Many individuals or families with a member need to carry medical devices and medications wherever they go. Going on a promotional cruise or traveling with medical devices can be a stressful experience, especially if it’s sensitive equipment. It is essential to communicate with the doctor and the travel office before traveling or flying.
Some common medical devices people use when traveling include pacemakers, needles and syringes, Ostomy pouches and flanges, crutches, walkers, prosthetic devices, support appliances., orthopedic shoes, Apnea monitors, exterior medical devices, and other adaptive equipment. While it can be difficult and challenging to travel with those devices, it is even more difficult to get past the security if you do not have valid explanations.
Give below are some useful and important travel tips to consider when using medical devices.
- The first and most important step is to consult your doctor before traveling. Ensure that you are in good condition to travel and that your medical devices are in good condition. Get a health check-up and if you need to change your medical equipment before flying or traveling.
- Always get travel insurance if traveling overseas and ensure that the insurer covers any pre-existing conditions and will replace the medical device if lost or damaged. The specialized insurance should also cover your visits to see a local doctor and any medical evacuation.
- As a traveler, you must know that for any travel company and Airline, security is the most important. Thus, it is of utmost importance to inform the Airline of your medical condition and the need to carry a certain device. That will prevent any confusion and delays due to the identification and screening of your bags. Always carry documents to support your medical condition form an authorized body.
- Those traveling with a pacemaker, or an insulin pump must carry medical information that confirms their medical condition. Additional screening may be ended to verify the concerned authorities’ medical condition during travel. It is best to be well prepared and plan in advance if traveling with any such medical devices.
- If traveling with syringes, carry an explanation from your doctor or healthcare provider as to why you need those syringes. Traveling with needles and syringes without a medical certificate can land you in serious trouble. Thus, always check in advance with the Airline and the travel agency about the regulations, which can differ from country to country.
- It is a good idea to read in detail all info related to traveling with medical devices and understand the rules and regulations, plus other accommodations for the security screening. Individual airlines and countries have different policies for travelers with disabilities and medical conditions and may or may not allow some medical devices.
Just keep the above aspects in mind if you need to travel with medical equipment and devices. The idea is to plan ahead and be ready for any unforeseen checks and screening. If you carry the essential paperwork and follow the rules and guidelines of the Airline and country, you can certainly travel with your medical devices with peace of mind.