Traveling with Addison's disease — practical checklist
Traveling with Addison's disease is manageable with planning: enough medication, injection kit if prescribed, emergency card, travel letter, and a clear sick-day plan for illness or time-zone changes.
- Pack more medication than you need — delays happen.
- Carry hydrocortisone in hand luggage with a travel letter if flying.
- Plan dose timing across time zones with your endocrine team before long-haul trips.
- Know how to say "adrenal insufficiency" and "steroid emergency" in the local language if abroad.
- Keep sick-day rules and emergency contacts accessible offline.
Time zones and dose timing
Moving clocks forward or back can disrupt hydrocortisone rhythm. Ask your team how to shift doses gradually on arrival and return — especially for trips longer than a few days.
Travel kit essentials
NHS steroid emergency card, prescribed injection kit, spare tablets, medical travel letter, insurance details, and emergency contact numbers. A medication tracker app with offline access helps if luggage is delayed.
Illness and heat while away
Gastroenteritis, dehydration, and heat stress can trigger sick-day rules. Treat travel illness seriously — follow your plan and seek local urgent care if you cannot keep fluids or tablets down.
How MyAddi helps
MyAddi logs travel-adjusted schedules, keeps Medical ID and emergency steps available on your phone, and lets carers see updates if you share access.
Questions
Can I fly with hydrocortisone injection kits?
Usually yes with a medical letter and airline notification. Check current UK and destination rules before you travel.
What if I lose my medication abroad?
Contact a local pharmacy or hospital with your prescription details and travel letter. Travel insurance with medical cover is essential.
Should I adjust doses for long-haul flights?
Discuss with your endocrine team. Some people take extra cover for the stress of travel or shift doses to destination time over one to two days.