Travel Safe with a Bleeding Disorder

Before you go on a trip

• Talk to your doctor about your travel plans to make sure you are in healthy condition to travel.
• Ask your doctor if there are any recommended vaccinations based on your travel plans. Vaccinations, such as hepatitis A and B vaccines, are highly recommended for people with bleeding disorders.

What to pack

Travel letter

• Ask your doctor for a travel letter that describes your bleeding disorder and the medicine you take. Download a sample.
• Your travel letter will allow transportation security officials to make sure your medicine and medical supplies are allowed while traveling.
• If you are traveling internationally, consider having an additional copy of the travel letter written in the primary language spoken in the country you are visiting.

Medicine and medical supplies

• Medicine and medical supplies are exempt from airline baggage restrictions.
• Clearly label all medicine and medical supplies and pack them separately in a carry-on bag. If items are safely stored in your carry-on, you will be able to use your items at any time, and you will have your items with you in case your checked luggage is delayed or lost.
• If there are any items that should not be exposed to X-rays, request your items be physically inspected by the transportation security official.
• Unexpected travel delays can happen. Pack extra amounts of medicine and supplies in the event that your return home is delayed.

Pack these medical supplies in your carry-on or in a bag you have with you at all times:

• Vials of factor medicine
• Diluent (a liquid used to form or thin a solution. Normal saline or sterile water are diluents that can be mixed with factor powder)
• Reconstitution device (a device used to "reconstitute" or mix factor with a diluent, usually water, before it can be infused or given to a person with hemophilia. Factor is stored in powdered form because it rapidly loses its power once mixed in a solution.)
• Syringes (needles)
• Alcohol and cotton pads
• Disinfectant (a product that destroys bacteria or other harmful substances)
• A sharps container to throw away used syringes

List of healthcare facilities

• Make a list of hospitals, healthcare centers, or hemophilia treatment centers (HTCs)—and their contact information—along your travel route.
• Use the HTC directory for a list of HTCs in the United States. For a list of HTCs worldwide, use the World Federation of Hemophilia's Global Treatment Centre Directory.

Medical and contact information

• Keep a copy of your important medical and contact information with you.
• Consider wearing a medical ID emblem if traveling alone to help inform medical personnel if you become unconscious or unable to communicate during an emergency.

Resources

For more information on traveling safely with a bleeding disorder, visit the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation's Steps for Healthy Living web page.