Even When Chronically Ill, Many Can Travel in Comfort & Security
The day I arrived in Santiago, Chile for a convention 20 some years ago, I unpacked my suitcase to find that I had forgotten my prescriptions. The realization struck terror in my heart because a blood thinner was what I relied on to prevent stroke. After all, it was strokes that had killed my twin sister.
I was pacing the room trying to find a solution when my husband suggested we look for a pharmacy where we might be able to get the pills over the counter. Knowing that medications are often sold without a prescription in some countries, we found a drugstore with a pharmacist who told us that my medications could legally be filled in Chile without a prescription. He finished my order with a bizarre non sequitur: peering closely at my face he asked, “Do you use Botox?”
These days it’s a lot harder to get prescriptions replaced, without your physician’s documentation. Other countries have laws banning substances, even those sold over the counter in the U.S. Consequences of violating these laws can be serious, including jail time.
Before you settle on a foreign destination, create a checklist of everything you’ll need, including access to medical services, as well as the country’s prescription drug laws. Schedule an appointment with your medical professional at least three weeks before your departure. It’s important that you discuss your condition so that you can make informed travel decisions. CDC.gov covers many of the requirements and suggestions for avoiding prescription problems with local authorities.
Traveling Abroad with Medicine
It’s smart to Check with your destination’s embassy and those of countries in which you have layovers to make sure your medicines are permitted, how many of each you can carry with you, and alternatives from your doctor. Ask for a letter describing your condition and the treatment plan.
- You may also want to check the International Narcotics Control Board website which provides general information about narcotics and controlled substances, for countries that have information available, for travelers.
- Check the CDC’s webpage for your destination to see what vaccines or medicines you may need and what diseases or health risks are a concern at your destination. CDC destination pages for travel health information.
Prepare a travel health kit with items you may need, especially those items that may be difficult to find at your destination. Include your prescription and over-the-counter medicines in your travel health kit and take enough to last your entire trip, plus extra in case of travel delays. Pack medications in a carry-on in case your luggage is lost or delayed On another note, bring copies of all written prescriptions. Leave a copy of your prescriptions at home with a friend or relative. Controlled substances require special attention, so be sure and check with your doctor. Lastly, if you must obtain prescriptions in another country, look at the CDC’s Counterfeit Drugs page.
The CDC Yellow Book 2024 provides an indispensable checklist of pretravel activities for travelers with chronic illnesses. With careful preparation, these travelers can have safe and enjoyable trips. The checklist includes suggestions such as the following:
Selecting a medical assistance company that allows you to store your medical history so it can be accessed worldwide.
- Sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, a free service of the US Department of State to US citizens and permanent residents, to receive destination-specific travel and security updates. This service also allows the Department of State to contact international travelers during emergencies.
- Above all, favor travel to destinations that have access to quality care for your condition.
- Get travel insurance. While some travelers’ health insurance covers medical care abroad, travelers are usually responsible for paying hospital and other medical expenses out of pocket at most destinations. Make certain that your plan includes getting care overseas, in case you need it. Consider buying additional insurance that covers health care and emergency evacuation, especially if you will be traveling to remote areas. Make sure you have a plan to get care overseas, in case you need it.
We want to hear from you, so feel free to share tips, ideas, and resources for seniors and caregivers with Grannybooster. Email me, Maris Somerville, at info@grannybooster.com
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