Medical
Information
Health insurance company
Name________________________
Address_______________________
_____________________________
Phone No._____________________
Emergency contact:
Name________________________
Address_______________________
_____________________________
Phone No._____________________
Primary-care contact______________
Blood type:
Drug allergies:
Other special conditions:
Medical matters
while traveling
FOR MILLIONS OF PEOPLE suffering from chronic illnesses or allergies,
the idea of travel can be a first-class nightmare. However, with proper
reparation, there’s no reason anyone can’t enjoy a trip.
Medication
Be sure to take enough to last approximately double the time period
you will be away. Place medication in containers in separate travel bags to
prevent spoilage or loss. If you are taking liquid medication, be sure it is
placed in a leakproof plastic bag.
Food
If there are certain foods that you know will precipitate problems, write
up a list of them and refer to it throughout your trip. Many times, when people
dine out, they have a tendency to overlook or not recognize ingredients. Notify
the hotel, tour operator or airline in advance if you are on a special diet.
Contact information
Have your physician provide you with an extra prescription and also
the generic and chemical name for the drug. Also have on hand your health
insurance company’s name, address and phone number; the name of a person
to notify in case of an emergency; your blood type; and a list of your drug
allergies. If you have a medical alert card, be sure to carry it at all times.
Health-care providers
Take along a short medical report from your health-care provider describing your illness and mode of treatment. This is essential so that, if you have a
relapse and need medical attention, the attending health-care provider has a
point of reference and can assist you promptly and effectively.
Adjust dosage schedule
If you are flying long distances, ask your health-care provider about your
dosage schedule. Find out if it should be adjusted for high altitudes, lack of
activity, different time zones and/or different climates.
Plan for medical help abroad
The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers (IAMAT)
is an organization that can supply a list of English-speaking physicians overseas. Contact IAMAT at (716) 754-4883 or
www.iamat.org.
Check to see if your health insurance policy covers overseas travel.
Medical assistance overseas can be very expensive. If you are not covered,
your travel agent should be able to help you purchase travel health insurance
from any of a number of companies.—T. Foster Jones
