Who is prepared, isn’t surprised – this is especially true when it comes to travelling for chronic patients. And because HAE patient families travel more often during the summer holidays, we have put together useful recommendations on how to best prepare for your next trip.
We wish all families of HAE patients to bring back home only pleasant memories from their travels!
When planning a journey abroad, HAE patients should pay particular attention to what exactly and how much is covered when choosing their insurance, as well as the options for additional coverage for patients with pre-existing medical conditions that some insurance companies offer. Standard travel insurance usually covers the medical care of chronic patients abroad, provided their condition has been stable in the last 12 months, i.e. without hospitalisation. Some companies offer a special plan for preexisting conditions which HAE patients in a less stable condition should consider purchasing.
Prior to each trip, make sure to pack medical reports and all medications you are taking for acute and/or preventative treatment of HAE, in sufficient quantities. If you are travelling by air, keep your medicines in your carry-on baggage so that they are available during the flight. In terms of injectable medication, it is advisable to get a medical confirmation in advance for airport/airline staff. This way you‘ll be able to take your medication on board in your hand luggage as well as avoid any complications during security check.
When planning your holiday, check the expiration date of your available medication and replenish your HAE first aid travel kit. Remember that certain medicines require careful storage at the optimum temperature. We therefore recommend special HAE Junior thermosets, in which you can also transport e.g. injectable HAE medication at the appropriate temperature. This is particularly useful when you travel in the summer season or to warm countries.
Last but not least – never leave your medication in a car parked in direct sunlight!
Before you set off on the journey, we recommend that you look up the contacts and addresses of the local medical facilities in case you need first aid. A great place to start is the map of HAE centres on haei.org where you can easily view the relevant medical facilities in multiple places around the world. Another helpful tool is the HAE companion mobile app, which is described in more detail in this interview.
You might also want to save the address and contact information of the local HAE patient organisations for several reasons. Firstly, they can give you advice or help if needed, and secondly, it may be a great opportunity to meet HAE patients from another country and exchange experiences!
The "HAE emergency card" was created to provide medical workers with basic information about the patient and HAE diagnosis in multiple languages. You can easily fill in and download the card for free in the language of the destination you are travelling to. We recommend that you prepare and "pack" this card in both electronic and printed form as it can greatly speed up and simplify your acute care.
To find more advice on travelling with HAE, including links, visit haei.org/resources/advise/traveling.
We believe that HAE, or any other disease, should not become a barrier to travelling and exploring the world around you as long as your current health situation allows it. However, transport to a holiday destination, a change in the climate or your daily routine pose a challenge that you ought not to underestimate.
Therefore, should you need any further advice on travelling as an HAE patient, please, feel welcome to contact our patient organisation or your specialist doctor.
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