What to pack in your travel health kit

A basic travel health kit is important no matter where you travel. It contains enough supplies to prevent illness, handle minor injuries and illnesses, and manage pre-existing medical conditions for longer than the duration of your trip.

Why should I take a health kit when travelling?

Traveling to new destinations, especially in different climates or environments, can expose you to various health risks and having a well-stocked health kit ensures you have the necessary supplies to address common health concerns.

There are many reasons to take a health kit for your trip:

• May not be available in other countries: First aid supplies and medications may not always be readily available in other countries or may be different from those available in Canada
• Convenience and accessibility: Having a health kit on hand means you don’t have to search for pharmacies or stores in unfamiliar places when you need basic medical supplies. It provides you with immediate access to essential items, saving you time and hassle.
• Minor health issues: A health kit allows you to address minor health issues like cuts, scrapes, insect bites, headaches, and minor digestive problems quickly and effectively. It can help you manage these situations without disrupting your travel plans.
• Language barrier: In some destinations, language barriers may make it challenging to communicate your medical needs effectively. Having a health kit with standard supplies ensures you can manage minor health concerns without needing to explain specific symptoms.
• Remote or less developed areas: If you’re traveling to remote or less developed areas, access to medical facilities and pharmacies may be limited. A health kit can be a lifesaver in such situations.
• Immediate response: In case of minor injuries or illnesses, having first aid supplies readily available allows you to respond promptly and prevent the condition from worsening.
• Familiarity with products: Using products from your health kit ensures you are using familiar and trusted items that work well with your body and any existing health conditions or sensitivities.
• Specialized medications: If you have specific health conditions or allergies, having your prescribed medications in the health kit ensures you won’t run out or have difficulty finding them during your trip.
• Customization: You can tailor the health kit to your specific needs based on your destination, activities, and any pre-existing health conditions.

A well-prepared travel health kit can be a lifesaver, providing you with essential items to handle minor health issues while travelling.

What to pack in your travel health kit

Depending on your destination and specific needs, consider packing the following items in your travel health kit:

1. Basic first aid supplies:
   • Adhesive bandages (various sizes)
   • Gauze pads and adhesive tape
   • Antiseptic wipes or solution
   • Tweezers and scissors
   • Thermometer
2. Medications:
   • Prescription medications (in their original containers)
   • Over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
   • Antihistamines for allergies and insect bites
   • Antidiarrheal medication
   • Motion sickness medication
   • Mild laxative
   • Cough drops or cough syrup
   • Any other essential medications you regularly take
3. Topical medications:
   • Hydrocortisone cream (for skin irritations and itching)
   • Antifungal cream (for minor fungal infections)
   • Antibiotic ointment (for minor cuts and scrapes)
4. Personal health items:
   • Hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol content)
   • Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, etc.)
   • Menstrual products (if applicable)
   • Sunscreen with a high SPF
   • Insect repellent
5. Oral rehydration salts: These can be crucial in preventing and treating dehydration caused by diarrhea or other illnesses.
6. Water purification tablets or filter: If you’re traveling to an area with questionable water quality, these can help make water safe for drinking.
7. Allergy kit (epinephrine autoinjector): If you have severe allergies, carry your prescribed allergy kit with you at all times.
8. Prescription eyewear and contact lenses: Extra pairs of glasses or contact lenses, along with lens solution and a carrying case.
9. Personal protection gear: Depending on your destination, you may need additional protection gear like face masks, gloves, or mosquito nets.

Remember to pack your travel health kit in your carry-on luggage to have easy access to it during your journey.

Be considerate with your prescription medications

Prescription medications for legitimate health conditions may come under intense scrutiny by foreign officials. In some countries, drugs that are legal and readily available in Canada are considered illegal, require a prescription, or may arouse suspicions among local officials and customs and immigration authorities. It is always best to contact the foreign government offices accredited to Canada of the country you plan to visit to confirm the status of your medication.

Eat and drink safely abroad

The most common illnesses among travellers are generally caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, or viruses. Always take precautions with food and water to avoid getting sick. Boil it, cook it, peel it or leave it! Always wash your hands before eating or preparing food. Avoid raw or rare meats and fish, and street foods.

Always carry a card with important information

While abroad, always carry with you a card with important information. Not in your smartphone, but old-fashion piece of paper with the following:

• Personal medical information: A list of your allergies, medical conditions, and emergency contacts in case of an emergency.
• Emergency phone numbers: Note down emergency contact numbers specific to the country you’re visiting.
• Address of the place you are staying
• Address and phone number of the Canadian Embassy, Consulate, or High Commission in your destination country

Additionally, keep a small card with travel insurance company contacts (that your insurance company provided you with) in case of emergency.

Wrapping up

When packing your travel health kit, consider including items such as bandages, pain relievers, antiseptics, antihistamines, antidiarrheal medication, sunscreen, insect repellent, and any prescribed medications. Always check local regulations and restrictions on carrying medications or medical supplies in your destination country to avoid any issues during your travel. Additionally, consult with a travel health professional or your healthcare provider to get personalized advice and recommendations for your specific travel plans.