This website is intended to provide information to an international audience outside the USA and UK.

Traveling with Hemophilia

Traveling should be something to look forward to for you and your friends or family. But, it can also be particularly stressful if you have hemophilia. If you’re travelling internationally, to a location where you will be far from health services and outside your comfort zone both culturally and linguistically, it can be especially daunting. Fortunately, with a little preparation you can depart without anxiety and enjoy the rest of your trip.

First, here is a helpful checklist of things to pack and things to consider, provided by hemophilianow.org, for any upcoming trips:

  • A first-aid kit, including ice pack and elastic bandages
  • A healthcare professional’s note and original prescription for clotting factor replacement product
  • Clotting factor replacement product and necessary administration supplies
  • Some acetaminophen for pain, as needed. Do not ingest any product containing aspirin as this may cause interference with blood clotting.1
  • Check with local transportation regulators on specific restrictions and regulations for carrying prescription medication and infusion supplies.
  • Check with the departing airport to make sure you have all the information you need to get through security.
  • Look up the contact information for the HTC in the area you will be travelling.

In addition to these steps, remember to also find out from your Hemophilia Treatment Center the names, addresses, and phone numbers of treatment centers along your route.

Remember to pack up-to-date medical information such as prescriptions, diagnosis, and the name and phone number of your treatment center. Doing this can prove useful at border crossings with customs officials. Make sure your, and your family members’, MedicAlert bracelets are up to date.  And remember – if your insurance coverage doesn’t apply in the country you are visiting, take out special travel insurance.

Once you’ve checked off everything from your to-do list, remember the most important part: Have fun, and enjoy your trip!

1 World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH). Frequently asked questions about hemophilia. Available at: http://www.wfh.org/index.asp?lang=EN. Accessed May 2, 2009