in your booking rather than simply recorded as a request.

Also Consider

Some medicines can increase sensitivity to sunlight and cause skin reactions following sun exposure.

Before travelling, discuss with your doctor or other healthcare professional any concerns relating to:

• your medicines
• sun exposure
• heat
• hydration
• infections
• vaccinations