8 tips for travelling with a chronic illness

When you live with a long-term illness, travel can be extra challenging. But that doesn’t mean you should miss out. Because travelling with a medical condition can bring its own challenges and risks, planning is critical. Here are our tips for staying safe and well on your next getaway.

Even if you’re only travelling domestically, consulting your medical team about 3 months ahead of time (if possible) should always be the first step in your planning process.¹ They’re likely to have experience with other people with your condition and might think of things you haven’t considered, including any vaccinations you may need.²

Closer to your departure, they may also need to provide you with:

• a summary letter, which should include an outline of your condition and recent medical history
• a medication list, including the name of the medicine’s active ingredient (not brand name) and dose
• copies of any prescriptions in case you run out while you’re away
• any travel requirements (such as needing to carry medications as hand luggage)
• confirmation of relevant medical clearances as well as listing any devices you need for managing your condition (like insulin syringes and needles)
• your doctor’s contact details
• advice about when to take your medicines if you’re travelling into a different time zone.

It doesn’t mean it’s going to happen, but planning for a medical emergency could save you a lot of stress.³ Common concerns to consider include:

• what you would do if your medications were lost or stolen
• who to contact in case of a medical equipment breakdown
• what to do if you became unwell.

Taking time before your departure to plan for these things, including who to contact in each situation, will give you peace of mind and allow you to enjoy your trip. It might seem like a lot, but it’s better to be prepared for something that may never happen than be caught out unprepared if it does.

While full travel insurance coverage might not always be possible if you live with a pre-existing condition, you may want to consider an insurance policy for unrelated health incidents and accidents, losses or cancellations.

Prevention is always better than a cure. Instead of taking risks, take small, proactive steps to support your health and save your courage for swimming with sharks or skydiving.

If you have a weakened immune system, wear a mask on planes and other public transport and carry hand sanitiser and antibacterial wipes. While in transit, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and running water, taking care to dry properly (especially after using the toilet and before eating).

If you get tired easily, schedule rest days during your trip as an investment in staying well. Your mind and body will thank you and you’ll be able to enjoy your holiday even more.

If you have strict dietary requirements, research cafes and restaurants close to your accommodation that serve food you can eat and always have plenty of snacks on hand. Don’t forget to let the airline know if you have any dietary requirements when you book your flight.

If there are things you need for medical reasons, be sure to confirm their availability ahead of time. This could include a bar fridge or microwave, a hotel room with special access, specific meal options or refrigeration on the plane (which, surprisingly, generally is not available). You should also speak with the airline if you need to use your electronic insulin pump on the plane.

Look up basic terminology about your condition in your destination’s local language, including the name of your condition, words you might need to make requests (perhaps about dietary requirements) and words to describe a medical emergency. Although translation services are available online, having these words in your phone or written down could be a lifesaver.

The range of products and technology available to help make life easier is amazing. 

Things like travel-sized equipment, integrations into smartphones, portable cooling devices and adapters so medical appliances can be used in the car could all help make life easier and safer for you.

Just remember to test them before departure, ensure they’re certified to meet your needs, and that you’ll be able to use them on the plane (and at your travelling destination) if necessary.⁴

Although you might be tempted to book back-to-back tours, doing so might mean you won’t enjoy any of them. Remember to ask yourself what you need to enjoy a healthy holiday.

Prioritise your must-do’s so you can make sure you see the sites you really want to. If you hit some extras, consider them a bonus!

Take the easy route when you can. That might mean using escalators, accepting wheelchair escorts or getting fast passes for long queues (often available on presentation of your doctor’s letter). Holidays are for enjoying, not enduring.

Once you’re fully prepared for your holiday, make the most of it and don’t spend your time worrying about things that might not happen. Time spent creating memories is precious.