Before you tag your bags and head off for a stimulating holiday, remember: A wise traveller is one who is prepared for any eventuality. Whether you are taking a trip alone, as a couple, with children or with someone with a medical condition, it is essential to travel smart.

For a safe and incident-free journey, travellers must obtain health insurance. Many companies in Dubai offer a range of products designed to suit a variety of needs. Issam Mouslimani, head of regional retail product offering at AXA Insurance, explains the benefits of travel health.

"If you are travelling with normal medical coverage and something goes wrong, your insurers here will ask you to pay now and reimburse the claim later. But if you have travel insurance, we can guide and support you during any medical emergency immediately. We have a wide network of offices across the globe; you only have to call them."

Travel insurers provide premium coverage from 5 to 365 days, with the flexibility to extend it online (as many times as needed, within a 12-month period), in case the trip lasts longer than expected. Covering all medical expenses, including over-the-counter medication, hospitalisation and even medical transportation, the limit of travel health insurance is much higher than regular medical cover. It goes up to $1 million.

To enjoy a holiday experience, Dr Anil Awatramani, general practitioner at the Unicare Medical Centre, advises "travellers suffering from diabetes, asthma, allergies, epilepsy and cardiac or renal ailments to wear an Alert Bracelet and have their medical information in their wallet along with other travel documents." He recommends they carry an extra supply of medicine.

The most vulnerable travellers are kids. "Make sure travelling with children is as stress-free as possible by planning in well advance, being punctual and keeping children well educated about what to do in case of an emergency," suggests Unicare Medical Centre paediatrician, Dr Samitha Rajkumar.

Keeping the time-lag blind spot in mind, Awatramani advises, "while crossing time zones, travellers with medical problems should take medicines based on elapsed time rather than the time of day".

So don't let minor hiccups spoil your vacation. Bon voyage!

Dr Anil Awatramani's advice on medication

Always remember:

- Carry all medication in their original packaging, clearly labelled for easy identification.

- An accompanying doctor's prescription is important. This should also include the generic names of the medicines.

- Carry medication in hand baggage, within the temperature recommended, especially for certain injections such as insulin.

- Declare the medication along with prescription on arrival to prevent unnecessary delays.

- A medical report describing the chronic condition, treatment advised and contact details of the treating physician is ideal, especially for those travellers carrying injections or controlled medications. This information is also useful in case of any emergency.

- Keep a contact list of suitable clinics available at the destination you are travelling to, in case of any medical emergency.

- It is always advisable to procure travel health insurance to avoid unexpected medical expenses.

Travelling with children

Paediatrician Dr Samitha Rajkumar recommends carrying the following medicines:

- Paracetamol (for fever and pain) in liquid, tablets or suppository form, depending on the age and weight of the child. (Carrying suppositories is easier but perhaps not to a hot country, as they need to be refrigerated.)

- An antihistamine to treat allergic reactions. These can occur due to various reasons such as food, insect bites and inhaled or contact allergens.

- If the child has anaphylactic reactions (allergic reactions) do not forget Epipen (medicine to counteract the allergic reaction).

- Decongestant nasal drops, if the child has blocked nasal passages and earache, especially on flights.

- Oral rehydration salts in sachets or readymade solutions. These are effective in preventing dehydration, especially in cases of diarrhoea or vomiting.

- Carry a good insect-repellent cream or spray. Use a mosquito net whenever it is available. It is better than using too many chemicals on the child and is eco-friendly as well.

- Make sure the child's travel vaccinations are up to date, depending on the country/region you are visiting.

For children and adults: Medication to reduce motion sickness and nasal decongestants to prevent earache during the flight, can be administered about an hour before the journey begins.

First aid kit

Check this list, then fly out.

  • Clinical thermometer
  • Antiseptic wound cleaner
  • Wound dressing materials such as sterile gauze, adhesive tape and bandages
  • Elastic crepe bandage
  • Tweezers and scissors (these need to be packed in check-in luggage)
  • Insect repellent and insect-bite treatment
  • Imodium and Oral rehydration salts
  • Nasal decongestant
  • Sunscreen and sunburn treatment
  • Medications for common ailments such as paracetamol, antihistamines, cough lozenges and medicines for motion sickness, and to stop vomiting.

Courtesy: Doctors at the Unicare Medical Centre.

— Shahana Raza is a UAE-based freelance writer