Parents’ travel checklist

  • Insurance – Ensure that your child’s insurance is valid and check what it covers. Usually insurance covers 45 days of travel; after that you need additional cover.
  • European Health Insurance Card – If your child is an EU citizen travelling within the EU be sure to bring your European Health Insurance Card. This entitles your child to discounted medical care. The card is free of charge and you obtain it from your country’s insurance office. The card does not replace travel insurance. 
  • The medical system at your destination – Investigate how the medical care system works in the country you are going to.
  • Vaccine – Take the vaccines your child is recommended for your destination.
  • Notes – Bring a description of your heart condition in the language of the country you are visiting, and/or in English. Include the name and telephone number of your doctor. 
  • Medication – Bring your child’s medicines as well as a note of the active substance in the medicine. 
  • Pacemaker – Contact your child’s doctor if your child has a pacemaker and you are planning to travel. 
  • Flying – If you have connecting flights, seek assistance at the airport if your child is restricted by the heart condition.
  • Choosing a destination – If your child has a severe heart defect be sure to choose a destination that is suitable for him or her: not hot places if your child is easily dehydrated and not cold places if your child easily gets cold. No high altitudes (about 1,500 metres above sea level) if your child has difficulties with blood pressure.