Travel Health Kit

The contents of your travel health kit should be adapted to your destination, the length of your trip, the season, the type of travel and any medical conditions or regular medication. Access to medicines and healthcare varies considerably between countries and may be limited outside major cities and tourist areas.

Counterfeit or improperly stored medicines are also a problem in some countries. It is therefore advisable to bring essential medicines with you from home, particularly if you regularly take prescription medication.

Always keep essential medicines in your hand luggage to reduce the risk of problems if your checked baggage is delayed or lost. Keep medicines in their original packaging and, where appropriate, carry a copy of your prescription or a medical certificate in English.

Personal Medication

Bring enough medication for your entire trip, preferably with an additional supply in case of delays. Check the expiry dates before departure.

It is useful to keep a record of:

  • the names of your medicines
  • the dosage
  • the generic names of the active ingredients
  • important medical conditions and allergies

Some countries have special restrictions on controlled medicines, and you may need to carry additional documentation or obtain permission before travelling.

ICE – In Case of Emergency

Save the contact details of a family member or other emergency contact in your mobile phone under ICE (In Case of Emergency).

This can help emergency and healthcare personnel quickly identify someone to contact if you have an accident or become seriously ill.

  • Save the number using the international country code.
  • Where applicable, omit the initial zero from the area code or mobile number when adding the country code.

Example: ICE-1 Alex Smith +44 7700 123456

Always tell the person that you have listed them as your emergency contact.

Suggested Essentials for Your Travel Health Kit

Allergies and Skin Problems

  • antihistamine tablets
  • hydrocortisone cream
  • moisturising cream

Diarrhoea and Stomach Problems

  • oral rehydration salts
  • anti-diarrhoeal medicine (e.g. loperamide, which can temporarily control diarrhoea when necessary, for example during a flight or bus journey)
  • medicine for constipation, if needed

Insects and Mosquito Protection

  • insect repellent and/or an insecticide-treated mosquito net
  • antimalarial medication, where recommended (a tablet cutter can be particularly useful when tablets need to be divided for children)
  • cream or gel to relieve itching

Sun Protection

  • sunscreen
  • after-sun lotion or cooling gel

Wound Care

  • adhesive plasters
  • sterile dressings
  • elastic bandage
  • wound cleanser or antiseptic
  • blister plasters

Fever and Pain

  • paracetamol
  • ibuprofen (if suitable for you)

Other Useful Items

  • thermometer
  • tweezers
  • compression stockings for long-haul flights
  • condoms and/or contraception
  • alcohol-based hand sanitiser

Additional Items for Longer Trips or Travel Far from Medical Care

For longer expeditions, adventure travel or stays in remote areas far from medical care, a more comprehensive travel health kit may be appropriate. Discuss your individual needs with a doctor or vaccination clinic before departure. Additional items may include:

  • prescription medicines
  • antibiotics for specific situations
  • an adrenaline auto-injector and other medication for severe allergic reactions, where prescribed
  • medication for altitude sickness when travelling at high altitude, particularly above 3,000 metres
  • medication for motion sickness
  • sterile medical equipment such as syringes and needles. Discuss what you need with your doctor, who may also provide a medical certificate to present to customs or other authorities if required
  • water purification equipment, such as water purification tablets or a water filter
  • additional diabetes supplies
  • an insecticide-treated mosquito net
  • emergency standby treatment for malaria, where specifically recommended

Ask a Healthcare Professional or Pharmacist

A pharmacist, doctor or vaccination clinic can help you adapt your travel health kit to your destination and individual needs.

Antimalarial medicines can be extremely dangerous to children if taken in excessive doses. Always keep antimalarial medicines and all other medication safely out of the reach of children.


Senast uppdaterad 2026-09-02