Are you planning to take a trip outside of Singapore while under a medical prescription? If so, there are a few things you should consider, such as time differences, climatic conditions, and the medical rules that govern your place of visit. Since there is no guarantee of access to your prescription abroad, you should look to take enough supply of pills that will last you until your return.
If you aren’t sure what else to bring, here are 5 other essential items that health experts recommend when travelling under medication.
A Note from Your Doctor
Not all jurisdictions around the world would allow you to carry a bunch of medicine without an official prescription from the doctor. Therefore, taking a formal note with you from your doctor is a good idea. Most countries honour the right of international travellers to carry medicine as long as they have supporting documents as proof of their medical conditions.
You can also choose to put your medical records online. This ensures that even if you were to lose your papers or have it creased, you can still have it somewhere as proof and show for it.
Extra Medication
Doctors recommend that you travel with twice the medication you need, and to keep them separate from your other luggage and put in different bottles. Travel is highly unpredictable. For example, you could experience a delay that could interfere with your timetable. When you are planning for a trip, travel experts have advised that you should always prepare for the unexpected.
Travel and Medical Insurance
Before undertaking your journey, travel insurance is a fundamental thing that you should consider. If you are planning to take an adventure to the beach or a rainforest where there are no medical facilities around, then you should equip yourself with travel insurance. The cost of medical evacuation in Singapore can be high. Thus, having an insurance cover is always a good idea. If you are travelling outside Singapore, you should ensure that your medical insurance covers an air ambulance in the event of an emergency.
Pain Relievers
With the change in climatic conditions all across the world, the body will react differently to such changes, especially when you are on medication. Therefore, equipping yourself with the right amount of pain relievers is advised. You should also consider carrying the following pain relievers on you when you travel: aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen. For heartburn, you should equip yourself with Maalox, Tums, Rolaids, and Mylanta. Among these medications, consider including anti-biotics to your medical kit.
Water
Water is an essential commodity for any traveller, especially for those on medication. Medical experts recommend massive water consumption when you are unhealthy. Even though you are likely to get this commodity everywhere, your safety is essential. You should ensure that the water you are drinking is clean. Alternatively, you can carry water purification tablets. They are equally safe and are not as bulky as water.
Conclusion
Note that you may need a more sophisticated medical bag if you are carrying highly sensitive medication. Plan thoroughly, especially when you are switching time zones. Other essential equipment worth mentioning is a thermometer and an antihistamine for any allergic reaction.
Always keep yourself informed of your condition. If possible, look to have your doctor’s contact. They should be your point of contact whenever you require any help.
