Whenever you pack for a trip, make sure to pack a small first-aid kit as well. It is better to customize your own kit depending on the type of vacation, regions you will be visiting, and the activities you plan on doing. In this blog, we have curated a comprehensive medical travel kit checklist for India to help you pack for your next trip to this beautiful country.
Why is a health kit necessary while traveling to India?
No matter where you are traveling, a medical travel kit can be a lifesaver. Getting sick during a trip can be stressful, so having your own first aid kit to rely on is a relief. In India, you will generally get basic medications in most pharmacies; however, the hygiene is not the best in the country, and you may not be able to find your specific medications in a different country so easily.
A basic first aid kit will make you feel confident and calm during a stressful situation. It is necessary to keep some hygiene items like tissues, wet wipes, sanitizer, as well as tablets for diarrhea, motion sickness, and dehydration. You should also carry all the necessary health documents on your trip.
Basic items
- Bandaids
- Bandages
- Antiseptic solution
- Pain relievers
- Thermometer
- Tweezers or scissors
- Cold pack
- Aloe vera gel
- Face mask
- ORS
- Electrolyte packets
Medicines
- Medicine for motion sickness: Motion sickness is common among many people, and while you easily get a medicine for it in Indian pharmacies, it is a good idea to pack some.
- Medicine for diarrhea: Delhi Belly, or traveler’s diarrhea, is a common occurrence for many tourists in India. Make sure to carry some diarrhea medicine with you.
- Prescribed medications: if you are on any prescription, do carry those medicines along with the doctor’s detailed prescription note.
- Allergy medications: if you have any allergies, keep your medicine handy, or an EpiPen, if needed.
- Antibiotics
- Cold and flu tablets
- Digestive tablets
See also: The Ultimate Packing List for India
Preventive items
- Sunscreen: carry a sunscreen with an SPF of 50, since the heat in India can be intense.
- Moisturizer: keep a good quality moisturizer, especially if you plan on visiting the colder regions or during winter season.
- Hand sanitizer
- Lip balm with SPF
- Mosquito repellent or bug spray: Monsoon season in India becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects, so keep an insect repellent or spray handy.
- Hat and sunglasses: carry a wide-rimmed hat or cap to ensure that you stay protected from the sun and cover your eyes with UV-protection sunglasses.
- Earplugs
Personal hygiene
- Wet wipes and tissues
- Soap or body wash, face-wash, and shampoo
- Menstrual hygiene products if needed
- Sexual health protection products
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
Region-specific items
- Medicine for altitude sickness
- Anti-malarial medicines
- Portable water filter or water purification tablets
Documents
- Travel insurance: while travel insurance in India is not mandatory, it is definitely recommended. Travel insurance helps you in case of sudden medical emergencies, medical treatments, and more, so do keep a copy of your travel insurance on you.
- Copies of prescriptions: if you have any prescribed medicines, keep a copy of the prescription. A lot of pharmacies do not allow the sale of many medicines without a proper prescription.
- Vaccination certificates: There are no mandatory vaccines to visit India, but they are highly recommended, especially COVID-19 vaccine, Yellow fever vaccine, Polio vaccine, Rabies vaccine, and a few others. Consult your doctor and keep a copy of vaccination certificates with you.
- Doctor’s letter: if you use any controlled medications or medicines that need to be taken at regular intervals, keep a doctor’s note handy as proof at the airport, pharmacy, or in case of enquiry.
Did you find this guide helpful? Let us know. At India Someday, we create personalized trips to India for you, based on your preferences and requirements. Contact us and together we can plan the perfect trip to India for you!
