Travel to Developing Countries - General Health Precautions

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First Aid Kits and Other Supplies

First aid supplies should include:

• Sunblock (15 SPF or higher)
• Topical disinfectants
• Bandage materials
• Insect repellent
• Thermometer
• Any prescription drugs regularly taken
• Antifungal foot powder
• Hydrocortisone cream for rashes
• Loperamide (Imodium) for diarrhea
• Pepto-Bismol for diarrhea
• Devices or supplies to purify or filter water
• Nonprescription pain reliever.

Note: Acetaminophen, the generic name for Tylenol, is known as paracetamol outside the United States.

Insurance

Travelers should remember to check what coverage their health insurance company offers for policyholders abroad. Medicare does not provide coverage outside the United States, but other insurers offer limited coverage overseas. Individual supplementary health insurance policies should cost no more than a few dollars a day for international travelers. Air ambulance insurance is also a wise investment that can be purchased through travel agencies before leaving the U.S. Additionally, you may want to take along the phone number and address of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your destination country in case you need the name of a doctor to contact after you arrive.

Review Date: 01/23/2007
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital