The Travel Health Kit: don’t leave home without it.

Regardless of where you travel it’s a good idea to carry a travel health kit with supplies you may need to manage any preexisting medical conditions, prevent illness or injury, or treat any minor health problems that occur. With a little planning it is easy to put together a travel health kit.

If you have a preexisting medical condition carry enough medication for the duration of your trip, plus a little extra. Although it might seem like a good idea to combine medications into one small container, officials at ports of entry may require proper identification of medication, so keep all medications in their original container with clear labels. Certain medications, such as controlled substances, are not permitted in some countries. If you are unsure about medication restrictions in the country you are traveling to, contact the embassy of the country you are traveling to for clarification.

The following is a list of items you may want to consider for your travel health kit.

Prescription Medications and Supplies

• Medications taken regularly at home

• Antibiotic for treatment of moderate to severe diarrhea

• Medication to prevent malaria, if needed

• Medication to prevent altitude illness, if needed

• An extra pair of prescription eyeglasses

• EpiPen if you have a history of severe allergic reaction

Over the Counter Medications

• Treatment for pain or fever (Tylenol or Ibuprofen)

• Treatment for stomach upset or diarrhea (Imodium or Pepto-Bismol)

• Packets of oral rehydration salts for dehydration

• Mild Laxative

• Antacid

• Antihistamine/Decongestant

• Cough Drops

• Anti-motion sickness medication

• Mild sedative or sleep aide

• Saline eye drops

• Saline nasal spray

Basic First Aid Items

• Adhesive bandages

• Gauze and adhesive tape

• Antiseptic wound cleanser

• Antibiotic ointment

• Hydrocortisone cream

• Anti-itch cream for bug bites

• Aloe gel for sunburns

• Moleskin to prevent foot blisters

• Ace wrap for sprains or strains

• Safety pins

Supplies to prevent illness or injury

• Antibacterial hand wipes or hand sanitizer

• Insect repellant

• Bed net (if needed for protection from insects while sleeping)

• Sunscreen

• Latex condoms

• Water purification tablets

• Ear plugs

Documents

• Proof of required vaccination on an International Certification of Vaccination card or medical waiver form

• Copies of prescriptions for medications

• Documentation of preexisting medical conditions such as diabetes or allergies

• Contact information for health insurance and supplemental travel health or evacuation insurance

• Contact information for family member remaining in the US

• Contact information for your health care provider

• Places of lodging

• Hospitals or clinics in your destination

• US embassy or consulate in the destination country