Summer is a time for vacations, family visits, camps, and weekend getaways. But for people living with hemophilia, traveling often comes with added planning and preparation. Whether you’re heading out on a road trip or boarding a flight, taking a few extra steps before you leave can help make your trip safer and less stressful.
At CIBD, our comprehensive care team often works with patients and families before traveling to help ensure they feel prepared and supported while away from home. From reviewing treatment plans to helping coordinate medications and emergency information, planning ahead can make a big difference.
Connect with Your Care Team Before You Travel
One of the most important things you can do before traveling is check in with your providers in advance. This gives us an opportunity to help address any concerns, review treatment plans, and make sure you have the supplies and documentation you may need during your trip.
Many patients choose to travel with a medical travel letter provided by their HTC. This document helps explain their diagnosis, treatment needs, and emergency recommendations if medical care is needed while away from home or during airport security screenings.
Before leaving for your trip, it may also be helpful to:
- Confirm prescriptions and refills are up to date
- Make sure you have enough factor and infusion supplies
- Save important clinic and emergency contact information
Please contact your Care Manager via email or by phone at least 2 weeks in advance of your travel plans to obtain a travel letter and plan for any medications you may need to take with you on your trip.
Plan Ahead for Medication and Supplies
Travel delays and unexpected schedule changes can happen, especially during busy summer travel months. Bringing extra medication and supplies whenever possible can help you feel more prepared if plans change unexpectedly.
Summer temperatures can also create additional concerns when traveling with medication. Before you leave, review storage instructions and take steps to protect medication from excessive heat during travel.
Jillian Zane, RN, Nurse Case Manager at CIBD shares, “Before traveling, I want to remind patients that if they are flying, they should put all medications and supplies into a carry-on bag to limit the risk that these items are lost or delayed. I also want patients to know that if they have any questions regarding medication storage, they should call us. We would be happy to help guide them to the correct information.”
Planning ahead for infusion schedules while traveling can also help make trips smoother and less stressful.
Know Where to Go in an Emergency
Another important step before traveling is identifying nearby medical care at your destination. While no one plans for emergencies during a vacation, knowing where to go ahead of time can help reduce stress and save valuable time if urgent care is needed.
Before your trip, consider researching:
- Nearby emergency rooms
- Hemophilia treatment centers (HTCs) near your destination
- Local pharmacies
- Insurance coverage for out-of-state or emergency care
Saving addresses and phone numbers on your phone before traveling will make them easier to access if needed.
Stay Safe During Summer Activities
Summer activities often mean more time outdoors, increased physical activity, and exposure to heat. Staying hydrated, pacing activities, and using appropriate protective gear when needed can all help support safer participation during vacations and outings.
Every patient’s needs and comfort levels are different, and discussing upcoming activities with your care team beforehand can help families make informed decisions while traveling.
Travel Tip from Our Care Team
While every trip is different, a little preparation can go a long way in helping patients feel more confident while traveling.
Creating a medication packing checklist before your trip can help ensure important items don’t get left behind. Your packing list may include:
- Medications
- Infusion supplies
- Travel letter
- Emergency letter
- Medical ID
- Insurance cards
- CIBD contact information
- Emergency contact information
Jillian shares, “I would also recommend wearing a medical ID and keeping all important medical items together in a clearly labeled bag. Designating a specific place within your suitcase or backpack for these items helps keep everything organized.”
Travel with Confidence This Summer
Traveling with hemophilia may require additional preparation, but it should not prevent patients and families from enjoying meaningful summer experiences. With thoughtful planning and support from your care team, summer travel can feel safer, smoother, and more manageable.
If you have questions before an upcoming trip, reach out to your CIBD care team. We’re here to help you prepare, travel safely, and enjoy your summer with confidence.