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HEALTH INFORMATION

Visit the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website for information on Outbreaks, Diseases, Vaccinations, Food and Water Safety, Traveling with Children, Special Needs Travelers, and Air Travel.

 

MEDICAL KIT PACKING LIST

Information is provided by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website.

 

OVERVIEW

An important step in preparing for international travel is for travelers to assemble a travel health kit. The contents of a travel health kit should be tailored to the traveler’s needs, type of travel, length of travel, and destination. A travel health kit can help to ensure travelers have supplies they need to: Manage preexisting medical conditions and treat any exacerbations of these conditions Prevent illness related to traveling Take care of minor health problems as they occur.

Travel health kits can be assembled at home or purchased at a local store, pharmacy, or online.

 

TRAVELING WITH MEDICATIONS

All medications should be carried in their original containers with clear labels, so the contents are easily identified. When carrying prescription medications, the patient’s name and dose regimen should be on the container. Although many travelers prefer placing medications into small containers or packing them in daily-dose containers, officials at ports of entry may require proper identification of medications.

Travelers should carry copies of all prescriptions, including their generic names. For controlled substances and injectable medications, travelers should carry a note from the prescribing physician or from the travel clinic on letterhead stationery. Certain medications are not permitted in certain countries. If there is a question about these restrictions, particularly with controlled substances, travelers should contact the embassy or consulate of the destination country.

A travel health kit is useful only when it is available. It should be carried with the traveler at all times (such as in a carry-on bag), although sharp objects must remain in checked luggage. Travelers should make sure that any liquid or gel-based items packed in the carry-on bags do not exceed the size limits. They can consult with the airline for all air-related travel restrictions.

 

SUPPLIES FOR PREEXISTING MEDICAL CONDITIONS

Travelers with preexisting medical conditions should carry enough medication for the duration of their trip and an extra supply, in case the trip is extended for any reason. If additional supplies or medications are needed to manage exacerbations of existing medical conditions, these should be carried as well.

People with preexisting conditions, such as diabetes or allergies, should consider wearing an alert bracelet (such as those available from www.medicalert.org and making sure this information is on a card in their wallet and with their other travel documents.

 

GENERAL TRAVEL HEALTH KIT SUPPLIES

For a complete list of basic items that should be considered for a travel health kit please click here.

 

HEALTH INSURANCE

Otis students are required to carry GeoBlue or Program Provider Health Insurance. Keep in mind that should medical attention be required abroad, it may be necessary for you to have sufficient cash on hand to make payment at the time of treatment, since the foreign physician and/ or hospital may not be able to process medical bills through an American insurance company. In such cases, be sure to obtain a receipt to submit with your insurance claim for reimbursement upon return to the U.S. Get a copy of your medical record from the physician or hospital before returning to the U.S.

 

ADDITIONAL LINKS