There are a few basic questions you should think about which will give you a good start:
Are you required to take medication that may be difficult or impossible to obtain at the location you are traveling to?
- If yes, make sure you know airline rules and regulations regarding traveling with medication and be aware additional screening may occur.
- If it is available, it may not be of the same quality you are used to or it may be counterfeit.
- Be sure to bring enough for the duration of the trip and a little extra.
Do you plan on traveling with prescription drugs?
- If traveling with prescription drugs, make sure you are aware of the labeling restrictions that vary from place to place.
- As with over-the-counter medication, be sure to bring enough for the duration of the trip and a little extra.
Are those drugs legal where you will be traveling?
- Just because a particular medication is legal where you live, doesn’t mean it is legal at the location you are traveling to. Consequences could range from confiscation to incarceration.
- The foreign embassy at the destination you are traveling to can be a good resource for this information.
Has a medical professional been briefed on the scope of your trip and given approval for the travel?
- Be sure to meet with your medical professional ahead of your trip for a physical and to obtain all proper medication and vaccinations.
Do you have any medical conditions that may be aggravated by travel?
- Your medical professional can offer advice based on the location you are traveling, modes of travel, and the environment you will be exposed to.
There are many more questions that should be asked, but this should get you thinking. Health considerations are often overlooked and can often have a huge impact on the success of a trip. With a little planning, these impacts can be minimized or even eliminated if discovered early in the process.
The complexities and risks outside of our control are enough without having to worry about what we can control. Addressing health issues should take place well in advance and will allow you the benefit of being able to focus on other things.
