Be prepared for travelling

Medication

1. Having sufficient medication supply to enable you to follow Sick Day Rules when you are abroad
2. Check your emergency injection kit is in date, and well packaged to protect the contents, especially the medication vials.  Ensure it is clearly labelled (like the kits available from our online shop)
3. Pack your medication across different places in your luggage so that if you lose one, you still have access to spares elsewhere
4. Ensure you have a comprehensive first aid kit including things like rehydration salts, anti-sickness medication and the usual medication for minor illness, such as antihistamine, paracetamol.

Paperwork

1. Line up your paperwork: Get a letter from your GP re travel and  adrenal crisis guidelines and your steroid emergency card with you as well
2. Get adrenal crisis guidelines translated into the language of the country you are visiting -we don't have all languages by any means but you can find the adrenal crisis guidelines in a variety of languages that will help you ask for the same care you'd receive in the UK.  They are available to download and print to take with you.Get a GHIC card (replaced the EHIC card post Brexit) if you are travelling in Europe
3. Take a copy of your repeat prescription if you are travelling within the UK, or even abroad, as an accurate record of your meds.
4. You might be interested in ordering an emergency card in a European language from AdrenalNET. They have worked with adrenal patient support groups across Europe to align their emergency advice (which may differ from the ADSHG or NHS treatment advice), putting it into a set of cards in different languages.  If you wish to confirm the accuracy, efficacy or reliability of the cards in the context of the health systems in the European countries you are planning to visit, please contact AdrenalNET directly or visit the websites of major healthcare providers based in the location.

Destination & Modes of Travel

When choosing your destination and how you get there, you may want to consider the following: 

1. The healthcare system in your destination
2. The emergency services in your destination and access to hospitals with an A&E from your route
3. Your grasp of the language / ability to get information about adrenal crisis in the language of your destination
4. Level of exposure to illnesses specific to your destination
5. Airport restrictions - see later section.   You may wish to wear a face mask if travelling on crowded transport, to lower the risk of picking up an infection.
6. Do you need a special SIM or to get additional Roaming coverage on your phone in your destination? 
7. Ambulance regulations in other parts of the world will vary from the UK. This uncertainty reinforces the need to self-inject (or have a family member do it for you) before phoning for emergency medical assistance.
8. Is there a Patient Support Group in your destination that you can contact for information? 

Patient Support Groups in other countries

Insurance / Health Cards

1. Although there are various insurance/health cards available depending on your destination, they are not an alternative for Travel Insurance. Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance. Read the advice from the UK government about the importance of travel insurance.
2. GHIC: Under Britain’s new agreement with the EU, UK residents’ rights to emergency and medically necessary healthcare will continue when travelling in the EU. This includes medically necessary treatment for a pre-existing or chronic condition.

Flying with Medication 

1. Passengers are permitted to carry essential medical equipment through airport security in hand luggage, though all medication and equipment must be supported by documentation from a relevantly qualified medical professional. The doctor's letter should be shown to the airline staff, and if you do encounter any problems you should request to speak to a manager or senior member of staff.Image resizes to fit within circular mask.  You may want to show them your adrenal crisis guidelines and Steroid Emergency card if you need to share more information.
2. There is no restriction on the number of tablets you take through airport security, but as mentioned you will need to take documentation from a medical professional or your prescription for authentication.
3. Carrying sharps and medication will be subject to authentication and airport restrictions are subject to change, so always check before you travel. 
4. Travelling to a venue? Read our 'Sharps into Venues' article.

ADSHG member Giulia shares in her blog: "It feels like a lot to prepare but it really isn’t. Now I’ve done it, it’s all ready to go and it’s only making sure I have right the language in there. So I grab my folder and off I go!”

Sunflower scheme: non-visible disabilities

Most airports participate in the Sunflower lanyard scheme, so they can instantly recognise you have a hidden disability and give you the support you need. This allows you to travel independently through an airport whilst knowing that if you need any additional support during your journey, airport staff will be able to support you. Many Sunflower lanyards are free from Assistance desks at airports, for example Heathrow. 

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower website

Hot Weather

Enjoying the sun is one of the things many people look forward to in the summer or on holiday. But if you have Addison’s or adrenal insufficiency, it can be harder to manage your condition in the hot weather. It's important to take precautions to ensure that your health remains as well-controlled as possible. Check out our top tips for when you’re out and about in the sun.

Food & Alcohol

Experimenting with trying different food dishes can be a real highlight of a trip and culturally exciting but it can present a higher risk of picking up an infection or food poisoning. Stick to places with lots of people (especially locals) eating. Make sure you know what to do (emergency guidelines) if you vomit or get diarrhoea. Wash or peel fruit well and remember that beer doesn’t rehydrate and that overindulgence in alcohol is more likely to get you into all sorts of problems, just as it can do at home!