YOUR TRAVEL MEDICAL KIT

Medications

regular prescription medications
special prescriptions for traveling
- medication to prevent malaria if necessary
- antibiotic prescribed by your doctor for self-treatment of moderate to severe diarrhea
- EpiPen if you have training in its use

over-the-counter medications for traveling
- antidiarrheal such as bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) or loperamide (Imodium)
- antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or loratadine (Claritin)
- decongestant to take alone or in combination with an antihistamine
- motion sickness medication
- saline eye drops

over-the-counter medications used regularly at home
- medication for pain or fever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil) or aspirin
- mild laxative
- cough suppressant, alone or in combination with an expectorant
- cough drops
- antacid such as calcium carbonate (Tums)
- antifungal ointment or cream
- antibacterial ointment or cream
- 1% hydrocortisone cream
water purification tablets

Protective Items

insect repellent containing DEET (30 to 50 percent solution) or picaridin (up to 15 percent solution)
sunscreen (preferably SPF 15 or greater and safe for the environment) with both UVA and UVB protection
antibacterial hand wipes or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol
lubricating eye drops
ear plugs
personal protective equipment such as face masks and nitrile gloves
personal safety equipment appropriate for your plans, such as helmets, car safety seats, protective glasses, work gloves, etc.

First Aid Supplies

first aid quick-reference card
basic first aid items such as various-sized bandages, gauze, elastic bandage, antiseptic, tweezers, scissors and cotton-tipped swabs
moleskin for blisters
butterfly bandages (Steri-Strips) for loose wound closures
aloe gel for sunburns
digital thermometer
oral rehydration solution packets

Other Items

mild sedative or other sleep aid such as melatonin
gloves, preferably sterile
medication to prevent altitude sickness
splinting material for extremity injuries
commercial suture and/or syringe kits (for use by a local health care provider; these items will require a letter on your prescribing physician’s letterhead)
latex condoms

Documents

Travelers should carry the following documents with them at all times and also leave copies of them with a family member or close friend at home in case of an emergency:

proof of vaccination on an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) card or a medical waiver if specific vaccinations are required at your destination(s)
copies of the prescriptions for all your medications, eyeglasses and/or contact lenses, and any other prescription medical supplies; include the generic names of medications in English and if possible translated into the language of your destination(s)
documentation of any preexisting conditions such as diabetes or allergies in English and if possible translated into the language of your destination(s)
proof of your health insurance coverage, supplemental travel health insurance, medical evacuation insurance and travel insurance; carry contact information for all insurance providers as well as copies of claim forms
a contact card that you carry on your person at all times, which includes street addresses, phone numbers and email addresses for the following:
- a family member or close friend who will remain at home
- health care provider(s) at home
  where you will be staying at your destination(s)
- hospitals or clinics and emergency medical services at your destination(s)
- U.S. embassy or consulate at your destination(s)