Checklist for a travel first-aid kit: what it should contain
A well-equipped first-aid kit is a must-have when travelling. Comparis explains why and what it should include.
05.08.2024
iStock/Liudmila Chernetska
1. What should be in every travel first-aid kit?
A travel first-aid kit is a small collection of medicines and accessories for wound care. A good travel first-aid kit should contain a mix of bandages, medicines and ointments. The contents also depend on your personal needs and the destination. Essential items may include the following:
| Symptom | Medicine |
|---|---|
| Nausea and digestive problems |
|
| Wounds and abrasions |
|
| Bruises |
|
| Insect bites and stings |
|
| Fever |
|
| Colds |
|
| Sunburn |
|
| Eye pain |
|
| Plus, you should bring along: |
|
Plan your travel first-aid kit with your doctor or pharmacist. This way, you can be sure that you don’t have a known allergy to any of the drugs.
To ensure you have what’s most important with you, download our PDF checklist for the travel first-aid kit here:
Before every trip
Check the expiry date of your medicines. Dressings and plasters also have an expiry date. You should also check whether the packaged drug is approved in the destination country.
2. Why do I need a travel first-aid kit?
A travel first-aid kit offers quick help with minor problems such as headaches or abdominal pain. It can also help with minor injuries.
It’s particularly important in remote areas. The nearest doctor or pharmacy may be a long way away. There may also be a language barrier. In addition, medicines often have different names in different countries. You might not be able to use the exact same medicine you’re used to.
It’s especially important for people with chronic diseases to have their medication with them at all times.
Comparis tip: travel first-aid kit on the plane
As a rule: always pack the most important medications in your hand luggage. Remember to check what baggage regulations apply.
3. What to put in a travel kit for babies and children
If you are travelling with children, plan the first-aid kit specifically with this in mind. You may already have common remedies against fever and pain in child-friendly dosages at home. Doctors or specialists at the pharmacy can also help you with more specific matters.
Special dressings should also be included. Children’s plasters with colourful motifs are helpful for minor injuries. If your child has an allergy or chronic illness, think about the appropriate emergency drugs, such as an asthma spray.
Make sure that the medicine is suitable for pregnant women. The doctor or pharmacist can help you. Pack any dietary supplements. Compression stockings can help, especially on long flights. They prevent water retention and thrombosis.
4. For which countries do I need something specific in my first-aid kit?
Depending on the destination, additional medicines and aids may be useful. Tropical countries might call for stronger insect repellent. Or in the mountains, you might need medicine for altitude sickness. Before each trip, visit the website of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). This provides medical recommendations for your destination.
Tip: travel advice is particularly useful when travelling to exotic countries. You can get this, for example, from the Centre for Travel Medicine at the University of Zurich or the Centre for Tropical and Travel Medicine in Basel.
Storage
Read the package inserts carefully before starting your trip. They contain important information about storage. In general, it is advisable to store medicines somewhere dry and below 25°C. When travelling by car, for example, keep them in the glove compartment. At the hotel, put them in the fridge if available.
This article was first published on 05.08.2024
