Whether you're going for business or pleasure, it is always wise to plan well ahead to avoid potential problems, especially when it comes to your health. Travelling abroad can potentially expose you to a variety of risks, from simple accidents to life threatening infections.
The first and most important thing is to see your GP at least six weeks before you go. Depending on your destination, you may end up needing vaccinations or even prophylactic antibiotics. We always advise six weeks, as this is how long it can take for you to build reliable immunity with some of the vaccines. Keep in mind that certain anti-malarial tablets need to be started far before your trip.
Common sense
All kits will not be the same. The kit will need to take into account where you are going, the duration of your trip and the number of people who are travelling with you. If you are off for a weekend break in Paris, your kit will be very simple. You would only need health insurance and some basic over-the-counter medication. If, however, you are going exploring in Africa for three months, your needs will be dramatically different.
The most important item
Without a doubt, the most important part of your medical kit is health insurance. I cannot stress this enough. Make sure you have enough cover for yourself and for the others in your party. While in the UK your care is free, but when abroad this is not the case, even in Europe. If you are a UK resident, you can easily obtain a free European Health Insurance Card. The EHIC card, however, will not cover repatriation costs, so do get additional health insurance cover.
Your medication
If you have any chronic medical problems, make sure to ask your doctor for a sufficient supply to see you through your vacation. It may also be wise to ask for some spare medication if you are going for a long time. The NHS allows up to three months of medication to be dispensed to travellers. Try and store your medication in water proof Ziplock® bags to prevent them getting damaged.
Over the counter medications
Your travel medical kit should contain the following drugs to treat simple ailments:
It may seem like a large list, but remember, you are going to a foreign country. You may not speak the language. Trying to explain to a pharmacist that you have diarrhoea or indigestion may result in an inappropriate treatment being dispensed, or worse, an unnecessary and expensive trip to a private doctor.
Antibiotics
There should be no real need for antibiotics unless you are travelling to an area where the supply of medication is unreliable. If you are going to an area where obtaining reliable and safe antibiotics will be a problem, discuss this with your GP. For most common destinations, the need for antibiotics should be preceded by consultation with a doctor first.
Dressings and sterile needles
For trips to most developed countries, you will only need a variety box of plasters. If, however, you are travelling to more exotic regions, especially if you are off exploring and visiting remote and potentially dangerous areas, then it is important to have some dressings. In this case, unless you have a medical background, I would recommend purchasing a ready-made extensive medical kit from a travel clinic. Something like the medipac™ is ideal for travel to remote areas.
Summary
The key message is that early preparation helps prevent serious illness. Think about where you're going, assess the potential risks and plan accordingly. Enjoy your holiday.
