Chronic illness needn't stop travel

Traveling with a serious medical condition can be scary, but for some it's not half as scary as the thought of spending the rest of their lives on the sofa watching "Deal or No Deal."

With the right precautions and preparations, it's possible for some people with serious illnesses to venture overseas. Before making plans, sit down for a long chat with your doctors -- and understand that they are going to err on the side of caution, as they should. Here are some cautions to consider:

Carry your meds: On the plane, always keep all your medications with you, especially insulin and other liquids that can freeze in the cargo hold. Medicines are exempt from the Transportation Security Administration's 3 ounces/quart bag requirements if you declare them at the security checkpoint. See links.sfgate.com/ZEIP for details. To be on the safe side, keep your meds in their original bottles.

Split your meds: You and your companion should each carry half the supply of each drug, in case one of you loses your carry-on. If you're traveling solo, put half in your carry-on and stash the other half in your "personal item" (purse, briefcase, etc.), if your airline still allows one.

Pack extra meds: Keep in mind that delays of a day or more are becoming more common these days.

Time zones: Your drug strategy will depend on how many zones you're crossing and the strictness of your regimen. In general, for medications that must be taken at specific intervals, leave your watch set on home time. In some cases, it may be possible to flip-flop your times, that is to take your morning meds at night and vice versa.

Backup supply: Leave a supply of medications at home with a reliable family member or friend who can overnight them to you in an emergency.

Cheat sheet: Before visiting a foreign country, translate a few critical phrases into the local language, and keep the sheet with you at all times. Some useful phrases: "Emergency." "Take me to the nearest hospital." "I have kidney disease (or whatever)." "No sulfa drugs." There's a free translator at babelfish.yahoo.com.

Bring all your written prescriptions: This will speed things up dramatically if you need to replace anything, and also resolve any questions at the security checkpoint. Carry it with you.

Thumbnail medical records: It may be redundant, but it's a good idea to bring a single sheet of paper listing all your medical conditions; surgeries you've had; any drug allergies; and all your medications, including schedules and doses. Keep it separate from your prescriptions and give a copy to your travel companion. Some people put their medical records on a USB thumb drive, but emergency-room physicians may be unable to open the files.

Identify local specialists: Before you depart, jot down contact information for specialists and medical facilities with specialized equipment where you're going. Your doctors often can make recommendations.

Learn the local 911: Many countries have separate numbers for medical, fire and police emergencies. There's a comprehensive list at www.sccfd.org/travel.html.

Insurance issues: Before departing, find out what your insurance covers and doesn't cover, including emergency medical evacuations. Beware of vague assurances given over the phone by customer-service reps. Ask to see the information in writing on your HMO's Web site or in your contract. And make sure you have an HMO number you can phone from overseas. In some cases, it might be worth buying supplemental medical insurance. Many companies will waive the exemption for pre-existing conditions if you buy the insurance within a short, specified period of booking a cruise or packaged trip.

IAMAT: Join the free International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers. Among other things, it maintains a directory of English-speaking doctors in 125 countries who charge a standard fee ($80 for office visits; $100 for hotel visits; $120 for nights, Sundays and local holidays.) Information: www.iamat.org.