When you are planning a trip and one or more of the travelers has a chronic medical condition there are certain precautions that should be taken to limit problems. Take a complete and accurate list of all medications that each person is taking on a regular basis. This should also include medications prescribed by a doctor but taken on an as needed basis such as pain killers or allergy medications. Take all prescribed medications in their original containers. This is especially important if you are taking a narcotic for pain relief. This is even more important if you are leaving the country. Customs officials can be quite intent about medications. Be sure that you have something from your physician if you are taking any medication in an injected form such as insulin.
If you or your traveling companion has need of equipment try to pack it in as compact a package as possible. If you need to stow this item in the hold of the airplane, be sure that it is in a suitcase or other devise to keep it from being damaged. Purchase insurance for the full replacement cost of any equipment for loss or damage. If it is possible, take it on the plane as carry on luggage. Check ahead with the airline to be sure that they are aware you will be bringing medical equipment and to see if they have special requirements.
Purchasing insurance for your equipment is only part of the picture. Purchase travel insurance to be sure that you can get home for medical treatment if needed. If you have a medical emergency in a foreign country, try to be stabilized before you are transferred if that can be accomplished. Use your judgment concerning the medical facilities where you find yourself and never be shy about insisting that things be attended to as quickly as possible. If you are overseas, don’t hesitate to call the American Embassy for help. That is part of their job.
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