Travelling & Mental Health
Your mental and physical health before and during a trip will usually determine how well you cope with travel. There are clear links between mental and physical health, so looking after yourself during travel and when abroad is important. Stress levels can be intensified during travel because of a lack of familiar support systems, disrupted daily routines, language barriers, culture shock and unexpected situations. The NHS has more information on the factors that affect mental health during travel, as well as information on how to manage them. Here a few other things to consider and help with your planning and preparation.
Before you travel...
Get Insurance Get comprehensive travel insurance before you travel. If you do not take out proper insurance, you will normally have to pay the costs of any emergency yourself, including expensive medical bills. Read the FCO advice on foreign travel insurance. Always check the small print and make sure it includes any pre-existing medical conditions you have, and all activities you intend to undertake. Some insurance companies will exclude cover for a mental health condition, so it is worth shopping around.
If you need specialist insurance, organisations such as MIND have information on insurance cover and mental health including a list of specialist insurance providers. If you are travelling in the European Economic Area or Switzerland before 31 December 2020, you can continue to use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) during this time, as you did before. Check for the latest information on the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) online, or by phone on 0300 330 1350.
Research Healthcare in your Destination Consider what health precautions you may need to take for your trip. Ask your doctor or medical professional for advice. Check what mental health services are available in your destination and research local attitudes to mental health. Facilities, resources and the understanding of mental health issues vary. Local attitudes towards mental health in your destination are likely to determine the type of any psychiatric care you may receive there. In some countries, this may include forced admission without consent, poor local facilities, questionable treatment, a lack of appropriate medication or difficulty finding English speaking mental healthcare professionals. In some countries, you can be arrested, imprisoned or admitted to a hospital or mental health facility for exhibiting certain behaviours, including disturbing the peace and making threats.
Check your Medication is Legal Some medication may be illegal in the country you are visiting, or contain ingredients that are illegal there. This may include prescription medication. If you take medication, check it is legal in your destination. Check with your GP or the embassy of the country you will visit to see if your medication is legal for your holiday. Check with your airline if you need documentation to prove you need to carry the medication. Ask what kind of container it should be in. This is particularly important for liquids and gels, because of security restrictions at airports.
Check your Medication is Available Some medication may not be available in other countries. If you take medication, ensure that you take enough with you to see you through your trip and allow for possible delays. Ask your doctor or medical professional for advice. Always keep medication and any medical documents in your hand luggage or in a place you can get to them easily. Make sure your medication is clearly labelled. In case you lose your medicine or need to get more, you may need to have a letter from your doctor stating your need for the medication. This is very important if you are going to a country with strict drug controls. You should always be ready to show this letter to customs officers.
Consider Carrying a “Travelling Letter” Consider writing and carrying a ‘travelling letter’, which gives a brief description of your mental health needs and diagnosis, and the details of your doctor. If appropriate, include details of any difficulties that could occur and what assistance you might then need. This may be part of any Recovery Plan or Advance Directive, if you have one.
Consider giving someone the Power of Attorney If you want to, you can give someone the power of attorney. This gives someone the power to make decisions for you in case a situation arises where you are unable to make decisions for yourself. There are two types of power of attorney: health and welfare, and property and financial affairs. You can choose to make either, or both.
Consider who to contact if you need help Consider who will help you if your mental health deteriorates abroad and how to contact them. Keep details of friends, family and/or carers with you when you travel. Fill in emergency contact details at the back of your passport. If you need help, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) can help you to contact your friends and family in the UK or in the country you are visiting. If you are in the UK, you can contact the FCO 24/7 on 020 7008 1500. If you are abroad, you can contact the nearest British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate.
Whilst you are abroad... Promote and Maintain your Mental Health when Travelling There are resources available to help you understand how travel can impact your mental health. You may wish to discuss this with your doctor or community mental health team.
Stay in Touch with Family, Friends and/or Carers Stay in regular touch with your family and friends in the UK, especially if you are travelling alone or in a remote area, or if you are aware of a crisis in the region in which you are travelling. Although you may feel perfectly safe, people at home may worry if they do not hear from you and could report you missing. If you take your mobile phone abroad, make sure you have international roaming (the facility to use your phone on a foreign network), and an adaptor so you can charge it.
If you need help abroad... Know how to reach your emergency contacts if something happens to you abroad. In Europe, you can phone 112 for the emergency services. You can contact the nearest British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate, or the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London on 020 7008 1500.