10 Tips for Travelling with Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

Going on holiday requires lots of planning and preparation in advance, if you want to enjoy a smooth journey. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, it’s even more important to eliminate any anxieties and help you travel with confidence.
We’ve rounded up our top 10 tips for travelling with pre-existing medical conditions to help you make the most of your trip.

1. Secure Appropriate Travel Insurance

This is the most important part of your planning and should be arranged as soon as you book (ASAB) your holiday. Make sure to declare all pre-existing medical conditions when getting a quote for travel insurance so that you choose a policy that covers your specific conditions. Declaring any applicable conditions in full is crucial to ensure cover should you need to claim for medical treatment abroad – the costs of which vary massively across different countries.

2. Consult Your Doctor

Before travelling, you should check with your doctor that you are fit to travel. This is especially the case if you’ve recently sought treatment at home for your condition or have had surgery, to ensure your current symptoms will not be exacerbated by travel. Travelling against professional medical advice risks invalidating your insurance if something were to happen later on, and some airlines may request a ‘fit to travel’ note from your doctor.

3. Inform Your Airline and/or Accommodation

Contacting your airline and/or the hospitality you’ve booked for your trip ensures your own comfort and convenience, and that they are prepared to receive and accommodate you on arrival. Depending on your condition, you may require mobility assistance which can be arranged before your flight, as well as at hotels by specifying accessibility requirements in advance.

4. Pack Medications In Your Carry-On Bag

Keep all medications accessible in your carry-on rather than your suitcase to avoid losing them. Make sure to pack more than you need for your trip in case of unexpected events like flight cancellations or delays. Check with your airline that these can be brought onboard with you (especially if liquids) and arrange for extra carry-on space if needed, or dedicated storage if your medication must be stored at a specific temperature during travel.

5. Know Your Nearest Pharmacies/Hospitals

After settling on your accommodation, it’s a good idea to have a look around the local area on Google Maps to scout out your location ahead of travel. Make sure you know where the nearest pharmacies are should you lose your medications, as well as the nearest hospital. You can always ask for this information when you arrive, however it’s much easier to find online and there will be no language barriers.

6. Keep Medical Info Handy

Taking a copy of your prescriptions and current medicines with you can be useful should you need to show this to a pharmacist or doctor abroad. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may also want to keep some form of medical ID on you such as a medical card, bracelet or necklace which can inform people of your condition quickly in an emergency should you fall ill and need help.

7. Share Your Itinerary

If you are travelling alone, be sure to share your itinerary with a trusted friend or loved one. Check in with them regularly to let them know how you’re getting on, or if your condition requires it, travel with a companion who can support you throughout your trip.

8. Choose Activities Carefully

If you are planning any activities, these will need to be selected appropriately in terms of your current capabilities. Avoid booking any excursions or activities that will be too strenuous for your condition, and make sure to let the provider know about any additional requirements you may have. You’ll also need to make sure these are covered under your insurance, as activities like winter sports and golf often require specialist, additional cover.

9. Know Your Limits

A holiday should be a relaxing, well-deserved break. Make sure to take it easy on your travels to avoid any flare-ups in your condition, and pack anything you find useful to help manage symptoms. Stay hydrated and take plenty of rest breaks as needed, while remembering to take your medications at the right time (factoring time differences into your routine if these apply).

10. Keep All Receipts

If you do require any treatment in an emergency and have to pay upfront, keep all your receipts to help with processing your claim on your return home.

We hope you’ve found some useful information to help prepare for your next travels and have a fantastic trip, wherever you’re headed. If you have any further questions about your policy or otherwise, feel free to get in touch with a member of our expert team.

View our Travel Insurance Checklist for more information to help with planning. Heading on a cruise? View our Essential Items to Pack for an Ocean Cruise.