How to travel with medication with complete peace of mind?
Air travel is a real headache for people who are under medical treatment. Protocols often change from airline to airline and country to country. It is, for example, easier to travel with medication within the Schengen area than in other countries.
For safety reasons, certain drugs are sometimes prohibited or their quantity is restricted. If you are planning a trip abroad, the main thing is to know the common regulations at airports as well as their specificities, depending on the country of destination.
What precautions should I take before the trip?
In order to avoid lengthy questioning and inquiries from security officers, travelers should first inquire with the airline about the regulations relating to the carrying of medication. Certain medical devices and drugs require a form issued by the competent authorities as well as a prescription issued by a doctor.
Liquid medicines in particular are subject to rigorous controls. Oxygen respirators and nebulizers may also have special restrictions.
Sharp objects such as needles or syringes require the presentation of a prescription and certified authorization.
You should know that health insurance does not always cover the cost of medication for a stay abroad of more than three months. For a stay of a few weeks to three months, the doctor must issue a prescription indicating "stay abroad", to obtain coverage.
The case of the Schengen area
The Schengen Convention facilitates travel with medication. However, travelers must have a transport permit. For people who are following a treatment based on psychotropic drugs, this document certifies the trip with medication to the authorities of the country visited. This authorization is issued by the regional health agency of the prescribing doctor. Each drug requires a form, the patient fills out one part and the ARS agent completes the rest. The latter then delivers the original of the declaration.
Storing Medicines While Traveling and Other Tips
Medicines are very sensitive to temperatures that are too high or too low, so be sure to pack them properly for air travel, as you can only take in your hand luggage the quantity necessary for the duration of the flight.
However, if you are chronically ill, consider bringing more than the normal dose to guard against flight delays or cancellations. Above all, don't forget to bring your authorization and your prescription to avoid any problems during checks.
Confusion can occur during the trip if the drugs are numerous, put them in their original packaging with their instructions in order to distinguish them easily.
For electrical medical devices, it's always a good idea to carry a spare battery.
Useful information
Some airlines have implemented devices that support the transport of medicines as well as the health of their passengers. They approve of traveling with medical equipment like medication, oxygen, and needles, especially if you have any kind of allergy or chronic illness. However, the person must take care of the storage and injection themselves.
For diabetics, the ADF has published a guide dedicated to air travel . You will find the answers to all your questions about the authorized amount of insulin as well as advice for traveling with peace of mind.
As for asthmatics, there is no reason to worry, because the depressurization reduces pulmonary resistance and the air in the cabins is clean.
In case of deep vein thrombosis, small movements in the device are encouraged in order to avoid blood clotting.
The majority of people with pathologies often torment themselves when traveling. In order to feel more comfortable during a long trip, do not hesitate to follow these few tips intended to facilitate your trip with medication.
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