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Winter is descending upon Canada, and with it comes the desire to escape to warmer climates—or perhaps embrace the cold with a ski adventure abroad. But for the nearly 45% of Canadians living with at least one chronic disease, travelling can take more preparation than just grabbing your passport and plane ticket.

Whether you’re planning to lounge on a beach, hit the slopes, or visit family overseas, it’s essential to consider your health needs. Here are key tips to help you travel safely and confidently when managing a medical condition.

1. Consult Your Healthcare Provider Before You Travel

Before you even think about packing your bags, schedule a visit with your healthcare provider about 6 weeks beforehand. This is the most crucial step to ensure you’re fit to travel and can properly manage your condition while abroad. Your doctor can:

  • Assess whether your condition is stable enough for travel.
  • Help you understand the potential health risks of your destination (e.g., high altitudes, extreme temperatures).
  • Provide necessary vaccines and travel-related health advice.
  • Give you extra prescriptions or documentation in case you need to obtain medication while away.
  • Write a “fit-to-travel” letter, especially if your condition is serious or you’re carrying medical equipment. This letter can be helpful for customs or if you need medical attention abroad.

2. Determine if you need a “Fit to Fly” Certificate. Check with the airline to see if you require a “fit to fly” certificate from your healthcare provider. This may be required if you:

  • Have recently been discharged from the hospital.
  • Are in recovery from an operation.
  • Are more than 28 weeks pregnant.
  • Are travelling for medical reasons (e.g. you’re travelling for medical treatment).

3. Carry Important Documents, especially your medical records

Keep all relevant medical documents organized and easily accessible. This includes:

  • Your complete medical record on a USB stick. Keep it safe and remember where it is for easy access.
  • A detailed list of medications with generic names and dosages.
  • As explained in point 1, if need be, include a doctor’s letter explaining your condition and any medical equipment you’re carrying.
  • Your travel insurance policy and emergency contact information.
  • Emergency contacts both in Canada and at your destination.

Consider translating key documents into the language of the country you’re visiting to ensure that local healthcare professionals can understand your medical needs. Add all of the above documents to your USB stick and keep it with you in your carry-on luggage.

Check out our medical records section to ensure you’re prepared for the unknown ==>>

Medical records

4. Pack Smart: Medication and Medical Supplies

When travelling with a medical condition, preparation is key. Create a checklist of all the medications, devices, and supplies you’ll need during your trip.

  • Pack extra medication: Bring enough medication to last for the duration of your trip, plus at least a week’s extra supply in case of travel delays.
  • Carry medications in your hand luggage: Always keep your medication with you and avoid putting it in checked luggage in case of loss or delays.
  • Get a travel-friendly pill organizer: This can help you keep track of daily doses, especially if you’re adjusting to different time zones.
  • Pack a list of medications and dosages: In case you need to replace anything abroad, having this information handy will help you and local medical professionals.
  • Bring medical devices: If you use medical equipment like a CPAP machine, glucose monitor, or oxygen supplies, ensure you bring travel-sized versions or adapters suitable for the local voltage.

Some medications such as CBD may not be legal in the country you are visiting so make sure you check any legal considerations before heading out to the airport.

5. Check Your Insurance Coverage

Standard health insurance often doesn’t cover expenses incurred abroad, so purchasing travel health insurance is essential. But it’s not just about having insurance; you need the right kind for your condition.

When selecting insurance:

  • Look for a plan with pre-existing condition coverage: Many policies exclude coverage for pre-existing medical conditions unless you purchase additional coverage. Make sure your condition is explicitly covered.
  • Declare your condition upfront: Be honest about your medical history. Failing to declare a chronic illness could void your insurance if something happens.
  • Understand the policy details: Read the fine print to know what is included and excluded. Ensure the policy covers medical evacuations, hospitalization, and treatments related to your condition.

If you’re travelling within Canada, your provincial or territorial health insurance will cover most medical expenses, however, certain treatments and services may be excluded from coverage. This can include ambulance services, prescription drugs, transportation back home, returning your vehicle back home and medical services that are not covered under your home province’s plan. For this reason, supplemental travel insurance may wise even if you’re travelling within Canada.  

6. Know the Health Care System of Your Destination

Not all countries have the same level of healthcare that Canadians are accustomed to. Research your destination’s healthcare system to ensure you can get the medical support you need in an emergency.

  • Know where the nearest hospital is: Look up the location of local hospitals or clinics that cater to travellers and offer quality care.
  • Research language barriers: If English or French isn’t commonly spoken, learn a few key phrases related to your condition in the local language. And why not download the Google Translate app on to your phone. It can help you connect with locals and provide a critical service if need be.
  • Check access to medication: Some medications may not be available abroad, or they may go by a different name. It’s a good idea to know the generic names of your medications in case you need to purchase them.

You can also look into healthcare services like Global Affairs Canada’s Consular Services or private organizations like IAMAT (International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers), which can provide a list of vetted hospitals and medical professionals at your destination.

7. Prepare for Time Zone Changes and Travel Fatigue

Long flights and changing time zones can disrupt your medication schedule or impact how you manage your symptoms. Here’s how to handle it:

  • Adjust your medication schedule: Consult your doctor to create a travel-specific plan for managing your medication across time zones.
  • Stay hydrated and stretch: Long flights increase the risk of blood clots, especially if you have a heart condition or circulatory issues. Drink plenty of water and try to move around during the flight to improve circulation.
  • Rest after arrival: Give yourself time to adjust to the new time zone and avoid overexerting yourself right away. Travelling can be stressful and tiring, so factor in rest periods to avoid aggravating your condition.

8. Stay Mindful of Your Diet and Environment

Different countries may have different foods, climates, and environmental factors that could impact your condition.

  • Be cautious with local foods: If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, research the local cuisine ahead of time. Bring snacks or supplements if you’re unsure whether you’ll find suitable food options.
  • Consider the climate: Hot, humid weather or high altitudes can affect conditions like asthma, heart disease, or arthritis. Make sure you pack appropriate clothing and know what to expect.
  • Watch out for infections: Immunocompromised travellers should be extra cautious about infections. Bring hand sanitizer, a face mask (especially for the plane), avoid drinking tap water in certain countries, and be careful about what you eat.

9. Have an Emergency Plan

Even with the best preparation, emergencies can happen. Make sure you have an emergency plan in place:

  • Know the emergency numbers at your destination (they differ from country to country).
  • Sign up for the Government of Canada’s Registration of Canadians Abroad program, so consular officials can contact you if there’s an emergency in your destination country.
  • Have a backup plan in case you need to return home early due to a medical issue.

Traveling with a medical condition doesn’t have to be stressful if you plan and take precautions. By consulting your healthcare provider, making sure you have your medical records, packing appropriately, getting proper insurance, and knowing the healthcare system of your destination, you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Whether you’re chasing the sun or hitting the slopes, follow these essential tips and travel safely!

~Read more from The Health Insider~

The information provided on TheHealthInsider.ca is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. TheHealthInsider.ca advises consulting a medical professional or healthcare provider when seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

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