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Guide for patients and loved ones

Travel and documents

Travel during and after treatment is possible, but it needs planning.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A suitcase and folder
Figure 1.A suitcase and folder

01Short answer

Before a trip, ask your team whether the timing is right, which vaccines are and are not allowed (live vaccines are often not allowed), and which countries may be risky. Take a doctor’s letter (diagnosis, medicines, central line), a copy of your medical file, your medicines in their original packaging with a few days’ extra supply, emergency numbers and travel insurance. Find out in advance where the nearest haematology unit or large hospital is. The fever rule applies when travelling too.

02Simple explanation

Your team’s agreement is the first step.

Keep medicines in your hand luggage.

03Scientific explanation

Live attenuated vaccines are usually not recommended for people with weakened immunity; travel vaccines need an individual decision.

For patients with a higher risk of blood clots, the team may advise on movement and drinking on long flights.

04What happens in the body?

Documents

A doctor’s letter, a copy of your file, copies of prescriptions, an insurance policy and emergency numbers.

Medicines

Original packaging, hand luggage and a few days’ extra. Some countries require a permit for certain medicines.

A view from the airport
Figure 2.A view from the airport

At your destination

The nearest hospital, the local emergency number, safe water and food hygiene, and sun protection.

A map and compass
Figure 3.A map and compass — Travel and documents

05Preparing for a trip

Four steps.

Ask the team — Timing and vaccines.1Ask the teamTiming and vaccines.
Documents — Letter and copies.2DocumentsLetter and copies.
Medicines — In hand luggage.3MedicinesIn hand luggage.
Local help — Hospital and number.4Local helpHospital and number.
A safe tripLower risk.
CalmEverything ready in advance.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
DocumentsA doctor’s letter, a copy of your file, copies of prescriptions, an insurance policy and emergency numbers.
MedicinesOriginal packaging, hand luggage and a few days’ extra. Some countries require a permit for certain medicines.
At your destinationThe nearest hospital, the local emergency number, safe water and food hygiene, and sun protection.

07Key terms

Doctor’s letter
A document describing the diagnosis and treatment.
Live vaccine
A vaccine containing a weakened live germ.
Travel insurance
A policy covering medical costs abroad.

08Key points

  • Ask your team first.
  • Take a doctor’s letter.
  • Keep medicines in hand luggage.
  • Find the local hospital.

09Frequently asked questions

Can I travel with neutropenia?

Only your team can decide; waiting is often advised.

Does insurance cover an existing illness?

Check the policy terms carefully in advance.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Can I travel with neutropenia?

  2. Does insurance cover an existing illness?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  2. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Managing Your Care
  3. NHS. High temperature (fever) in adults
  4. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Survivorship: During and After Treatment
  5. NHS. How to wash your hands
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). When Someone You Love Is Being Treated for Cancer (booklet)
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Taking Time: Support for People with Cancer
  8. American Cancer Society. What a Cancer Caregiver Does
  9. Cancer.Net (ASCO). ASCO Cancer Treatment and Survivorship Care Plans
  10. Cancer Research UK. Coping with cancer
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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