Safe Travels: Summer Tips for Patients with Bleeding Disorders
Traveling with a bleeding disorder? Alicia Unger, Account Manager, guides you through how to prep meds, locate care, and enjoy your trip with support from PromptCare.
Summer brings the promise of new places, family getaways, and well-deserved rest. But for patients with hemophilia or other bleeding disorders, travel requires more than booking a flight and packing a bag.
With thoughtful preparation and clinical support, summer travel can be safe, empowering, and enjoyable. Whether you’re planning a quick road trip or an overseas adventure, here are key steps to help ensure peace of mind every mile of your journey.
Start with Your Care Team
Before you make reservations or map out your itinerary, connect with your hematologist or specialty pharmacy care team. They can help you assess travel-related risks based on your destination, activities, and proximity to treatment centers.
Your physician may also recommend adjustments to your treatment schedule or dosage to account for higher activity levels while away.
Request a formal travel letter from your doctor outlining your diagnosis, treatment plan, and a list of medications and supplies you’ll be carrying. This document is crucial if you need to seek care while traveling or if airport security requests verification.
Prepare Your Medication and Supplies Thoughtfully
Medication access on the road is not always predictable. Work with your specialty pharmacy to ensure you have:
- Enough clotting factor or other prescribed treatments for the entire trip, plus a few extra doses in case of delays
- Original prescription labels on all medication packaging
- Documentation detailing your treatment plan and dosing schedule
- Proper storage containers and cool packs for temperature-sensitive medications
If you’re flying, pack all medications in your carry-on bag—not in checked luggage where they could be lost or exposed to unsafe temperatures. Use the travel letter at security checkpoints and be ready to explain the purpose of your supplies.
Know the Nearest HTC or Emergency Provider
Unexpected bleeds can happen, even with excellent planning. Identify the closest Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC), emergency room, or hematologist near your destination before you leave.
Your care team can help locate nearby facilities and even contact them in advance. Visit bleeding.org for additional resources. If you’re enrolled in a patient support program, ask whether a nursing hub or an on-call clinical team is available in your travel region.
Make a list of these emergency contacts and share it with your travel companions. In case of a serious event, having support lined up can make a critical difference.
Smart Packing Means Peace of Mind
When packing, include more than just medication:
- Medical alert ID (bracelet, necklace, or digital card)
- A copy of your insurance card and care team contact information
- Travel-sized first aid supplies, especially items you may need to manage minor bleeds
- A treatment journal or app to track doses, symptoms, and activities
- Letter from your doctor summarizing your care plan
Even simple tools like compression wraps or ice packs can come in handy if your destination is far from care or you’re engaging in unfamiliar activities.
With Preparation Comes Confidence
Living with a bleeding disorder shouldn’t mean sitting out the season. In fact, many patients find travel deeply rewarding—an opportunity to experience new things with confidence and control.
With the right planning and partnership from your care and pharmacy teams, you can enjoy your time away while prioritizing your health.
Summer travel is meant to be memorable. By preparing for the unexpected, you’ll make room for the moments that matter: laughter with loved ones, sightseeing in new places, and the freedom to explore on your terms.
Enjoy your adventures knowing you’re well-prepared and supported every step of the way!
Always There, Everywhere.
Ready to plan your summer travel? Connect with your care team today to ensure you’re fully prepared to travel safely.
We know what it takes. We got you.
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