Teen IBD On the Go
Traveling when you have Pedi IBD can sometimes
be a challenge. What if you have a flare while you are away
from your regular doctor? What if you get sick right before
you’re ready to leave? Being as prepared as possible can help
you to relax and enjoy your trip.
It is important to be prepared for Pedi IBD related situations
when traveling by car or airplane. Each way of traveling
has its good points and bad. Once you decide how you will be
getting there, you may want to consider some of the following
ideas.
Traveling by Car
- watch for restroom signs on the road and take bathroom
breaks as needed
- keep medications, snacks and drinks in a place that is
easy to access during the drive
- pack your In Case of Emergency Kit in an easy to reach
location
- travel toilet can be a helpful option for long drives off
of main highways
To find restrooms and rest areas along interstate highways
To find a listing of gas stations along the way, map out your
specific route at
Traveling by Plane
- ask for a seat assignment nearest to restroom when checking
in
- let the flight attendants on the plane know that your may
need access to both first class and coach area restrooms
in case one is occupied or has a line
- keep medications, snacks, drinks and emergency kit stowed
under seat for easy access to them during the flight
- use restroom right before takeoff
- use restroom right before plane begins descent as you may
have to stay seated for some time
- keep the entire day’s doses of medications with you in
case the flight is delayed
- take more doses of medication than the number of days you
will be away
- pack your Just in Case Emergency Kit in carryon bag
Traveling with Prescription Medications
 It is important to remember to bring all prescription and
non –prescription medications that you normally take with you
when you travel. When packing for a trip, make sure that
all medications are
- in original containers with labels that are intact
- listed in the letter from your doctor
- packed in carryon luggage on a plane or in an easy to reach
place in the car
Airport security may ask you to
- open medication bottles
- check to see if the names on prescriptions match the passenger’s
name
To make this process easier and faster it can help to have
- all medications packed inside a large clear plastic bag
If more than one person traveling with you is bringing medications,
remember to pack each individual person’s medications in a
separate bag.
For answers to specific questions about traveling with prescription
medications by plane, contact the
- Transportation Security Administration at 1-866-289-9673
Important Health Documents
Remember to make copies of all important health documents
in case the originals are lost or stolen.
- health insurance policy identification card
- telephone number for health insurance customer service
- letter from your gastroenterologist describing Pedi IBD
and listing
- brief medical history
- all medications including dose and any generic names
- instructions for taking medications
- any instructions in case of an emergency
Traveling Outside of the United States
Hospitals and Physicians
In case of a health emergency, U.S. Embassies can help you
locate medical services in the country that you are visiting
and often have hospitals and physicians listed on their websites.
Locate the U.S. Embassy in the country you are traveling to.
Vaccinations and Immunizations
Many children with Pedi IBD are immuno-compromised because
of medications they take to manage their disease. This means
that the body is less able to fight off infections, colds and
flu.
For this reason, children on immuno-suppressive medications
should speak with their healthcare provider about whether or
not it is safe to be vaccinated or immunized before traveling
outside of the United States.
Travel Insurance
Because Pedi IBD can flare up at any time, there is the risk
that a trip may have to be cancelled or cut short or that you
may need to get medical assistance while away. You and your
parents may want to consider purchasing travel insurance to
help with these issues.
Travel insurance will often cover
- nonrefundable deposits
- prepayments
if you have to cancel your trip even at the last minute.
Travel insurance plans can also offer
- health insurance plan options
These plans can cover
- medical expenses your home health insurance may not
- a 24 hour help line to assist customers with finding a
doctor or specialist where you are traveling
- emergency travel arrangements back to the United States
for serious health emergencies
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