A lot of people are travel with medical conditions. While they can travel safely by air, transportation providers, such as airlines, possess the right to refuse to allow patients with severe medical conditions that may worsen flying with them. This is because their medical condition can cause huge problems for other customers and their staff.

Amongst the most commonly witnessed in-flight medical events as per the Tweed Heads Medical Centre are –

-Cardiac events
-Gastrointestinal events
-Respiratory events
-Fainting
-Neurologic events

To ensure safe travel with the medical condition, the airlines may ask you to get clearance from the doctors. You may be denied boarding in the following cases –

-Your condition can be aggravated by flying
-Your condition needs special medical equipment or attention during the flight
-Your condition may affect the safety and welfare of others on the plane
-Your condition may be considered dangerous for the aircraft’s safety

The first rule for people travelling with health issues like heart disease, anemia, diabetes, cancer, lung conditions, or something that involves undergoing treatment or surgery would be to consult with the doctor before travelling by air. Some safety tips are –

#1 Carry your medication
If super storms and erupting volcanoes have taught us something, it is that travelling can be unpredictable. So, you must carry extra abundant medication. This is because if due to any reason your trip is extended, you would not run out of your medication.

Most travel experts say that travellers should carry their medications with them in original prescription containers in their hand luggage. This way, even if you cannot access your luggage, your health would not be at risk.

#2 Basic medical information
You should have your primary medical information like –


-Your travel insurance information
-Your health insurance information
-Your doctor’s contact information
-List of current illnesses and allergies
-Dosages and names of medications

You can print this information on a small card and carry a few of them and keep the extra ones in your money belt or wallet. This way even if you cannot speak for yourself, the information will help emergency medical personnel know about your health condition.

If you are traveling alone, you may want to wear a medical bracelet to signify your medical condition. If you have someone else who can talk on your behalf, you can avoid carrying a medical alert identification, including a tag, bracelet, card, or certificate.


#3 Doctor’s letter
If you have an implanted medical device, you must carry a doctor’s note or some kind of identification. This is because security checks for people who are fitted with pacemakers, artificial joints, and other such internal devices can create problems. You should consult your doctor before traveling if you have any cardiac device placed in your body because the magnets utilized by security can affect it. Before going through the airport security, keep your documents ready so that you can safely pass through security lines.

#4 Pre-existing condition coverage
Many people with a medical condition can do away without getting a pre-existing condition coverage along with their travel medical insurance policy, and the only method to know for sure about it is by understanding how your travel insurance company defines a pre-existing condition.

It is defined as any illness, injury, or medical issue for which you sought medical treatment, you had symptoms, or changed your medications. For example, people traveling with type I diabetes always have the pre-existing condition as their medication rate (insulin) is changing constantly. For those with heart conditions who have been consuming the same medication for a minimum period of 60-180 days before buying their travel insurance, coverage is not required.

#5 Oxygen Concentrators
Airlines are strict about patients traveling with oxygen because mishandled oxygen tanks have caused severe damages to flights. You will need to research the regulations for the airline you are thinking of flying with. Amongst the most important things to consider prior to leaving is that you have sufficient oxygen therapy where you will be traveling as you may need to possess refills of the portable tank.


#6 Medical Care
After you have prepared for the trip, you should research how to obtain medical care where you are going. Traveling domestically is easier than flying abroad, specifically if you are planning to go to a place where you are unfamiliar with its local language.

So, the two highly reliable and highly recommended information sources for travelers with medical conditions are =

-Being a member of IAMAT, which is an international association particularly for travelers with medical conditions
-Contacting the assistance services executives of your travel insurance company for getting help with finding translation services or a medical store.

You may choose having both services because, during a medical emergency, multiple sources will allow you to contact someone who has the right answers for your queries.
Traveling with a medical condition is not risky or complicated if you keep in mind the tips mentioned above.