Travelling overseas is an exciting adventure that we all look forward to, especially in the summer months. However, it requires careful planning in terms of your health. We have put together this comprehensive guide to help you prepare for your international journey, ensuring that you have all the necessary medications and health-related essentials. Our dedicated pharmacy team can also help you prepare before you head off and even offer you support while you are away.
Consult Your Healthcare Provider
Before you travel, schedule a visit with a healthcare professional at your local pharmacy. This is especially important if you suffer from any chronic conditions or are travelling to countries with specific health risks. If you are regularly prescribed medication, we recommend that you plan ahead and order your medication with your GP at least a week before you travel. This will give your GP and Pharmacy plenty of time to provide your medication before you travel. If you are going to be enjoying a staycation in Scotland, then any nearby NHS pharmacies can help you access some of the most commonly prescribed medications as part of our unscheduled care service.
Prepare a Travel Health Kit
Having a well-stocked travel health kit is essential for managing minor health issues or injuries while travelling abroad. We recommend that your kit should include any prescription medications with a doctor’s note detailing your medical conditions and medications that you have to take, a good supply of over-the-counter medications such as pain killers, antihistamines, antacids, and cold and flu remedies, first-aid supplies such as bandages, plasters, and antiseptic wipes, and any additional items that may be deemed important like sunscreen (we advise SPF 30 or higher!), insect repellent, and hand sanitiser.
Understand Medical Procedures and Regulations
Different countries have varying regulations regarding medications. Research the laws of your destination country to ensure that you can legally bring your medications on holiday with you. We can also provide information on this if you need it so pop into your local branch if you need some assistance. Our main tips would be to check the customs regulations of your destination and any countries you may have to transit through, and check which medications are considered “controlled substances” in other countries to ensure you have proper documentation if your medication falls into this category.
When travelling abroad, it’s also important to be prepared as accessing healthcare in other countries will be very different to using any NHS services in the UK. It could also potentially be very costly depending on what treatment you need. We recommend getting travel insurance that covers your healthcare and emergency medical evacuation, and we are happy to provide any information you may need on this. We also advise checking out any travel recommendations for your preferred destination before you book. Fit for Travel is a great website that can provide you with this information.
Vaccinations and Prevention Treatments
Depending on where you’re going, you may need to be vaccinated against certain diseases to help you stay safe while you are away. These vaccinations may include typhoid, yellow fever, and hepatitis A and B. Advice on vaccinations can change from time to time so it’s best to seek advice from your pharmacy or check a trusted website such as the NHS for the most up to date and relevant information. The NHS will provide a number of these vaccines free of charge including diphtheria, tetanus and polio, hepatitis A, and cholera. We recommend that you start planning these vaccinations around 8 weeks in advance of travel. However, if it’s not possible for you to get an appointment with the NHS, it might be possible to be vaccinated in time for your holiday at one of our pharmacies. Some vaccines that are required for travel to certain countries are not provided by the NHS. One of our highly experienced pharmacists can point you in the right direction of what is required for your trip.
Something else that may be required to travel to some locations is Malaria prevention treatment. There are a number of options for this, so we recommend speaking to a healthcare professional such as a pharmacist or your GP to discuss your medication options if you are travelling to one of these destinations.
The Benefits of Pharmacy Support
Our experienced pharmacists can provide you with a personalised plan for your own travel needs. This could be vaccinations, medicines support, or preparing you for your trip. Our team will offer a consultation and give you a tailormade care plan to keep you healthy on holiday this summer! Contact us or pop into your local Bannerman’s branch to get your holiday plans underway.
Preparing for your overseas trip involves more than just packing your suitcase. Ensuring you have the right medications, vaccinations, and health information can make a significant difference to your travel experience. By following these steps, you can enjoy peace of mind while focussing on fun and relaxation while you are on holiday.
Happy travels!
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice from your pharmacy or GP. Please consult your healthcare professional for advice based on your own personal health needs when necessary.
