Traveling while being chronically ill can be tricky. It doesn't really matter if you're flying, driving, sailing, even walking, and it doesn't really matter how far you're traveling either... But here are some general tips and tricks that may help you plan your next trip, with less stress.
1. 911 Phone Call
Did you know that (in Alberta at least, likely nation-wide), even if you are in a spot with seemingly no cell service, you can actually still get through to 911 emergency? You may not be able to actually speak with the operator, but they will receive the call, even if you are using a cell phone that has no phone plan attached to it. Plus, if you enabled location services, they can at least see the last place you were that had cell service.
Police recommend, therefore, to make sure that you have a cell phone available that is always charged. Keep an old flip-phone in your glove compartment and always make sure it has full battery power. Then, if an emergency occurs, even with no mobile phone plan or cell service, a 911 phone call will still work.
2. Enabling Location Services
Before embarking on vacation, it's not a bad idea to turn on location services on your phone. Again, if something were to occur, at least they could track your phone to where you were when you last had cell service.
3. Ample Medication Supply
Always speak with your physicians before going on vacation and ask for extra medication. Then, try and have enough medication to last you a day or two more than your planned vacation timeframe. If you are flying, put enough medication for the ENTIRE trip in two separate places - both in your carry-on luggage AND in your checked luggage. Then, have several extras on your person.
Have your physician write in a letter listing all of the medications that you have to take with you, the doses, if you require to carry needles or syringes with you, and what illness(es) those medications are treating. It might even be a good idea to list who the prescribing doctor is for each medication.
If you want to go even one step further, ask your doctor to print off prescriptions for all of the medications that you absolutely need. Then, even if you lose your meds or they get confiscated, you can then find a pharmacy wherever you are vacationing to, with legitimate prescriptions that they can fill.
4. Extra Travel Insurance
No matter how amazing your health coverage is, always opt for extra travel insurance, either for complications from pre-existing conditions or for emergencies.
Read your health coverage plan very very closely and understand exactly what it covers, when it might become null and void, and if there is anything specific you must do so that any unexpected treatment won't cost you thousands because of a technical error. With some health plans, you are supposed to have EMTs call a 1-800 number to request approval from your plan before any treatment is administered. Some plans will only be direct-billed and will not reimburse if the protocol isn't followed. If you participate in 'dangerous' activities - defined by your health plan - you could forfeit your travel insurance (like hiking, sky diving, snorkeling, etc...). These rules and guidelines are usually outlined in fine print in the details of your insurance plan.
In Canada, you also need extra travel insurance even to visit another PROVINCE.
Have receipts and copies of your health plan, insurance card(s), and coverage details.
Plus - $40 for extra travel insurance could wind up saving you thousands and thousands of dollars.
5. Medic-alert Jewelry
Even if you have no allergies or no special treatment required if one of your existing illnesses were to force you to be hospitalized, it is crucial to wear some sort of medic-alert bracelet. You can purchase inexpensive blank ones at several home health care stores and even some pharmacies. When paramedics see that, they automatically know to consult your chart (your medical history) before making any major decisions.
6. Illegal Substances
Before traveling to a new country, take a few minutes to read up on laws regarding over-the-counter and prescription medication. (I also recommend brushing up on general customs and non-medical-based laws before vacationing in another country as well).
If you are taking a medication that is a banned or an illegal substance in the country you are visiting, leave that medication at home! Otherwise, those medications will be confiscated and it will be a waste. In some countries, you could also be risking steep fines or even criminal charges.
(For example: medical cannabis may be legal where you live, but it cannot be brought across the border - even with a prescription).
7. Extra Puke Buckets
If some of your symptoms include nausea and vomiting, it's worth it to keep some sort of puke bag/bucket with you. It's never fun to get motion sickness from traveling, and it's even worse if you are feeling ill and then begin panicking & scrambling for something to hurl in.
Buckets work well but are pretty conspicuous, you can't rely on plastic grocery bags not to leak, and you don't wanna get caught in a desperate move to empty the contents of your purse.
Here are some invaluable examples of sufficient receptacles that can be found just about anywhere:
- Extra large to-go coffee cups. If they can hold hot liquid for hours and hours, they can handle it if you needed to use it as a puke bucket. Just make sure it's big enough. It is worth it to have extras available in the vehicle, or to ask for an extra cup when you order coffee or hot chocolate or tea etc... (See? All of those empty coffee cups lying on the floor of your car is not exactly a bad thing!) Also make sure that you have tissue and/or paper towel available as well.
- Doggy bags. Doggy bags are sturdy and are well-equipped to handle vomit without tearing. They also have lavender-scented doggy bags, which can actually help to decrease nausea.
- Cardboard puke buckets hospitals provide you with are obviously specially designed for that purpose. Next time you find yourself in a hospital, snag a few extras to keep at home or in your vehicle.
- Airline plastic bags that are offered at each seat on a flight are also designed for that purpose, so snag a few extras of those while you're at it.
8. Always Tell Someone Where You Are Headed
It doesn't have to be your parents, coworkers, or even your best friend. It is important, though, that you tell even just one person where you are going and for how long. If something were to happen or if you are reported missing, then even someone who is just an acquaintance could help save your life.
9. Credit Cards
Always call your bank prior to your vacation. Let them know where you are going and that, in that specific timeframe, credit card charges may be made abroad. They are less likely to automatically cancel or suspend your credit card if they see unusual purchase activity if you have warned them ahead of time, although sometimes they still suspend the card.
10. Lists, Lists, and More Lists
Carry with you a written list that includes the vital details of your health (illnesses, physician list, medications, allergies, healthcare number, emergency contacts, insurance coverage, family doctor's number, etc...). It is recommended to carry more than one copy, and if you are traveling with a companion, make sure that he/she knows where to find it or has a copy of his/her own, what the key pieces of information are, and who to contact in case of emergency.
11. Medical ID
On all iPhones now, there is something called a Medical ID in the free, standard, Health application.
Fill this out - now!
If anything should happen, if there is no other indication or medical information available, your Medical ID can be accessed from the locked screen of your phone. Once you fill out this medical badge, if you are in the locked screen, click on Emergency Call, and it will take you to the keypad. There will be an icon at the bottom left corner that says: "CANCEL" and another icon at the bottom right corner that says: "MEDICAL ID", you will be immediately able to read that information, without having to enter in a password.
You choose what to include in that application and if you are unconscious and alone, paramedics still have access to your medical information if you have your phone with you.
Traveling can be tricky.
If you take the time to properly prepare and spend a little extra cash for some extra medical coverage (no matter how excessive/overboard it may seem), you can help to prevent disastrous fall-outs of an unplanned emergency.
Happy traveling!
Be safe and be prepared so that you can be more relaxed.
:)