International Education > Archive > Category: Traveler Toolkit

Traveling With Medications

April 3, 2023

People with illnesses or conditions that require medication, such as heart disease, diabetes, or mental illnesses may face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Involving your doctor, loved ones and available University and official resources in planning and preparing for your trip will be essential to having a successful experience.

Before you go

  • Research your destination to learn about health and safety concerns.
  • Be aware of aware of the legal status and regulations of a substance at the destination country. Many prescribed medicines contain substances that are internationally controlled.
  • Ensure your medical insurance will cover your needs at your destination.
  • Talk with your doctor about:
    • Alternative medicine and care regimes if your medicine is banned at your destination.
    • How to handle emergencies related to your current health.
    • When to change dosage or medication, to avoid unwanted effects away from home.
    • How to adjust intake of your medication to account for time zone changes.
    • Drug-food interactions to be aware of, as your diet may change.
    • Vaccinations required or recommended for your destination, to ensure they can be taken safely with your current medication, or to identify an alternative protection system.
    • What medications to take for common traveler illnesses such as traveler’s diarrhea.
    • How to safely store your medication.
    • Obtaining an original of your prescription and a letter describing your condition and the treatment plan. In the event that you require medical attention, this information can be helpful.
  • Pack a travel health kit that includes anything you need to manage your health, as well as other items necessary to ensure a safe and healthy trip.
    • Carry your medications in the original containers, which should have the prescription from your doctor, the brand and generic name of the product, the dosage form and strength, and how often it is used printed on the bottle or package.
    • Travel with no more than personal use quantities for the duration of your trip (generally no more than a 30 to 90 day supply).
    • Pack your travel health kit in your carry-on baggage.  Do not pack it in your checked baggage or mail it to yourself at your destination, this will help you avoid it getting lost or legal issues at your destination.
  • Don’t plan on being able to buy your medicines at your destination. They may not be available, and if they are, they may not meet US quality standards. In many developing countries, counterfeit drugs are a big problem.
  • Research with On Call International (when traveling under the UT Dallas umbrella) or with your own travel insurance provider (when on personal travel) about
    • On-site resources such as clinics, hospitals, mental health services.
    • Process to request re-fills in case you run out of medicine or replacement in case it is lost or stolen.

Airport

  • Research with the airline on the best way to carry medical equipment like insulin pumps, syringes, etc.
  • Inquire with TSA about any concerns and the best way to proceed at checkpoint.  You may provide information and documentation about your condition and medications, or present a TSA notification card.
  • Be aware that screening may be needed for medical equipment like insulin pumps, syringes, etc. or other medical aids such as: bandages, compression sleeves, prosthesis, casts, ostomies, etc.

While traveling

  • If appropriate, wear a medical alert bracelet or other medical jewelry.
  • Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, any chronic illnesses you have, any medicines you are taking, and any allergies you have.
  • Continue with your medication and health care routines consistently.  Do not stop or change the dosage of your medication without consulting with your doctor.
  • If your medication is lost or stolen, request an emergency refill to your travel insurance provider.

When you return

  • Follow up with your doctor if any changes occurred while abroad, to ensure continuity of care.

You may also find useful the following University resources

Other Resources

Please note the published date of this post, and go to the direct sources listed in the post for the most up-to-date information.  The information in this post may change without prior notice.