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Sufficient medical supplies should be carried to meet all foreseeable needs for the duration of the trip.²⁰

Certain categories of prescription medicine should be carried together with a letter signed by a doctor, certifying that the traveller requires the medication for personal use. All medicines should be carried in hand luggage to minimise any risk of loss during the journey.²⁰

Although the context may vary, a first aid kit (medical kit) is appropriate for almost all travellers, even those visiting low risk areas.

First-aid items:²¹

• Adhesive dressings, sterile gauze, bandages, tape
• Eye pad
• Antiseptic wound cleanser, sterile solution
• Thermometer
• Emollient eye drops
• Insect repellent
• Insect bite treatment
• Nasal decongestant
• Oral rehydration salts
• Scissors, tweezers and safety pins
• Simple analgesic (e.g. paracetamol/aspirin)
• Sterile dressing
• Sunscreen (at least SPF 15+)
• Sterile syringes and needles; gloves

Plus any additional items according to destination and individual needs, such as:

• Antidiarrheal medication
• Antifungal powder
• Antimalarial medication
• Condoms
• Medication for any pre-existing medical condition
• Short-medium acting sleeping tablet
• Water disinfectant or filter
• Usual health monitoring equipment (eg. blood glucose monitor, fingerprick device and testing strips, peak expiratory flow meter).

(Please read the Disclaimer before using the ABC Guide to Travel Health).

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