Traveling with health issues!

I can't help with travel insurance as I'm not Canadian but can help with OTC drugs.

Don't assume that what is available in Canada is available in Italy. In some cases, drugs over the counter in Canada may be prescription in Italy and vice versa...or not available at all. In other cases, it may be known under a different brand name ( learn the actual name of the drug.) Do a search on Google. I did and found that Gravol is known in Italy as Xamamina or Valontan.

But If you need something specific, and aren't sure bring it with you.

As an example, Pepto bismol is easily available in the U.S. but must be requested in the UK and not available in much of the rest of Europe.

Also bring a copy of your prescriptions should you need getting them replaced.

I am diabetic, and I had to buy travel insurance within a week of buying anything for my trip as it was a preexisting condition, but I’m not sure if it would be different in the US than in Canada. I would call up one of the insurance companies and they will be able to walk you through it.

If yo need specific medications bring them with you. I’ve found that most OTC drugs in North America are being the counter in Europe.

Can’t help u with insurance but my father got seriously ill last year in Europe. He paid the bill which was cheaper than his personal doctor, then was reimbursed by his insurance at home.

I have a colleague who is Canadian who travels a lot connected to her job. Her university pays for travel health insurance for her. And I live in Florida where lots of Canadians winter and I can’t imagine they don’t have some sort of health insurance policy. So I am sure there are policies you can buy. But I don’t know any particulars.

As far as over the counter medications, I bring anything I conceivably might need as what is available is different overseas.

Not sure this will answer your questions, but here is an article from Insuremytrip.com https://www.insuremytrip.com/travel-insurance-plans-coverages/pre-existing-conditions/ I'm not familiar with Canadian insurance market, but my employer offers emergency travel coverage through my health plan that would probably cover a situation as you described (but if it were me, I'd call and talk to them about it before I left the states).

And I second the recommendation to bring your own meds so you have what works for you. If any are prescribed, bring copies of prescriptions - you can scan in and keep on your electronic device for access at any time.

Hi.
Fellow Canadian here.
My travel insurance is through my Royal Bank Visa Infinite Avion credit card.
It's pretty good, and covers you for 15 days of a trip.
Anything after that, you let them know in advance, and just pay a small fee for the extra days.
Other Canadian credit cards also have travel insurance plans.
I'm sure you can find a comparison chart online if you look.
The other plan that's good is through CAA auto Insurance.
Absolutely take all the medications you might need with you.
You don't want to be out looking for something you need when you feel ill.
Also; look and make a note of, the English-speaking doctors, and the ER departments of hospitals in the cities you are going to, and keep them to hand.
Addresses, phone numbers, and opening hours.
You can register with the Canadian Gov't website as a traveler, then they can track you in case of emergency, disaster, war, etc.
Also keep a note of where the Canadian Embassy is.
There's one in Rome.
Pharmacies in Italy all have notices on their doors telling you where there is one open if you need one after hours that day.
Perhaps make a note of key Italian phrases you would need to tell a doctor or hospital about your condition.
All sounds like overkill, but it is pre planning for you, to avoid having to find these things in a hurry if you are unwell.
Happy planning!
You will love both cities!

Thank you all for replies. They have been very helpful!

Chances are, if you need emergency care in Italy and went to the ER (pronto soccorso or urgenza), you wouldn't be charged anything, or would be asked to pay a minimal amount. Italy, like Canada, has a single payer healthcare system and the thinking is that a guest's emergency is something to be taken care of compassionately.

I know where you're coming from. My husband has Crohns and one grandaughter has Celiac.

Bring with you, do not check in your luggage, every medication you take. Prescription and OTC. Put them in as large a baggie as is necessary along with a translation of each item.
(Pharmacist should be able to provide generic names for each item you take) vitamins included.

You should know what your triggers are, and as you well know stress can play a role with both these diseases creating a cascade effect. So take it easy and do only what you can day by day. Hydrate !!!

The good news is Italy has an exceptional program for Celiacs.

This association has an English version on Facebook. With a list of restaurants by region.

http://www.celiachia.it/AIC/AIC.aspx?SS=985

Here's a card to buy for celiacs translated to Italian.

Edited. https://gumroad.com/l/gfc-italian

List of gluten free restaurants in Rome.

http://www.aglioolioepeperoncino.com/2018/09/gluten-free-rome-part-ii-2018-update.html?m=1

Gluten free Florence.

https://www.roadaffair.com/gluten-free-florence/

Do call one of the insurance companies, they'll
Make sure you have the appropriate policy.

Edit to add.

https://www.internationalcitizens.com/hospitals/italy/

Gerri, what a very useful post. The OP will be happy .

stef,

Most travel medical policies are geared towards accidental injuries or medical issues. Your situation is a bit unique, as you're travelling with pre-existing conditions which could flare up during your trip.

A few thoughts and suggestions that may help......

In addition to medical insurance, you might consider taking out an inexpensive membership in IAMAT. That will provide you a list of English speaking Physicians who will provide treatment for minor problems for a set fee (I believe the current amount is US$100). As I recall, they have clinics in both Florence and Rome.

While you will certainly be able to receive treatment at Italian hospitals, language may be an issue in varying degrees at many of the local ones. I can tell you from experience, that can be challenging at times.

For travel medical insurance suited to your circumstances, you can check local travel agents, CAA offices or local insurance brokers in your area. Many of the products they offer will likely be "off the shelf" packages that fit the average traveller and not those with pre-existing conditions.

You could also have a look at these insurance providers.....

• TourMed Travel Insurance
• TN INSURANCE

One of the key points for insurance with pre-existing conditions is the length of time the condition has been stable prior to the trip. You'll probably find that travel insurance for your situation is going to be somewhat on the "pricey" side, so you'll have to budget for that.

One other point which is somewhat related, is that it would would be highly advisable to pack along a smartphone with a travel roaming plan, including data. If you have service now, you're likely using either Bell, Telus or Rogers and they all have roaming plans (not cheap but they usually work well). Check with your provider for details and costs.

You might also have a look at this - https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/registration

I agree with others that you need to take essential medications in your carry-on luggage. Packing along copies of your prescriptions would also be a good idea. Also, do some research on the generic names of the medications you take.

Will you be travelling with a Laptop, iPad or whatever? You may also want to bookmark this website - https://travel.gc.ca/assistance .

As this is your first trip abroad, one other thing you'll have to consider is dealing with any problems which might occur during the long flight. If you're flying into Florence, you'll likely have a short layover at a larger hub airport. If you're using Air Canada, you may land first in Frankfurt and then use a Lufthansa city hopper to Florence. Frankfurt is a large airport, so some walking will be required. If you also have checked luggage, that will be transferred to your next flight. You will have to go through Schengen Passport control in Frankfurt.

When you arrive in Florence, take a Taxi to your hotel. The airport is reasonably close to the city and as I recall, the Taxis have a flat rate. It would be a good idea to obtain some Euro cash (perhaps €100 or so) for travel expenses until you get settled in Italy.

Good luck with your planning and your trip!

I am Canadian (BC) with type 1 diabetes (40 years, never been in the hospital for is since diagnosis, yay insulin pumps!), have celiac and have experienced idiopathic anaphylaxis (ER visits for stomach/bowel stuff - many) and I travel a fair bit. I get travel insurance from CAA, and pick zero deductible and pre-existing condition riders (so it apparently doesn't matter if it is a pre-existing condition, you are covered - get this confirmed and explained for your situation). I traveled to the US earlier this year and ended up getting admitted to the hospital overnight due to severe vomiting/diarrhea. The stay including a CT and cost about CA$12k, which was all covered. If you need more info, let me know.

I am going to Italy for 3 weeks next spring and am really hoping not to explore the Italian medical system! But I would also like to eat while there without fear. All the answers re the meds have be very useful, thank you!

Edited to add: I used to have an IAMAT membership that Ken mentioned (thank you, forgot about that, add brain ijury to the list ;) ) and it was helped me feel more secure when traveling. And I never needed it.

I just want to share. My son has had Crohn's since age 22 and now is 49. After many surgery s and a temporary colosmy he is now taking humira injection's.. The wonderful news is he travels all the time. He brings his shots on the plane in a cooler. He now is in Thailand! His life was on hold for many years but now 3yrs on humira and many trips later he's enjoying life. Meds can be taken in your carry on - he has to bring a small cooler. Oh I might add his last trip was 3 months and this one will be 5 God willing.

I have Celiacs disease. I use a preprinted card like the one mentioned above. Italians are tested when they are five. Adults and restaurants are very aware of it. I have had no problems on two trips. Good Luck.

I forgot to mention that at almost every hotel I've stayed at in Italy has had gluten free options at breakfast.