If you know me, you know I love to travel. At the same time, you probably also know I’ve been living with Crohn’s Disease for the last five years. When I was first diagnosed, I was told my life wouldn’t change much—if my medication worked well with my condition. Initially, I was receiving IV infusions every few weeks, but I experienced an anaphylactic reaction during my early treatments. This led to a quick transition to Humira, a biweekly injectable biologic. That was five years ago, and now I’m fortunate to be in long-term remission.
Enter my love of travel! Over the past year, I’ve traveled to eight countries: the U.S.A., Turkey, the U.A.E., the Bahamas, Australia, Azerbaijan, Spain, and back to the U.A.E. Most of these trips were relatively short—just a couple of weeks at a time. For those trips, I worked with my doctor to adjust my medication schedule, avoided trigger foods, and bought travel insurance. Pro tip: Don’t leave your travel prep until the last minute, like I did once. Another Pro Tip: If you cannot justify travel health insurance, you’re leaving yourself in a vulnerable position. Procrastination should be reserved for homework, not medical logistics! With a little foresight, even short trips can be smooth sailing.
My favorite destination so far? Australia. This past spring, I spent five months in Perth as a university student—shoutout to Notre Dame Australia and Fremantle! Living abroad required a “long-term” plan, which included purchasing foreign health insurance and securing an adequate supply of Humira. Navigating foreign health insurance can be tricky, especially since coverage doesn’t always transfer seamlessly from the U.S. Medications might go by different names or require additional steps for prescriptions. If you need to see a specialist, be prepared for referrals that could take time—and sometimes, a lot of money.
If you’re traveling with medication, here are some key tips:
- Bring a doctor’s note and the original packaging of your medication.
- Check if your medication is safe for x-ray machines. Some medications, like biologics, may have restrictions. Request manual inspections from TSA if needed.
- Declare your medication at customs checkpoints. Transparency and documentation will make the process smoother.
- Know your foreign insurance plan inside out. If anything were ever to happen, knowing your coverage and rights will make your life easier.
- Mental health is just as important as physical health. When I traveled, I sought counseling for international students. My anxiety and overthinking was horrible; it directly influenced my Crohn’s. Even if your stint is short, it’s okay to talk about mental health with a professional, trusted peer, or friend in your life.
For my trip to Australia, I avoided x-ray screening for my Humira pens by requesting manual inspections. I also traveled with a cooler bag that kept my medication at the proper temperature for over 40 hours. Don’t hesitate to ask flight attendants or airport staff for ice or other assistance—they’re there to help! Upon arrival in Australia, I promptly declared my biologic medication. Thanks to my preparation, the process went smoothly. Even after, I safely managed my Crohn’s by avoiding trigger foods and staying in contact with my doctor.
Traveling with Crohn’s Disease (or any chronic disease) can feel daunting, but it’s absolutely doable with the right preparation. Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or a long-term stay, a bit of foresight can open up the world. The world is YOUR oyster… make the most of it!
