Medical Conditions and Medications

Verify medical conditions, travel and health advisories. Once you have picked your destination, it will serve you well to explore all health matters, including medical insurance and travel coverage you have and need. Visit your medical practitioner/doctor prior to your trip to ask about immunizations prescriptions and more. Find out what basic and special medicines to take along. Ensure you know what to do in case of an emergency. Have the numbers and all insurance information handy.

Optical tools like glasses and contact lenses, cleaning solutions, eyeglass repair kit etc, are all travel necessities if you wear them. Ensure they are on your pre-departure, out-the-door checklist. Good advice to eyeglass-wearers: take an extra pair of glasses, as well as either a copy of the existing or a new prescription for your glasses, just in case you might need them.

Medical details should be on hand at all times. Having any and all health related questions, information and emergency contacts and logistics, insurance and policy, immunization record (if applicable) and all other relevant documentation handy is key and can not be ignored. Preferably, also check with local providers if traveling alone, with children or special needs situations. Research and inquire in advance, know or check upon arrival where the closest hospital, pharmacy and or clinic is, just for in case.

Medications and prescriptions. If you have to travel with medicine, it is wise to carry it in the bottle the prescription came in to avoid any confusion during custom inspections. Even a note from your doctor to state what it is and what condition it is used for could be helpful. A copy of your prescription and or even a refill prescription could be of value to you especially on an extended trip.

Dental care kits. Most people think of a toothbrush and toothpaste, maybe even floss and mouthwash. But did you ever stop to think of taking an 'emergency dental kit when you travel?

Some items in this customized, personalized dental kit could include: aspirin or aspirin substitute, small container of hydrogen peroxide and water, dental floss, a dental mirror, and gauze. If you do have a medical or dental emergency, get and ask for references and discuss costs and coverage in full with your chosen or available provider.