Travelling? Don’t Forget Your Meds

beach waves ocean palm trees horizon relaxing holiday vacation landscape

When it comes to packing for a holiday, you don’t want to forget anything and remembering your medical needs should certainly be at the top of this list.

One of the essentials for any trip, whether it be a short weekend away, a road trip around our beautiful country, or a lengthy international jaunt, is your medication and first aid needs. Leaving this behind can not only be inconvenient if you fall ill and need to find somewhere with your desired brand but can also be dangerous if you are venturing somewhere that may not have what you need.

Prescription Medication

Some medications need to last you a few weeks, a month, or even longer. Depending on how long you are going away for – and accounting for accidental drops or misplacements – you will want to make sure you have filled all of the prescriptions you will need. It may also be a good idea to bring your prescriptions along with you in case you need a refill.

Pre-Travel Medication

There are some locations you may choose to travel to that require you to obtain certain medications or vaccinations, or just booster shots. These can be for malaria, tetanus, yellow fever, high altitude sickness, and many others. If you are unsure about what you will need, talk to your travel agent and your doctor to save you from last-minute rushes or disappointments.

Allergy Medication

Depending on the season in which you travel, you can find yourself quickly needing the help of allergy medication. Perhaps the picturesque natural surroundings are giving you a stuffy nose or watery eyes, whatever the case, stocking up before heading off can ensure you enjoy your holiday.

Dental First Aid

A sore tooth can ruin anyone’s day, and it is certainly something you don’t want to happen when away from home and on vacation. Thankfully, there are now dental first aid kits that can come to your rescue. These carefully-packed kits are able to be used by anyone – meaning you can patch yourself up until you are able to find a qualified dentist. Instances include broken teeth, lost fillings, cracked dentures, and more.

First Aid Kit

Of course, you don’t ever want to leave home without a medical first aid kit. Some come pre-packaged and are available in major grocery stores and chemists, or you could compile one yourself. Don’t forget to include:
  • bandaids
  • bandages
  • antiseptic wipes
  • snake and spider bite protection
  • burn packs
  • and ice packs.
Perhaps something for upset stomachs and seasickness? You can also check with your pharmacist as what would be sensible to take with you.

Travel Insurance

Remember that when overseas you will not be covered by Medicare or even by your normal, domestic private health insurance policy in Australia. You should seriously consider travel insurance because the cost of emergency medical assistance overseas can be very high. If you have taken out medical travel insurance, remember to take a copy of your insurance certificate with you, so you have all the details, should you need to use it overseas.

Accidents can always happen, but if you have ticked all of these boxes, you will be better prepared if the unfortunate occurs.

O50s
Australian Over 50s Living & Lifestyle Guide

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