prescription if the
state healthcare
system of that country
doesn’t foot the entire bill.
Pack extra prescriptions
Several weeks before you go away,
ask your doctor for extra medication
to ensure you have enough to tide
you over. But it’s important to
consider any restrictions on
medicines in the nation you’re
visiting—check with the embassy of
your destination country.
Carry medication in its original
packaging and, if you’re flying,
carry it in hand luggage with a copy
of the prescription.
Take some notes
We mean medical notes. Ask your GP
for a letter outlining your condition
and any recent treatment, and what
medication you take for it. They may
charge for this. It might also be worth
having it translated into the language
of the country you’re visiting.
Know where the
nearest medical centre is
Whether or not you’ve got a long-
term condition, it’s wise to check out
where the nearest doctor, hospital
and accident and emergency
department is.Travel with someone you trust
You’ll feel safer if your travelling
companion can be relied on in an
emergency, especially if you have
a serious illness.Plan for the worst
What’s the worst case scenario?
Being hospitalised? Being confined
to your hotel room for the duration
of your stay? Decide if you can cope
with either of those. But, at the end
of the day, a holiday is a chance to
put your troubles to one side for a
brief period and there’s good
evidence that it can benefit your
sense of wellbeing, so don’t be put
off by the negatives. Bon voyage! nAUGUST 2019 • 47