Foreign Travel
I love travelling abroad. I have had some amazing holidays and bucket-list moments. There is a lot more things to consider these days.
It’s not just about booking a trip, packing your bags and heading to the airport.
Before heading abroad, I have to consider so many things that didn’t register before. What is the healthcare situation in the country I’m visiting if I get sick? I need to ensure I have the correct travel insurance and pack the paperwork. I also bring a summary of my medical records with me and make sure I have medication divided equally between my checked bags and cabin bags.
If you’re in the UK, I’ve included some useful links below.
Taking medication in or out of the UK
Insurance
Before, I had fairly simple travel insurance which I bought on a trip-by-trip basis, usually from Sainsbury's. It covered all the usual things and, medically, my epilepsy. I now have specialist travel insurance that, due to the unique cause of my stroke, I spent a lot of time researching different companies to make sure I got the best coverage.
Medication
I had to be organised with my medication before because of my epilepsy. However, since this version of my story started on a plane, I now pack my medicine extra carefully. I want my anti-sickness pills in the cabin and make sure I order enough, should our bags get lost or our plans have to unexpectedly change.
Medical Information
These days I have to make sure I bring a selection of my medical records with me. Should I become ill abroad, it’s an incredibly useful thing to have. My stroke was unusual, and I have a rare genetic condition (Cowden’s Syndrome), so I prefer to be overprepared. It may feel like extra effort to sort a folder of papers, but it’s better to have it and not need it than to be without it.
Vaccinations and Entry Requirements
Different countries have different entry requirements. It can be anything from certain vaccinations to the importation of medications. One of my epilepsy medications is legally considered a controlled drug (at least in the UK). I make sure I include a copy of my prescription list in my hand luggage and, as much as possible, keep my medication in its original packaging. I’m yet to travel somewhere that requires vaccines I haven’t had. Due to a weak immune system, I have annual COVID and flu vaccines.
Vaccination and Medication Entry Requirements
Different countries have different entry requirements. It can be anything from certain vaccinations to the importation of medications. One of my epilepsy medications is legally considered a controlled drug (at least in the UK). I make sure I include a copy of my prescription list in my hand luggage and, as much as possible, keep my medication in its original packaging. I’m yet to travel somewhere that requires vaccines I haven’t had. Due to a weak immune system, I have annual COVID and flu vaccines.
After all this, and the dilemma (for me) of the holiday wardrobe choices, we head off on holiday. Yes, there is more effort, but I don’t want that to change how much I enjoy a holiday. One thing I’ve learned is it’s important to try to not let your stroke define you and continue to enjoy your life where you can.