Travel Tips
It is highly recommended that you should have a letter on headed paper from your Haemophilia Centre to confirm that you are carrying treatment, needles, syringes etc, as well as relevant information on any metal implants (such as knees or hips) that may set off the security scanners. The letter should not be more than six months old and should be updated as necessary. This letter should be signed by a consultant doctor. If travelling to the USA, the letter should ideally specify the brand name of the factor you will be carrying. To allow for some delays you should pass through security as early as possible.
– Your Haemophilia Centre will advise you how much treatment you need to take on holiday with you
– It may be useful to pack one medication information insert and one box cover. In the event that you cannot treat yourself, or if there is a language barrier, this would be useful for the treating doctor.
– National haemophilia organisations and treatment centres can also be a source of assistance if needed while travelling. You will find these listed in the WFH Passport which is available online at www.wfh.org or in this section on Travel. Alternatively you can contact us at any stage for information on the country you are visiting. Having this information in advance allows you to plan in case of an emergency as not every hospital will have a treatment centre.
– Photocopy all necessary travel documents (tickets, passport, visa, one form of ID, travel letters, insurance policy, etc.) and leave them in an envelope at home where they can be accessed easily in case any of these documents get lost and need to be replaced. A photocopy will speed up the process of replacement documents. Another option would be to place an extra set of copies in your checked in luggage, or you could scan travel documents and send them to yourself in an email.
– If you are planning a long haul flight it may be useful to take some treatment before you leave.
– Ensure you have your UKHCDO bleeding disorder card or Green card clearly visible in your wallet and bring details of any insurance cover policy numbers, and contact details with you.
– When in transit (bus, train or plane) always carry your treatment in your hand luggage to prevent loss or breakages. If the trip is long and you have a lot of treatment, carry all the treatment and possibly 5-6 injection kits in your hand luggage. The rest of the injection kits can be stored in your main luggage. You can leave your factor in your carry on bag. However, it is recommended to put your medication (in cooler bag) in the tray with your coins, watch, wallet etc. when going through security at the airport. You may be asked to open the bag but if you have your letter you should not have any problem.
– It is important to know how long it is recommended that treatment can be stored out of the refrigerator and also the temperature range at which it can be stored outside of the refrigerator.
– It may also be useful to know if your hotel or hostel has a secure refrigerator, where you can store your treatment, especially in warmer countries.
In case of emergencies
It is highly recommended that you should have a letter on headed paper from your Haemophilia Centre with information about your bleeding disorder, the usual treatment you receive and any other medical conditions or information that may be useful in case of emergency. This letter should not be more than six months old. If you need to attend a hospital while you are away, if possible treat yourself first. Accident and Emergency rooms can be slow at the best of times and if a translator is required this may add to the delay in getting your treatment.