Thinking about taking a trip and wanting to be prepared? Here are some things you may want to consider when traveling with a bleeding disorder.
- Find your nearest Hemophilia Treatment Center.
- Always wear your Medical ID jewelry.
- Always carry your own treatment products, treatment supplies, and medications with you. Products will vary at medical facilities and there could be limited availability.
- Carry a letter* from your treating doctor with information about your bleeding condition, any blood-borne viruses you may have, and the usual treatment you receive. This letter should, if possible, be in the language of the country being visited. You may not always be able to treat yourself, so this information is important.
* Sample letter is one example of what you should include but reach out to your hematologist to ask for one customized for your specific bleeding disorder and treatment.
- Medical insurance should be checked well in advance of departure. You may need extra time to deal with pre-existing conditions.
Flying or taking public transportation?
- Review the TSA’s Disabilities and Medical Conditions webpage.
- Check out the TSA Cares Program, which provides information on security procedures to help passengers with disabilities, medical conditions, and individuals needing additional assistance to better prepare for the security screening process.
TSA has modified procedures to ensure that your screening experience is smooth and seamless. - When traveling by air, always carry your own treatment products, treatment supplies, and medications on board the aircraft as carry-on baggage. This will allow you to present them quickly to security/customs. There are risks of loss, breakage, and temperature variations potentially affecting treatment products if stowed in the aircraft hold.
- Carry a letter* for security staff, explaining why you are carrying treatment products, prescribed drugs, needles, syringes, etc., and the serious implications of not having them immediately on hand.
* Sample letter is one example of what you should include but reach out to your hematologist to ask for one customized for your specific bleeding disorder and treatment.
- If you are traveling internationally, you may need additional documentation in order to carry your treatment products, treatment supplies, and pharmaceutical drugs. See tips, additional resources, and a sample letter for international travel.