Your prescription medicines, even those you take occasionally, should travel with you as carry-on only, never in checked luggage. For trips of any duration, make sure that you have enough supply to last for more than the entire trip. Your medicines should be in their original labelled containers or in labelled blister packs. Border security can be very strict in certain countries and if you need medical attention when travelling, knowledge of your prescription medicines will be invaluable to foreign health professionals.
In addition, a written summary of your significant medical problems and associated treatment can be very useful. You can prepare this yourself or your family physician’s electronic medical record may be able to provide a summary printout with this information.
… a small quantity of Prednisone may be useful if you have a history of allergic reactions to jellyfish stings or to airborne allergens. Such medicines are more challenging to acquire in an emergency, especially in less-developed nations.
If you suffer from recurrent urinary, respiratory, or sinus infections, your family physician may provide you with a “just in case” antibiotic supply, as seeking medical attention when travelling may be inconvenient or difficult. However, be cautious about self-diagnosis and seek medical attention if your previously diagnosed condition is more serious than usual. Your family physician may also consider prescriptions for other conditions that may occur while travelling. As an example, a small quantity of Prednisone may be useful if you have a history of allergic reactions to jellyfish stings or to airborne allergens. Such medicines are more challenging to acquire in an emergency, especially in less-developed nations.
Several non-prescription medicines should also be included for your travel, though these could go in your checked luggage. Examples include pain medications such as Tylenol (acetaminophen); any non-steroidal pain medicines that you take; cough syrup; Gravol (dimenhydrinate) for nausea, vomiting, and motion sickness; and an anti-diarrheal such as Imodium (loperamide). A small tube of Polysporin ointment is useful for treating infected cuts.
Other health supplies such as an assortment of band-aids, a tensor bandage for sprains, and any braces or splints that you might need should also be included, just in case. And don’t forget a surgical mask. If you begin to cough or sneeze, you will be doing your fellow travellers a favour by trying to keep them healthy.
Finally, it is imperative to purchase medical insurance for your travels outside of Canada. Starting in 2020, the Ontario Health Insurance Plan no longer covers medical expenses, emergency or otherwise, outside the country. Only travel within Canada is now covered.
