Travel & Safety Planning

• Submit a TSA Notification Card (available at tsa.gov) before your trip to alert officers about medical conditions.
• You may request a private screening if your medical devices or conditions require sensitive handling.
• TSA Cares helpline (855-787-2227) can arrange assistance -- call at least 72 hours before your flight.
• Medications, medical devices, and liquid nutrition supplements are exempt from the 3.4 oz liquid rule.

• Always pack all medications in your carry-on bag -- never check essential medications in luggage.
• Liquid medications in reasonable quantities are permitted through security with declaration.
• Syringes and injectable medications are allowed with proper documentation (letter from physician).
• Controlled substances require original pharmacy labels matching your government-issued ID.

• Request an aisle seat for easy access to the restroom and ability to stand and stretch.
• Stay hydrated: drink at least 8 oz of water per hour of flight time -- cabin humidity is typically 10-20%.
• Wear compression socks to reduce blood pooling and lower extremity swelling (especially for POTS patients).
• Set timers for medication doses adjusted to your destination time zone if crossing multiple zones.
• Inform flight attendants of your medical conditions discreetly at boarding -- they can assist in emergencies.

• Research your destination country's healthcare system and whether reciprocal agreements exist with the US.
• The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) does not cover US citizens -- purchase dedicated travel health insurance.
• Verify that your prescriptions are legally importable: some common medications (e.g., certain stimulants, opioids) are restricted or banned in other countries.
• Request a letter from your physician translated into the local language listing all medications with generic (INN) names.

• Purchase medical evacuation insurance that covers pre-existing conditions -- standard travel insurance often excludes them.
• Verify coverage limits: medical evacuation can cost $50,000-$250,000+ depending on location and distance.
• Confirm your policy covers air ambulance transport to your home country, not just to the nearest adequate facility.
• Keep your insurance provider's 24/7 emergency hotline number saved in your phone and printed in your documents.

• Japan: many common decongestants (pseudoephedrine) and ADHD medications (Adderall) are strictly prohibited.
• UAE/Middle East: codeine, tramadol, and some anxiety medications require advance government approval for import.
• Singapore: strict limits on medication quantities -- carry no more than 3 months' supply with full documentation.
• Contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country to verify medication restrictions before booking travel.

Save your destination country's US Embassy number in your phone before departure. The 24/7 emergency line for US citizens abroad is +1-202-501-4444. Embassies can help locate English-speaking physicians, contact family, and assist with emergency funds.

Print or save digital symptom translation cards in the local language. Include your conditions, medication names (using INN/generic names), allergies, and key phrases like 'I need emergency medical help' and 'I have a serious medical condition.' Free templates available through the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers (IAMAT).

112 is the universal emergency number in EU countries. Know the local equivalent: UK (999), Japan (119 ambulance), Australia (000), India (108 ambulance). Save these in your phone before departure.