MILLIONS of Americans have been issued a travel warning if they are heading off on vacation and are taking weight loss jabs.
Not only that, but they are also reminded to take action in the TSA line to get exemption from a key travel rule.
It is estimated that at least 6 per cent of the US population is currently taking the increasingly popular jabs, according to a recent KFF health tracking poll.
This translates to just over 20 million Americans.
Whether the medication is being used for health or aesthetic reasons, anyone traveling with their jabs must take action before they fly.
Experts have warned that the millions using the injections risk invalidating their travel insurance if they take off without checking and possibly amending their policy.
Travelers could rack up large bills without knowing it if they fail to adjust their insurance plans.
All Americans must inform their insurance providers to disclose any conditions and medications when getting a new policy.
Failing to do this could entirely invalidate your claim with insurers refusing to pay out even if it is unrelated to the treatment.
“If you’re prescribed these drugs for obesity, diabetes or any other condition, it’s essential to declare both the medication and the underlying health issue when buying your policy,” Kara Gammell, from price comparison website Money Supermarket, told Bristol Live.
“Failing to do so could invalidate your cover – even if your claim has nothing to do with the treatment.”
Check with your insurance company before you travel to see if this medication rule impacts your policy.
Even if the medication is privately acquired, you may need to declare it.
Travelers going anywhere with any medication that is new to them or not previously disclosed should do their own research into how their insurance may be affected.
PACKING & TSA REMINDER
Meanwhile, those on such medication and traveling by plane are reminded to take action in the TSA line and while packing.
First, it’s vital that the injections are correctly packed and transported.
There are specific storage requirements for such medication including refrigeration.
Weight loss drugs like Ozempic must be kept between 36 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit before it’s first use, according to Fly Reva.
This could impact even short trips if you finish one pen and need to start another while away.
After refrigeration and use, it must then be kept at room temperature up to 86 degrees for up to 56 days before once again needing refrigeration.
Once all storage requirements are fulfilled, travelers must then alert a TSA officer while at security screening.
As the medication is in liquid-form, agents must be informed and it is advised to keep it with original labels and packaging.
It is best to keep medication in your carry-on luggage not only to ensure you have it in case of delays or lost baggage, but also to keep the temperature more regulated.
With this in mind, liquid-form prescribed medication is exempt from TSA’s 100ml liquid requirement.
“Medication in liquid form is allowed in carry-on bags in excess of 3.4 ounces in reasonable quantities for the flight,” the TSA website states.
“It is not necessary to place medically required liquids in a zip-top bag.
“However, you must tell the officer that you have medically necessary liquids at the start of the screening checkpoint process.
“Medically required liquids will be subject to additional screening that could include being asked to open the container.”
