before, during, back
Prevention starts before departure and includes symptoms that appear after the stay.
11Before departure
Travel Health: Preparing Documents and Kit
Good preparation takes into account the destination, but also the person, duration, activities, climate and access to care. The kit completes an appropriate notice; it must not become an improvised pharmacy.
AnswerThe essential first
In practice
The short answer
Consult the official advice of the destination, check for insurance and assistance, prepare your treatments in their original packaging with a prescription using the international common name if possible, and adapt a small kit to the intended activities. Keep essential drugs and useful documents in hand luggage.
generic name of the medicine
It facilitates the identification of treatment abroad.
container to be stored
It reduces confusion and helps during a check or consultation.
01Understanding the situation
Checks that avoid impasses
First, prepare what would be difficult to resolve abroad: regular treatment, financial coverage, documents, chronic disease needs and access to care.
As soon as booking
Check out risks, entry requirements, season, access to care and assistance.
Prior to consultation
Gather itinerary, vaccinations, history, allergies and treatments.
When preparing the luggage
Divide the essential elements, control the quantities and avoid the isolated unidentifiable tablets.
During the stay
Adapt water, food, heat, sun, animals, circulation and prevention of bites to local context.
After the return
In case of symptoms, report the countries, dates, activities and possible exposures to the professional consulted.
02Step by step
Build a proportionate preparation
The following list serves as a framework. It should be adapted with a professional if you have treatment, chronic disease, pregnancy or exposure trip.
Read the official country profile
Check for health, safety, entry, climate and emergency numbers, and note the date of update.
Check insurance and assistance
Examine ceilings, exclusions, advance costs, repatriation and contact procedures.
Preparing for regular treatment
Keep packing, package leaflet and prescription; check the specific customs rules before leaving.
Compose a simple kit
Include first aid equipment and products suitable for your stay, without accumulating unnecessary medications.
Divide the essential elements
Keep essential treatment, prescription and contacts in the cabin or on you, according to the rules of transport.
Provide water, food and vectors
Identify the advice applicable to the destination and take the appropriate means of protection.
Create an appeal form
Note insurance, assistance, person to prevent, allergies and treatments, protecting these data.
Plan for return
Keep the route and know when to report fever, bite or exposure quickly.
03Decision points
Adapt kit and procedures
The context determines the right measure. Use these markers to choose the next action and when to ask for help.
Urban short stay
Focus on personal treatment, small equipment, documents and prevention tools adapted to the season.
Isolated area or exposed activity
Ask for expert advice on kit, communication, evacuation and first aid.
Treatment or medical device
Check transport, storage, power supply, prescription, authorized quantity and backup solution.
04Not to be done
Frequent errors
- Transport bulk tablets without box, package leaflet or identification.
- Suppose a bank card automatically covers care and repatriation.
- Carry an antibiotic for use without medical instructions.
- Place all necessary treatment in checked baggage.
- Forget to report a recent trip during a return consultation.
Important limitTreatment may be regulated, prohibited or certified in the country of destination or transit. Check the rules with the competent authorities. In case of chronic illness, pregnancy, disability or isolated travel, prepare the stay with a professional who knows your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much treatment is taken?
Allow the duration of the stay with a small reasonable margin for a delay, within the limits allowed. Ask for the order and check the country and carrier rules.
Why keep the original boxes?
They identify the drug, dosage and package leaflet, reduce errors and facilitate control or consultation.
Do we have to take antibiotics?
Not without specific instructions and instructions from a professional. Improper use can delay diagnosis, cause side effects and promote antibiotic resistance.
What do you report to a doctor when he returns?
Indicate unusual destinations, dates, activities, food or water, animal contacts, bites, care received and date of onset of symptoms.
Check implementation
These points serve as a reminder to prepare the action. The boxes are not registered.
Preparing the information to be communicated
Organize the chronology and documents to bring, without delaying a quick notice when it is necessary. Fill in the aide-memoire for a medical exchange →
Sources used
These institutional references provide a means of checking the guide and accessing the full recommendations.
PratiqueCheck before deciding
Votre liste de vérification
- Préparer ordonnances et dénominations des médicaments.
- Identifier l’accès aux soins et les numéros locaux.
- Prévoir eau, alimentation et protection vectorielle selon l’itinéraire.
- After returning, mention the trip when seeking medical care for a fever.
Use alongside the guide’s steps, limitations and sources.
Folder Illustrations
Images generated by artificial intelligence to put the subject in context.
Image generated by artificial intelligence. Fictional AI-generated scene, not medical evidence or a diagnosis.