Whether it’s through a cruise, a group tour, or an itinerary you planned yourself, visiting multiple countries on a single trip can be a great way to explore different cultures. But it does require you to research each destination. By doing so, you’ll feel more confident that you’re addressing your medical needs when traveling to several countries during one trip.
Here are recommendations and resources to help you plan your trip and prepare for the unexpected, even when you’re far from home.
Schedule an appointment with your doctor or a travel medical clinic. Make an appointment at least a month before you travel to discuss any medications you may need to take before you leave to prevent diseases like malaria or yellow fever, as well as any vaccines you may need, such as boosters for tetanus or measles.
Ask for written copies of all your prescriptions at the appointment in case your medicine gets lost or ruined. You will also want to ask your doctor to provide a note if you take a controlled substance or travel with an Epi-Pen. Please note, though, that a doctor’s note might not protect you from being detained or arrested if you violate a country’s law by bringing in a banned item. You can read more on that topic below.
Do country-specific research. The U.S. State Department's website is a great resource for country-by-country information on vaccines required for entry, disease outbreaks, visa requirements, and travel alerts.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website details illnesses common in each country and recommends vaccines and medicines to prevent them. The database is easily searchable. Be sure to discuss all recommendations with your doctor at your pre-trip visit.
Double-check your medications or medical equipment. According to Arizona State University’s Global Education Office, Adderall, Xanax, and other medications that are controlled substances can get you arrested or deported in some counties – even if they are in their original bottles with your name on the label. Check with the embassy in each country you are visiting or have layovers in if you have concerns about specific medicines.
Pack your over-the-counter and prescription medicines. Prescription medicines should go in your carry-on bag in their original containers. Be sure your name on the container matches the name on your travel documents.
Count out the number of doses in each box or bottle to ensure you’ll have enough for the duration of your trip, plus a few extra days in case your return is delayed.
While packing, consider gathering remedies for headaches, allergies, and stomach or intestinal distress. In some countries, these medicines are only available with a prescription.
Declare your prescription medication at customs. If you travel by plane or ship, this will happen in countries where you have layovers and arrive or depart. Checking all medications to make sure they are allowed and in their original containers can help protect you from delays or hassles.
If You Need More Help with Medical Care when Traveling to Several Countries
Even if you prepare carefully, you may experience an accident, injury, or flare-up of a medical condition that requires immediate care. SentinelMED provides medical escort, evacuation, repatriation, and transport services for patients who need assistance with long-distance travel. In many cases, our medical escorts travel with patients on commercial flights, a cost-effective alternative to air ambulance services. Our medical escorts are trained or experienced in emergency and critical care medicine.
At SentinelMED, we understand the complexity of delivering exceptional care to domestic medical travelers. Please contact us to learn more about our services and staff.
