It may help to have certain medical documents and information to hand once you are away.

Examples include:

• A medical summary of your condition, history and any known allergies, as well as a plan for a flare-up, should one happen. Talk to your doctor about these before you leave. You may like to get the medical summary translated into the language of your destination, particularly if English is not commonly understood in your destination country

• A list of your medications, including the generic names of drugs (for example, mesalazine for Asacol and Pentasa) and a copy of your prescription

• A list of key words and phrases about your condition and medication in the local language

• The details of your own doctor and IBD team, including the phone number and email address – as a precaution

• If possible, the name and contact details of the doctor you would hope to visit, should you need to

• A letter from your Family Physician, IBD specialist or Consultant confirming that you are fit to travel

• If you are on steroids, a steroid card would be helpful. If there is an emergency, this alerts the person attending you of your condition and medication

• If you are on a restricted diet, dietary card would be helpful