FAQs

With a little pre-planning, there’s no reason you can’t travel or go on holiday while you’re using a catheter. Just remember to pack a few extra supplies so you’re fully prepared. You should also
try to split these between your checked luggage and your cabin bag just in case one gets lost.

Some people also like to take a letter from their healthcare professional that explains the purpose of their catheters if they’re questioned at security. If travelling for extended periods, you can contact the manufacturer of your catheter to ask where to purchase more supplies in the country or region you’re in.

Some people use different brands of catheters throughout the day, depending on where they are. So, you might want to use a different type of catheter when you’re out and about compared to being at home. This may be a self-lubricating model, or you could talk to your healthcare professional about a closed system catheter.

There are a few things you can do to prepare for travel

• make sure you bring enough supplies
• keep enough intermittent catheterisation (IC) devices in your cabin bag in easy reach
• check with your travel and hotel companies if you need any special accommodations
• check to see if you can get more catheters at your destination, if needed

If you can, try and stick to your regular catheterisation routine as much as possible.

You might also want to ask your healthcare professional to write a letter explaining your IC devices as this might make it easier at places like airport security.

If you know you’ll be travelling and won’t have access to a toilet, you can ask your healthcare professional about a closed system catheter. These can be used without needing to drain your urine into a toilet or container as they have their own collection bags. You can discreetly drain your bladder somewhere where you have privacy or won’t be disturbed.

Plan ahead, and make sure you have extra supplies. Speak to your healthcare professional about what options are available.