Some travelers may feel confused when preparing for a trip and sometimes fear forgetting to pack essential items that they might need during their travels. Experts recommend consulting with a healthcare provider for individuals with specific health conditions before traveling to discuss the health items they should pack. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published a general list for travelers, particularly those with specific health needs, such as pregnant travelers, individuals with weakened immune systems, or those traveling for specific purposes like humanitarian work. The CDC report suggests remembering to pack important additional health supplies in case of a delay in returning from the trip.
The CDC list, which the report clarifies is general and comprehensive and pertains to reminding each traveler of their specific needs, includes:
1. Prescription medications
2. Prescriptions
3. Antibiotic for traveler’s diarrhea
4. A set of injections
5. Medication for altitude sickness
6. Spare glasses for those who wear glasses
7. Spare contact lenses
8. Needles or syringes (for diabetes)
9. Diabetes testing supplies
10. Insulin
11. Inhalers
12. Medical alert bracelet or necklace
13. Antacid
14. Diarrhea medication
15. Antihistamines
16. Motion sickness medication
17. Nasal decongestant
18. Pain and fever medication
19. Mild laxative
20. Mild sedative or other sleep aids
21. Saline nasal spray
22. Disease or injury prevention supplies
23. Hand sanitizer or wipes (containing at least 60% alcohol)
24. Water purification tablets
25. Insect repellent (for instance, permethrin for treating clothing).
26. Sunscreen
27. Sunglasses and hat
28. Personal safety equipment (such as child safety seats or bike helmets)
29. Earplugs
30. Small first aid kit
31. Antifungal ointments
32. Antibacterial ointments
33. Wound disinfectant
34. Aloe vera gel for sunburns
35. Treatment for insect bites
36. Anti-itch gel or cream
37. Bandages, gauze, and adhesive tape
38. Elastic/compression bandage for sprains and strains
39. Digital thermometer
40. Eye drops
Travelers should also carry copies of the following:
1. Health insurance documents
2. Health insurance card (regular plan and/or supplemental travel health insurance) and copies of claim forms
3. Proof of yellow fever vaccination
It is important to ensure that prescriptions include generic names, or it is preferable to bring prescriptions for medications and measurements for glasses, contact lenses, and other medical supplies.
Travelers should carry a contact card with street addresses and phone numbers and email addresses for the following:
- A family member or close contact at home.
- Healthcare provider(s) at home.
- The address of residence in the country of permanent residence.
- Hospitals or clinics (including emergency services) in the country they will visit, or the address and phone numbers of their country’s embassy in their destination country or countries.
