Travel for Individuals with Disabilities or Chronic Medical Conditions
Traveling with a chronic illness can add extra stress to a trip, but with some preparation, you can have a relaxing and enjoyable experience.
Documentation
It is very important that you bring appropriate documentation with you on your trip. Having documents created by your health care provider, like a portable health summary can help inform people about your special needs while traveling. The TSA has developed a informational card to help convey the existence of a chronic medical condition to employees at airport security. Having the appropriate documentation can tailor TSA screening protocols and travel processes to conditions. For example, passengers with intellectual disabilities or autism can be screened without being separated from their caregivers.
Medication
Pack all your medication in your hand luggage (enough for your whole trip, plus a little extra). All pills should be in their original bottle, especially prescription drugs. Liquid medications are exempt from the TSA 3-1-1 rule, and larger quantities of medically necessary liquids are permitted in hand luggage. Ice packs, pumps, and syringes for medication are also allowed, but have to be declared to the TSA agent.
Respiratory Equipment/Oxygen
Make sure you contact the airline because not all airlines allow portable oxygen tanks. Also, notify the TSA significantly in advance (855-787-2227 Toll Free). If you are able to be disconnected from the oxygen, then you may submit it for x-ray screening. If you are not able to be disconnected, the oxygen tank and associated tubing will be screened for explosive material. Nebulizers, CPAP, and BiPAP machines are subject to additional screening, and may be required to be removed from their containers.
Emergency Preparedness
Carry your portable health summary with you at all times. At the very least, you should have a card containing information about your medication condition, medications, and allergies written in the local language. If appropriate, make sure you are wearing your medical alert jewelry. Make sure you have a plan to obtain care abroad.
Insurance
Be sure to check if your insurance covers your medical care abroad. If not, you may consider purchasing travel health insurance which can cover medical expenses incurred overseas. You can also consider purchasing medical evacuation insurance which will cover expenses related to transporting you to tertiary health care centers in the case of an emergency.