Travel always needs some amount of planning. If you have a bleeding or blood disorder, you can still enjoy traveling. It is important to be extra prepared for things like transporting and storing medication and planning in case of an emergency.
This section of Domestic and International Travel covers:
Transporting Medications Safely
What to Carry in Your Carry-on Bag
Preparing for Domestic and International Travel
Transporting Medications Safely
When flying, rules about what you can have in your carry-on bag do not apply to medical supplies, medications, and devices related to your disorder. You should always carry a travel letter with you from your health care provider that explains your condition and medications.
It may be helpful to pack medications and supplies separately in your carry-on to make the screening and inspection process at the airport easier and quicker. Always allow extra time for screening. Medication and supplies for your bleeding disorder should never be packed in checked luggage for the following reasons:
- Changes in temperature in an airplane's baggage area may affect the effectiveness of the medication.
- If luggage is handled roughly it could lead to broken containers.
- Your luggage and medication could be lost.
Airports often screen checked and carry-on luggage using x-ray machines. Be aware of any products that should not be scanned by x-ray machines. You have the right to request that your items be physically checked rather than screened using x-ray machines.
Remember to clearly label all your carry-on medications, supplies, and equipment. Pack some extra medicine and supplies in case you are delayed when traveling. Make sure there is a safe way to store the medication once you get to your destination. For example, if you need a refrigerator, make sure there is one at the place where you are staying.
Another option is to send larger amounts of any medications or supplies to the destination by insured mail. Ask your Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC) team for more information about handling or shipping large amounts of medication. However, even if you decide to ship medication, you should always have additional medication with you in case of any travel delays.
What to Carry in Your Carry-on Bag
Your carry-on bag is a great place for fragile items or things that you cannot be without if the luggage is delayed or goes missing. When packing your carry-on bag, remember to pack the following:
- Your bleeding disorder medication.
- A way to store your bleeding disorder medication correctly.
- If needed, an infusion or subcutaneous injection kit with syringes, needles, gauze, alcohol wipes, tourniquets, and bandages.
- Your travel letter.
- Any other medication you take.
If you want more information on a checklist for self-infusion, please go to Infusion Basics.
Preparing for Domestic and International Travel
When traveling both domestically and internationally there are a few extra things to think about. Below are some considerations when preparing for travel:
- Adjusting your medication schedule to another time zone.
- Checking if your treatment is available at the destination in case you need it.
- If your medication requires refrigeration, you will want to make sure that the place you are staying at has accommodations for refrigeration or medication storage.
- Checking with your airline or travel agent in advance if you need extra assistance at the airport when going through screening and check-in.
- Finding out from your insurance company before you leave about the type of coverage you have while you travel and what steps to take if you need medical care.
- Your health care provider can tell you about any immunizations you may be required to take before traveling to some countries. Remember that certain vaccinations, such as hepatitis A and B, are highly recommended for people with bleeding disorders.
- Be sure to take all the necessary steps to avoid any travel-related illnesses, since you could come into contact with unfamiliar diseases. For more information on traveling and required immunizations, please go to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Travelers' Health.
When planning a trip, you should always talk to your Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC) team or health care provider. The HTC team can also talk with you about issues you may not be aware of, like information on the immunizations needed for some regions of the world.
Packing list for an international or domestic trip:
- Enough bleeding disorder medication to last for the entire time that you expect to be away from home. You may also want to bring an additional amount in case your return is delayed.
- A flash or USB drive with important medical and contact information.
- A list of the locations of hospitals or Hemophilia Treatment Centers (HTCs) along your travel route. You can find a list of HTCs in the US through the HTC directory or in other countries through the World Federation of Hemophilia.
- Prescriptions.
- Health insurance information.
- Medical alert jewelry or ID.
- Multiple copies of up-to-date passports or IDs. Make sure to make photocopies in case your passport or ID gets lost or stolen.
- Vaccination cards, if required.
Travel Letter
A travel letter is an official letter from your health care provider that describes your bleeding disorder and medical needs in the event of an emergency. Because medications and medical supplies are exempt from luggage and carry-on rules, your travel letter will show the transportation security officials that your carry-on treatment items are allowed. You can talk to your health care provider before you travel and let them know you will need a travel letter.
Your travel letter should include information such as:
- The affected individual’s full name and diagnosis
- The Hemophilia Treatment Center or Hospital
- The affected individual’s treatment product and dosage
- The affected individual’s insurance, subscriber, policy number, and group number
- The contact information of the affected individual’s Hemophilia Treatment Center/ Hospital for weekdays and weekends in case of an emergency
- Language that the treatment products and supplies cannot be opened for any reason, as they will become contaminated and unusable.
When you are at your annual visit, it is a good idea to ask for this letter even if you aren’t planning a trip so you can have one on hand if needed. Please contact your HTC to ask for this letter if you don’t have one.
Gap Year and Study Abroad
Many students choose to study abroad and have an educational experience in another country. With advanced planning, your bleeding or blood disorder doesn’t have to stand in your way. When thinking about studying abroad, consider the same questions you had when choosing a school away from home.
If you want more information about doing a gap year or studying abroad, please go to Gap Year and Study Abroad.