Checklist: Travelling
- Insurance – Ensure that your insurance is valid and check what it covers. Usually insurance covers 45 days of travel; after that you need additional cover.
- European Health Insurance Card – If you are an EU citizen travelling within the EU be sure to bring your European Health Insurance Card. This entitles you to discounted medical care. The card is free of charge and you obtain it from your country’s insurance office. The card does not replace travel insurance.
- The medical system at your destination – Investigate how the medical care system works in the country you are going to.
- Vaccine – Take the vaccines you are recommended for your destination.
- Notes – Bring a description of your heart condition in the language of the country you are visiting, and/or in English. Include the name and telephone number of your doctor.
- Medication – Bring your medicines as well as a note of the active substance in your medicine.
- Pacemaker – Contact your doctor if you have a pacemaker and are planning to travel.
- Flying – If you have connecting flights, seek assistance at the airport if you or your child is restricted by the heart condition.
- Choosing a destination – If you have a heart defect, be sure to choose a destination that is suitable for you: not hot places if you are easily dehydrated and not cold places if you easily get cold. No high altitudes (about 1,500 metres above sea level) if you have difficulties with your blood pressure.
