Traveling tips for hemophilia patients

Hemophilia is a rare bleeding condition wherein the blood cannot clot properly at the site of the wound. People with this illness experience prolonged or spontaneous bleeding and bruising after an accident, surgery, or other injuries. Even minor wounds can cause continuous bleeding in hemophilia patients. As bleeding can occur at any time, it is important to manage the symptoms of hemophilia while traveling. Here are some tips to help hemophilia patients travel safely.

See your doctor before traveling
It is suggested to consult with a doctor before traveling. Ask them if you need to take any vaccinations like hepatitis A or B prior to traveling. Work out an action plan in case of emergencies. You can ask your doctor to provide a letter explaining the condition, prescriptions required, and devices needed in case of an emergency. Keep this letter with you at all times while traveling. If you’re traveling by flight, this letter will ensure that all your medical supplies are permitted on the plane.

Invest in travel insurance
Make sure to purchase travel insurance that covers conditions like hemophilia. Visiting a hospital in a foreign country can incur significant expenses. Some individuals get travel insurance through their schools or employer. It can also be availed through certain credit card companies.

Pack your medical supplies and keep track of treatments
Always pack extra medical supplies with you when traveling. This means packing enough syringes, bandages, and alcohol swabs. If you are traveling by flight, it’s advisable to keep medical supplies in your carry-on bag as luggage may sometimes be lost.

Furthermore, make sure to track your infusions to understand how much you have taken. This will make it handy to discuss any concerns with your doctor once you get home.

Learn about your destination
Always check if your destination has medical facilities or hospitals close by. Get information on nearby hemophilia centers. It’s best to contact these centers and inform them that you are planning a trip to their city. They will provide you with important information about preexisting conditions in case of emergencies.

Always ask for help
The hemophilia community is known to be useful to many patients. Check if there are any such advocacy groups in the area you’ll be staying in. Don’t be afraid to ask or reach out for help if required.