Travellers Medical Kits: What You Must Pack to Travel in Bali Safely

Bali still becomes a favorite destination amidst the Pandemic. Even though our local government has applied strict regulations where you should have a negative result of a SWAB PCR test to enter Bali, some local tourists can still reach Bali to welcome a New Year of 2021. Hotels, restaurants, and beach clubs are still putting together New Year’s parties and events, but they will, of course, be smaller in scale due to the pandemic. To be able to travel in Bali safely, travel medical kits are a must to bring everywhere. Use this checklist as a guide to things you may need in your medical kit when traveling – you may need less or more, depending on the activities you may undertake, and the remoteness of the area you visit.

 

Start with a vaccine checklist

The centers for disease control have a list of vaccines, health notices, and packing lists for those traveling worldwide. That means accounting for location. Make sure to look up vaccine requirements far in advance of your travels, as some vaccines may require proof of vaccination upon entering customs.

 

Carry negative result of COVID-19 test

This term is essential and becomes the first requirement that should be filled when you travel abroad. You should at least have a rapid antibody test with a negative result. Another test you can take is a rapid antigen test or a swab PCR test to get a more accurate result. Make sure the result is negative and your body free from the COVID-19 virus during your travel.

 

Don’t forget travel insurance

If you are traveling with a group or on business, you may already have traveler’s insurance covering medical evacuation. But, if you visit Bali alone and only for a holiday occasion, consider buying insurance that includes medevac services, which are recommended when traveling to more rural destinations. In addition to health coverage, travel insurance covers things like lost baggage and flight cancellations. So even if you stay healthy, it can come in handy when you’re on the road. A good travel insurance package will also include a support number to call if you need help identifying your illness’s severity and where to turn for help.

 

Build your travel medical kits

Think about the area you are visiting and what may or may not be available there. Some careful planning and packing before your trip can avoid any wasted time, inconvenience, or worse while you’re away. Check with your doctor or travel clinic for advice if you aren’t sure what you may need to keep your travels safe and healthy.

• Analgesic (pain relief) medicine such as paracetamol or aspirin.
• Antihistamine tablets for bites, stings, or allergies.
• Cold and flu tablets.
• Cough medicine.
• Motion sickness tablets.
• Throat lozenges or drops.
• Antiseptic solution for cleaning wounds or bites.
• An antiseptic ointment to apply to a wound.
• Blister and wound patches, such as sticking plasters.
• Medical adhesive tape, e.g. Micropore.
• Safety pins, scissors, and tweezers (you may not be allowed to carry these in your cabin luggage).
• Insect repellent containing DEET (diethyltoluamide).
• Sting relief solution, e.g. Stingose (aluminum sulfate).
• Diarrhea medicine, e.g. Imodium (loperamide).
• A mild laxative, for constipation.
• Antacid for indigestion.
• Antifungal or antibacterial cream.
• Low potency hydrocortisone cream.
• Fluid and electrolyte replacement powder or tablets, e.g. Gastrolyte or HYDRAlyte.
• Eye lubricant drops.
• Earplugs.
• Sunscreen (at least SPF 30+).
• Thermometer (a forehead thermometer is best for travel as it doesn’t break or run out of batteries).
• Medical equipment you regularly use, such as sterile syringes and needles.
• Spare a pair of glasses or your eye prescription.
• Condoms, birth control pills, or other contraceptives.
• Water purifying tablets.
• A mosquito-proof bed net.
• Hand sanitizer or wipes.
• Digital thermometer.
• Sterile syringes.
• First aid reference.

 

Important Note: When carrying any generic medication, it must be kept in its original packaging when you are traveling if customs officials need to check it. If you have never taken any of the above medications before, check with your physician, nurse, or pharmacist before you do, as you may have a specific medical history, condition, or allergy that general advice cannot cover.

 

The information provided here is for general travel health advice and information only. It is not a replacement for a personal consultation with a travel nurse specialist, your GP, or a doctor specializing in travel medicine who can tailor advice to your individual medical history and needs.

 

Sources: mydr.com.au, nytimes.com.