7 STEPS TO A SUCCESSFUL TRIP

1 MAKE SURE YOUR VACCINATIONS ARE UP TO DATE.

Talk to your doctor, as certain live vaccines may not be appropriate, depending on your treatment.

2 BOOK THROUGH A TRAVEL AGENT.

This can save you time and money in the long run. Most travel agents have suppliers around the world that can arrange medical requirements on the ground. Additionally, a travel agent can contact airline medical desks on your behalf and get ‘fit to fly’ forms for your doctor. Anybody with a major medical issue should have these forms completed one month before flying.

3 DON’T ASSUME YOU DON’T QUALIFY FOR TRAVEL INSURANCE.

As long as your doctor verifies that you’re stable and controlled 14 to 90 days (dependent on age) prior to travel, you could be fine. ‘Stable and controlled’ is defined as ‘having no change in treatment or medications’.

4 PACK EXTRA PRESCRIPTIONS.

Keep all medications in their original bottles, with prescriptions, in your carry-on luggage. Carry a letter from your doctor describing the medications you’re carrying (listing both the generic and commercial names), along with a prognosis note that summarises your diagnosis and recent treatments.

5 ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE YOUR MEDICAL TEAM ON SPEED DIAL.

Sometimes a quick call to your doctor or triage nurse can solve a problem.

6 PLOT OUT WHERE THE CLOSEST MEDICAL FACILITY IS.

Knowing this ahead of time can save a lot of angst in case of an emergency.

7 EXPLORE WORSTCASE SCENARIOS.

Do you want to be hospitalised or stay in your hotel room? Realise that your travel partner might panic and admit you to hospital anyway, whether or not you have travel insurance.