Your suitcase is ready for your next adventure. Or is it? If you didn’t pack a travel health kit, it is time to add one.
According to the Government of Canada, a travel health kit is essential for all travellers. It doesn’t matter if you are going on a weekend getaway or a multi-week trip; emergencies can happen anytime, but medical supplies might not be readily available.
The Government of Canada recommends you stock your travel health kit with essential supplies to prevent illness, treat minor injuries or sickness, or manage pre-existing medical conditions.
So what items should you include? Here are a few essentials our expert CAA Travel Consultants recommend you bring.
Basic first aid supplies
Inside your travel health kit, you’ll want all the essential supplies to help with illness or injury. So make sure to pack medicine to relieve headaches, pain, fever or simple strains such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin.
A cut or graze is the most common form of minor injury when travelling, so you’ll also want adhesive bandages and blister pads.
Other supplies to bring are a digital thermometer to check for a fever, N95 surgical masks, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes to clean the armrest and tray tables on airplanes. Other useful items are disposable latex or vinyl gloves and tweezers for removing ticks or splinters.
Prescription medicine
Before departure, make an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss your itinerary and health concerns.
If you have pre-existing medical conditions, pack extra medicine just in case your trip gets extended from flight delays or cancelled flights. The last thing you want is to run out.
To make going through airport security easier, carry all medications in their original containers with clear labels that identify your name, and bring the prescription.
Supplies for an upset stomach
Indigestion and heartburn can frequently occur when eating new regional cuisine while travelling, so have a supply of medicine to treat an upset stomach or heartburn in your travel health kit.
Motion sickness treatment
If you’re taking a cruise or travelling on a boat, consider bringing along treatment for motion sickness. You can buy over-the-counter medicine for motion sickness or ask your doctor about motion sickness patches.
Travel insurance
Always carry proof of your health insurance coverage when travelling. Getting sick or injured while travelling at home or abroad isn’t just stressful; it’s also expensive.
Make sure you have the right insurance for your plans and needs if you’re planning a busy vacation filled with sports, activities, and eating different foods.
Our CAA Travel Consultants are happy to help you with your travel insurance. You can book an appointment online. They’ll answer all your questions about travel insurance and get the best coverage for your budget.
Sunscreen
Excessive sun exposure can be dangerous. Too many people head to the beach and get severe burns or skin damage from the tropical sun. Don’t just apply sunscreen; cover up and wear a hat. Even when surfing or snorkelling, wearing long-sleeved board shirts and shorts is a good idea.
Contact card
Having emergency contact information in your first aid kit is essential. If you find yourself in an emergency resituation, doctors need someone to call.
Ensure you have the phone number for emergency contact and family doctor. Having the address and phone number of nearby hospitals at your destination is also a good idea.
Get your travel health kit ready
Still have questions on what to bring? Our CAA Travel Consultants are happy to help answer your questions and help you get the right travel insurance coverage. Did you know Members save up to 20%1 on CAA Travel Insurance? Get a quote or book an appointment online today.
CAA Travel Insurance is underwritten by Orion Travel Insurance Company, a CAA Company. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. Subject to change without notice. A Medical Questionnaire is required if you are 60 years of age and older. Quotes are valid for 30 days.
1. Applies to CAA Members in good standing (CAA Membership dues paid in full by Membership expiry date). Up to twenty percent (20%) savings applies to the total premium excluding applicable taxes. Minimum premium applies. Subject to change without notice. Excludes Visitors to Canada Insurance. CAA Everyday, Classic®, and Plus® Members save 10%. CAA Premier® Members save 20% at CAA Stores or by calling 1-800-267-8713. CAA Premier Members save 10% and earn 10% in CAA Dollars® when booking online.