Medical Issues for People with Disabilities
When talking with your doctor, discuss:
- Your planned activities and how they could be affected by your general physical condition.
- Any immunizations you might need.
- Which medications you might need, prescribed or over the counter, for the duration of your trip.
Research the types of medical care that will be available in the areas you plan to travel.
Medication Tips:
- Take extra medication in case your trip is delayed.
- Pack all medications in your carry-on bag. You'll be glad to have your medications with you if your checked baggage gets lost or misdirected.
- Always carry your prescriptions in labeled containers. Many countries have strict drug laws and authorities could be suspicious of pills in unlabeled bottles.
- Make a list of your prescription information and the names of their generic equivalents, and carry the list with you. If your medication gets lost, having the list will make it easier to replace.
- Be sure you have adequate health insurance coverage while traveling. Your policy may not cover such things as medical evacuations.
- Understand the coverage your plan provides, and know how to reach your insurance company in case of an emergency.
- U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States, but many travel agencies and private companies offer policies that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas, including medical evacuations and other emergency services.
- Some countries have restrictions on service dogs; check the rules with the embassy or consulate of each country that you plan to visit. If service dogs are permitted, learn about quarantine or vaccination requirements. Check this list from the U.S. Department of State to determine which countries allow travelers to bring service dogs.
- Know which documents you will need for your service dog companion, including international health certificates, rabies inoculation certificates and if the documents need to be translated.
- Talk with your vet about how to travel with your service dog, and how travel will affect the dog.
- Ensure that your hotel will accommodate all the needs of your service dog.
Once You’re There
Always carry a written itinerary (in English and the language of the country you are visiting), along with written directions to where you want to go. If you get lost, these documents can be shown to people who may be able to help.
If you are traveling in a country where you don’t speak the native language, a quick reference conversation guide or a photo guide can be very helpful.
With some advance planning for your special needs, you can help to ensure that your trip goes smoothly. This will give you more time to relax and enjoy the adventure.
For more information on travel for people with disabilities, see the Department of Transportation guidelines in New Horizons for the Air Traveler with a Disability.
