On Your Way! A Guide to Healthy Travel with Medical Prescriptions

Be Prepared and Plan Ahead with the Use of Medical Calendars and Action Plans

Summer is often a time when we go on vacation to remote places, relax at the cottage, visit with family, or travel to exotic climes! If you are traveling across borders, check the Government of Canada’s page on traveling with medications.

Medical Consultation

At least six weeks before your trip, schedule a consultation with your doctor to receive a health assessment and any vaccinations or preventive medications you may need for your destination. Some vaccines must be administered several weeks before departure to be effective. In addition, certain countries require visitors to provide a vaccination certificate. Don’t forget to ask your primary care provider if your medication contains any of the 3 categories of controlled substances, as these are illegal in many countries.

It’s recommended that you keep medicines in their original, labeled containers and place these items in your carry-on in the event that you need immediate access. And if you wear glasses or contact lenses, having the prescription with you will make it easier to replace them if needed.

What is a Medication Calendar?

A medication calendar, or schedule, allows you to record your current prescription and non-prescription medications as well as natural health products such as vitamins, minerals, and herbal remedies. This can be valuable information for travel, Emergency Room visits, walk-in clinics or if your regular doctor is away.

Medications should be listed under their generic names so that they’re recognizable to health care providers in other countries, where the drugs may be sold under different brand names.

Always keep an up-to-date version with you. Some people keep one at home as well on their counter or fridge so it is easy to access. Remember to make changes as needed. If you take two different doses of the same drug, record each one on a separate line. If you need help filling it out, speak with your primary care provider or pharmacist.

Click on the button below to download and print a copy for your use.

It’s recommended to check medication supply about a week before an extended trip to ensure there is enough to last the entire trip. Most insurance providers will allow a 30-day supply of medication to be refilled within five to seven days before the supply runs out and about 10-14 days for a 90-day supply. If you see that you are within that window, it’s best to call the pharmacy and get a refill of your medication before you head off on your trip.

What is a Medical Action Plan, and Do I Need One?

A medical action plan explains to all care providers how to proceed if the care recipient’s health declines. Having an action plan in place is vital in ensuring your health and safety. Each health issue requires a separate action plan. Most health issues have mild, moderate, and severe signs and symptoms. These symptoms should be identified in the appropriate column.

If the symptom requires self care, details about this care must be provided. Not all issues will have symptoms in all 3 columns and self care may never be appropriate. See a sample below for print off.

It is highly recommended to have your physician review this document. A medical action plan helps to ensure that when any symptoms strike, there is a plan of action readily available. Sometimes the symptoms are minor and only require observation. For examples of Medical Action Plans click here .

Health Link BC provides an overview of an Action Plan for Heart Failure, known as a Heart Failure Zone. It gives you an easy way to check your symptoms and see changes in your health issue. The plan also tells you when you need to get help. Your doctor may give you a plan, or you might create one together.

You’d use your plan every day. It takes the guesswork out of knowing when symptoms mean you should call your doctor or when you need to call for emergency help instead. Click the download button below the file to print it out.