Travelling with a severe allergy can feel overwhelming, but with careful planning, it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re heading off for a weekend escape, a beach holiday, or an international adventure, ensuring your EpiPen or other adrenaline injections are safe and easily accessible is essential.
This guide covers everything you need to know about travelling with an EpiPen, including a pre-travel checklist, practical tips, and advice on keeping your medication cool and effective throughout your journey, whether it's within the UK or beyond!
Related article: EpiPen Carrying Cases: Benefits, Features, and Recommendations!
Key Considerations for Travelling with an EpiPen
When travelling, your EpiPen is a vital tool for managing severe allergies. Here are the steps you should take to ensure you’re fully prepared:
- Keep your EpiPen handy. Whether flying or exploring, always carry your EpiPen in your hand luggage or a bag that’s easy to access. On flights, store it under the seat in front of you, not in the overhead bin.
- Maintain the correct temperature. Store your EpiPen in a cool, shaded location, keeping it between 15°C and 25°C. If necessary, use an EpiPen Cooling Pouch.
- Carry a backup. Always have a spare EpiPen in case one is lost or malfunctions, particularly when travelling far from home.
- Inform your companions. Ensure travel companions know where your EpiPen is kept and how to use it. Discuss your allergies so they can help you avoid potential triggers.
- Label your EpiPen clearly. Include your name, contact details, and the injector’s expiration date for easy identification.
- Be cautious with food. Travelling often involves trying new dishes, but be cautious if you have food allergies. Avoid high-risk foods and carry translation cards to explain your allergies in the local language.
- Wear a medical alert bracelet. A visible bracelet can inform medical professionals of your condition in an emergency, even if you’re unable to communicate.
- Research local medical facilities. Before your trip, locate hospitals or clinics near your destination in case of an emergency.
- Check expiration dates. Ensure your EpiPen is not nearing its expiry date before you depart. Replace it ahead of time if needed.
- Consult your doctor. Discuss your travel plans with your doctor or allergist, especially if you’re heading to remote locations or taking a long trip.
- Secure comprehensive travel insurance. Ensure your policy covers medical emergencies related to allergies, including evacuation if necessary.
- Pack a medical kit. Include your EpiPen, antihistamines, a copy of your allergy action plan, and any additional medications you may require.
Related article: EpiPen Expiration: Understanding the Risks and Best Practices.
How to Keep Your EpiPen Cool While Travelling
Ensuring your EpiPen stays within the correct temperature range during travel is crucial. Adrenaline must be kept between 15°C and 25°C, avoiding both heat and freezing conditions. Here’s how to achieve this:
-
Use a specialised cooling case. Medical-grade cooling cases, such as the Chillers from 4AllFamily, help maintain a stable temperature and make perfect EpiPen cases when the temperature gets above 25
°C.
- Avoid ice packs. DIY cooling methods can freeze your EpiPen, rendering it ineffective. Use cases specifically designed for adrenaline or medication storage.
- Keep the original packaging. The protective casing shields the EpiPen from light and physical damage.
- Store in shaded areas. Protect your EpiPen from direct sunlight, especially when outdoors.
EpiPen Travel Cases
The Chillers cooling pouches are specifically designed for carrying temperature-sensitive medications like EpiPen or other adrenaline injections, like Emerade or Jext.
They ensure over 45 hours of stable temperature control between 18°C to 26°C. They do not require ice or electricity, as they function based on water evaporation cooling technology. Plus, the Chillers can be reactivated anytime you need simply by immersing them in water, so you can keep your EpiPen cool for as long as you need and in any travel situation, including the most remote adventures!
Investing in a high-quality EpiPen travel case like the Chillers can significantly reduce the stress of travelling with an EpiPen and ensure your emergency injection remains effective and ready to use, no matter when and where your travels take you.
FAQs About Travelling with an EpiPen
Before wrapping up, here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about travelling with an EpiPen, covering essential topics from legal requirement for air travel or international border crossing to practical tips on handling your EpiPen correctly while on the move.
Do I need a travel certificate for my EpiPen?
No. You do not need any document for travelling with an EpiPen within the UK. According to the UK CAA website:
- "Those at risk of anaphylaxis should always carry an adrenaline autoinjector and a spare in their hand luggage. A doctor’s letter is not required to bring these onboard, nor is permission required from your airline."
While not obligatory carrying a doctor’s letter or travel certificate can help at airport security or with local healthcare providers, especially when travelling abroad.
Related article: How to Fly with an EpiPen: Guidelines for Airplane Travels!
Can I travel with multiple EpiPens?
Yes, you can travel with multiple EpiPens. It's even wise and recommended to carry more than one emergency injection in case one fails or is used, especially if you will be away from medical facilities or travelling for an extended period.
Always keep them in different locations-such as one in your carry-on and another in a purse or backpack-to ensure you have access to one if the other is inaccessible, lost or stolen.
Do travel insurances cover EpiPen replacements abroad?
Not always. Before travelling, contact your insurance provider to understand the specifics of your coverage abroad, especially regarding medication replacements. Consider purchasing additional travel health insurance that covers pre-existing conditions and medication replacement if your current policy does not offer adequate coverage.
International Travels with an EpiPen
EpiPens and adrenaline injections are used and allowed all over the world, so you shouldn't have any problem when travelling abroad with an EpiPen. However, it's best to plan ahead and have a multilingual travel certificate that explains your condition and the necessity of your EpiPen, especially in countries where English isn't widely spoken.
Ensure you carry sufficient EpiPen supplies for your trip, as obtaining replacements abroad can be challenging and costly. Coordinate with your doctor well in advance of your departure to prepare adequately.
We’d Love to Hear Your Thoughts!
If you have any question, advice, or experiences about travelling with an EpiPen, share them in the comments below. Your insights could help others travel with confidence and peace of mind!
