It's probably safe to say that the Gap year packing list your child received did not include a medical 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!
Medical supplies are only available in pharmacies (not in supermarkets) and come in smaller amounts for more money. There are no 24/7 pharmacies. Prescription medication is cheaper in Israel than in the US because of government subsidies (but little is cheaper than the average co-payment). EMA Care is happy to give you the information you need to help save money and ensure 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.
Happy Packing!
General List- Package of good quality plastic bandages (like Band-Aide) of different sizes
- Ace bandages – especially if a student plays a lot of sports.
- 2-inch width - appropriate for the wrist; 3-inch width - appropriate for larger wrist or ankle; 4-inch width - appropriate for knee
- Gauze pads of different sizes/white tape/small scissors
- Medical tape
- Bacitracin ointment – not available in Israel
- Benedryl – if the student has allergies.
- Immodium (Loperimide) 2mg tablets
- Tylenol (acetaminophen) 500mg tablets
- Advil (Ibuprofen) 200mg tablets
- Re-usable cold/hot packs for injuries
- The thermometer in a container (preferably with either thermometer covers or alcohol pads to clean it!)
- Antacids - if prone to stomach ailments.
- Claritin (Loratidine) 10mg tablets – many kids without seasonal allergies develop them in the first few months in Israel (new flora and fauna)
- Sunscreen
- Over the counter cortisone cream
- For girls (as needed) – Monistat cream or OTC treatment for yeast infections (creams not available in Israel)
- 3 month supply of prescription medication (if possible – if not, contact us for ideas) If you have a high co-payment, consider pricing the medications in Israel.
- For food allergies – at least 4 EpiPens (there have been shortages in Israel)
- Shower shoes or water-proof flip-flops (to avoid athlete's foot in communal showers)
For COVID-19:
- Disposable masks – 3 packages of 10 (can purchase more in Israel). These masks are preferable to cloth masks, but if cloth masks are used, they must be 3 layers of material and bring at least 4, so they can be laundered regularly. If cloth masks are used, bring 1 package of disposable masks as a backup.
- Alcohol gel - one large bottle and 2-3 small bottles for purse/pocket use – (can purchase more in Israel)
- Disposable gloves (Latex or nitrile) in your child's size – 1 box (can purchase more in Israel)
- Antimicrobial wipes – 1 package (can purchase more in Israel)
The COVID supplies are intended to help students when traveling and manage for the first few weeks until they can purchase more supplies locally. You do not need to bring a year's worth of personal protection equipment.
Remember to check all expiration dates on medications to make sure they expire after June 2020. 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, click here.
EMA Care wishes all the young people preparing for their gap year in Israel, a safe, healthy year.