Travel Medical Kits

Nearly half of all visitors to developing countries fall sick during their stay. So come prepared by developing a checklist of your travel medical travel abroad. I always take a small packet of first aid items: lotion infections, aspirin, cold medicines and cons Band-Aids. Separate orders between two bags so that you will always have some of your medications. Make sure you have enough for your travel requirements. Discover the generic equivalent if you need to buy some time on your trip.

Buy Travel Insurance. Some countries require you to be satisfied before making a visa application. In such cases international medical insurance is not an option. You will be unable to obtain a visa for the country you travel to if you do not have compulsory medical insurance.

Check the status of your immunizations. The diseases that have disappeared in your country of origin exist in many parts of the world. Make an appointment with your doctor and update your routine immunizations: influenza, measles-mumps-rubella, polio, tetanus and pneumonia.

Get special immunization. Determine what special vaccines may also be necessary for your target destination. Often you can find this information on the web, for example, at www.cdc.gov or www.who.int.

Bring other medical documents. This is especially important if you have a pre-existing condition. Also include the address and fax or e-mail your doctor. Do not forget to mention your allergies, especially if you are allergic to certain drugs. Try to keep your medications in their original packaging. A note from your doctor stating that you need some drugs might be useful if you have problems with customs and immigration.

Add these supplies to your travel kit: Prescription medications in their original bottles, painkillers, diarrhea Rx, a thermometer, spare glasses, sunscreen, bandages, insect repellent, travel insurance, passport and a copy stored in another part of your luggage or handbag.

Make sure you know what liquid medications, you are allowed to carry with you. The TSA (Transportation Security Administration or) will not allow you to take in terms of liquids over 3 oz. Some drugs are allowed on board, however. Get online information on the TSA website or talk with someone by the airlines you fly.