DAN Medical Frequently Asked Questions

Assembling a Travel Medical Kit

Medications, protective items, first-aid supplies, documents and other items needed in a travel medical kit.Regular prescription medications
Special prescriptions for traveling
* Prescription medication to prevent malaria, if necessary
* Antibiotic prescribed by your doctor for self-treatment of moderate to severe diarrhea
* EpiPen, assuming you receive training in its use
Over-the-counter medications for traveling
* Antidiarrheal, such as bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) or loperamide (Imodium)
* Antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or loratadine (Claritin)
* Decongestant, alone or in combination with an antihistamine
* Motion sickness medication
* Saline eye drops
Over-the-counter medications used regularly at home
* Medication for pain and/or fever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil) or aspirin
* Mild laxative
* Cough suppressant, alone or in combination with an expectorant
* Cough drops
* Antacid, such as calcium carbonate (Tums)
* Antifungal ointment or cream
* Antibacterial ointment or cream
* 1% hydrocortisone cream
*Water purification tablets** Insect repellent containing DEET (30- to 50-percent solution) or picaridin (up to 15-percent solution)
* Sunscreen (preferably SPF 15 or greater) with both UVA and UVB protection
* Antibacterial hand wipes or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol
* Lubricating eye drops
* Ear plugs
Personal safety equipment appropriate for your plans, such as helmets, car safety seats, protective glasses, work gloves, etc. First-aid quick-reference card
* Basic first-aid items, such as various-sized bandages, gauze, an Ace bandage, antiseptic, tweezers, scissors, cotton-tipped swabs, etc.
* Moleskin for blisters
* Butterfly bandages (Steri-Strips) for loose wound closures
* Aloe gel for sunburns
* Digital thermometer
Oral rehydration solution packets Mild sedative or other sleep aid, such as melatonin
* Gloves, preferably sterile
* Medication to prevent altitude sickness
* Splinting material for extremity injuries
* Commercial suture and/or syringe kits (for use by a local health-care provider; these items will require a letter on your prescribing physician's letterhead)
* Latex condomsTravelers should carry the following documents with them at all times, and also leave copies of them with a family member or close contact at home, in case of an emergency:
* Proof of vaccination on an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) card — or a medical waiver — if specific vaccinations are required at your destination(s)
* Copies of the prescriptions for all your medications, eyeglasses and/or contact lenses, and any other prescription medical supplies; include the generic names of medications, in English and, if possible, translated into the language of your destination(s)
* Documentation of any pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes or allergies, in English and, if possible, translated into the language of your destination(s)
* Proof of your health insurance coverage, supplemental travel health insurance, medical evacuation insurance, and travel insurance; it is a good idea to carry contact information for all insurance providers, as well as copies of claim forms
* A contact card, which you carry on your person at all times, that includes street addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses for the following:
** A family member or close contact who will remain at home
** Health care provider(s) at home
** Where you will be staying at your destination(s)
** Hospitals or clinics and emergency medical services at your destination(s)
** U.S. embassy or consulate at your destination(s)One or two first-aid and/or emergency medical guides; further resources for a list of suggested titles.