Medical Checklist for Gap Year Students
It's probably safe to say that the Gap year packing list your child received did not include a medical supplies checklist. There are many reasons to give your kids some medical supplies and medicines before they leave. First of all, many over-the-counter medications in the US are available by prescription only in Israel and getting medication in Israel can take a long time!
Medical supplies are only available in pharmacies (not in supermarkets) and come in smaller amounts for more money. There are no 24/7 pharmacies in Israel. Prescription medication is cheaper in Israel than in the US because of government subsidies (but little is cheaper than the average co-payment), but over-the-counter medications are much pricier in Israel. EMA Care is happy to give you the information you need to help save money and assure a healthier year!
The following gap year medical supplies checklist includes items that are available in Israel but are more expensive. We have included items for a first aid kit, basic medication, and prevention items.With ALL medication – make sure to label how the medication needs to be taken – some gap year students take medications incorrectly which causes problems.
Packing Essentials:
- Bacitracin ointment – not available in Israel
- Benadryl – if student has allergies; not available in Israel
- Over the counter cortisone cream – (not OTC in Israel)
- For girls (as needed) – Monistat cream or OTC treatment for yeast infections (creams – limited availability in Israel)
- 3-month supply of prescription medication (if possible – if not contact EMA Care for ideas). If you have a high co-payment, consider pricing the medications in Israel (via EMA Care)
- For food allergies – at least 4 EpiPens (there have been shortages in Israel)
Available in Israel (but more expensive):
- Imodium (Loperamide) 2mg tablets
- Tylenol (acetaminophen) 500mg tablets (give instructions)
- Advil (Ibuprofen) 200mg tablets (give instructions; take after food)
- Claritin (Loratadine) 10mg tablets – many kids without seasonal allergies develop them in the first few months in Israel (new flora and fauna)
- Sunscreen (expensive in Israel)
- Package of good quality plastic bandages (like Band-Aide) of different sizes
- Ace bandages – especially if student plays a lot of sports.(consider your child's sports preferences when purchasing)
- 2-inch width - appropriate for wrist;
- 3-inch width - appropriate for larger wrist or ankle;
- 4-inch width - appropriate for knee
- Gauze pads of different sizes
- Medical tape
- Shower shoes or water-proof flip-flops (to avoid athlete's foot in communal showers)
- Battery-operated thermometer in container (preferably with either thermometer covers or alcohol pads to clean it!)
Remember to check all expiration dates on medications to make sure they expire after June. Please write down clear instructions for your children on how to safely take the medications they have. We cannot tell you how many times students misuse over-the-counter medications out of ignorance - but to their detriment. To see more about medications in Israel.
Ps- Do not send your child with 500 tablets of each medication – they don't have room for it!
EMA Care wishes all the young people preparing for their gap year in Israel, a safe, healthy year.
Contact EMA Care for more information on how we can help your child have a healthier, safer year in Israel!