Most of us have had THAT holiday where someone has contracted gastro and we need to trek around town to find a pharmacy that’s open and where hopefully at least someone speaks English!
Do you even know how to ask for directions to a pharmacy in French or a doctor in Danish?
Sometimes a little forward preparation can alleviate these concerns. Here is where a First Aid Travel Kit comes into its own. If you choose your first aid products wisely, you can treat minor ailments yourself. A well thought out First Aid Travel Kit won’t add much weight to your baggage and can be squeezed into your suitcase with ease.
Here’s what we’re packing in our First Aid Travel Kit next time we leave town:
- Band Aids. This is a basic essential and you can even buy animated kids band aids complete with their favourite super hero!
- Paracetamol/Ibuprofen – as they say, when in Rome … Most of us love a tipple or two but don’t let a hangover prevent you from the next day’s adventures.
- Antihistamines – whether you suffer from hayfever or get a nasty bite, these can be a life saver when you need them the most.
- Aloe Vera – great for the sun lovers who bake a little too much. Aloe Vera offers welcome relief from sunburn, so pack it just in case.
- Bandages and tape. Handy for many ailments, they are a top item for any First Aid Travel Kit.
- Antiseptic cream / powder – essential to stop infection setting in to scrapes, cuts and grazes.
- Anti-diarrhea tablets – do we really need to explain this one?
- Anti-constipation tablets – if you’re prone to it, pack it! But, even if you’re not, travel can have some funny effects on the tummy!
- Motion / sea sickness tablets – even if you’re not cruising, nausea or an unsettled tummy can be easily rectified with a motion sickness remedy.
- Heartburn medication. You are going to try a few of the local delicacies and sometimes the tummy is not as willing as the eyes and mouth!
- Rehydration tablets – to replenish your fluids if you do cop a nasty dose of gastro.
- Paw paw cream. Packed with anti-itching properties and a renowned remedy for chapped lips, this is a necessity for all travellers. If not paw paw cream, at the very least pack a lip balm.
- Cold & Flu tablets/vapour/drops. New bacteria = bad colds so, arm yourself before heading into battle.
- Verruca cream. Even when the smell of that chlorine brings tears to your eyes, you never know when you may get a wart on the bottom of your foot.
- Safety pins. From helping with bigger bandages to fixing a wardrobe malfunction, these little guys are very handy to have around!
- Eye drops – Red, sore eyes are not a good look and no, you can’t wear sunglasses indoors.
- Eye wash. Easier for the little ones especially but make sure if you are using water, the tap water is safe. Otherwise, bottled is best!
- Latex free gloves. If your patient is in need of treatment, you don’t want to touch them with dirty hands and cause an infection – if the injury is really bad, call an ambulance!
- Antibacterial hand gel. No need to spread germs even further. If you get struck down by a contagious bug, protect those who aren’t yet sick by taking measures to prevent the spread of bacteria.
- Cold pack. These are instant and disposable so always handy for a swollen ankle or bloody nose.
- Nail file and nail scissors – make sure they aren’t in your carry-on though or you’ll lose them at airport security.
- Tweezers for those pesky splinters! Again, make sure you pack them in your suitcase and don’t try to take them in your carry-on.
- Water sanitation tablets – especially important if you are heading to remote or under-developed areas.
- A good quality multivitamin – who knows when you might need a boost of energy to help you make the most of your holiday.
- Local emergency numbers – Note these just in case you do need professional medical attention.
It’s also important to pack your regular prescription medication and a letter from your doctor confirming that you take these medicines. Be sure to take a little extra medication in case you inadvertently lose some or your return home is delayed for any reason. You don’t want to have to fit in a visit to a foreign doctor just to get a repeat script to see you through.
Preparing a first aid kit before you go may seem extreme or unnecessary, but it could really save you precious time and money whilst overseas. Medical treatment overseas can be exorbitant so, protect your budget from unwanted costs and put your kit together now!
Go Insurance offers Unlimited* Overseas Medical Expenses cover on all policies. However, safeguard yourself and loved ones even further by packing some much-needed medical essentials for the little calamities along the way!
Got questions? Why not call us on 1300 819 888 or send us an email info@goinsurance.com.au
* For up to 12 months from the date of the Accidental Bodily Injury or Illness first occurs. Please refer to the Product Disclosure Statement for full terms and conditions of cover.