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◆ FIELD GUIDE No. 07Medical · 5 device categoriesEdition: June 2026Page 07 / 09

Medical devices, abroad.

CPAP, nebulizer, mobility scooter, hearing aids, insulin pump. Five device categories that cause more travel anxiety than they should. Most chargers are dual-voltage; airlines have to accommodate you under the ACAA; the gear is small. This is the per-device reference.

🌬 CPAP💨 NEBULIZER♿ MOBILITY👂 HEARING💉 INSULIN PUMP
§ 01Two rules that apply to every deviceUniversal

Voltage and carry-on rules. Land these before you pack.

Most modern medical chargers handle worldwide voltage automatically. Most medical devices don't count as carry-on. Two facts that simplify the rest of the planning.

Read the label
✓

Rule 01 · Most modern chargers accept 100–240V worldwide.

CPAP machines (ResMed, Philips), newer hearing-aid charging cases (Phonak, Oticon, ReSound, Cochlear), most mobility-device chargers, and portable nebulizers are dual-voltage. You need a plug adapter, not a voltage converter. Confirm by reading the power-supply label — "INPUT 100–240V" means you're set anywhere. Voltage converters are only needed for legacy single-voltage 110V devices (older tabletop nebulizers, older charging stations).

▶ Read the brick label before flying. If it says "INPUT 100–240V" — you're set.
ACAA assistive device
§

Rule 02 · Most medical devices don't count as carry-on.

Under the U.S. Air Carrier Access Act, devices like CPAPs and nebulizers are classified as medical assistive devices — airlines must allow them into the cabin in addition to your standard carry-on and personal item. Insulin pumps, hearing aids, and cochlear processors are worn or so small they're never counted. Mobility scooters and power wheelchairs travel as checked equipment with specific lithium-battery handling rules. Spare batteries always travel in carry-on.

▶ Source: U.S. ACAA, 14 CFR Part 382. Spare batteries in carry-on only — never checked.
§ 02Insurance · Medical-equipment coverRead the equipment clause

Medical equipment travel needs more than basic insurance.

Standard travel policies often exclude pre-existing medical equipment damage. Look for policies that explicitly include medical-equipment cover plus medical-evacuation with no daily cap. Pre-existing-condition clauses also matter for the trip itself.

Medical kit, travelled.

Medical equipment makes every trip slightly higher stakes. Travel insurance is the back-up. Heymondo offers single-trip and annual cover. Read the plan options before you book.

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§ 03By device · Five categoriesPer-device reference

Five categories, voltage + airline + tip per card.

Each card carries the verified manufacturer references and the airline-handling note for that device family.

◆ CPAP

CPAP machines

Voltage

Almost all dual-voltage (100–240V)

ResMed AirSense 10 and 11, AirMini, and Philips DreamStation all accept 100–240V at 50–60Hz — plug adapter only, no voltage converter. Read the power-supply label for confirmation. Battery options under 100Wh (Medistrom Pilot-24 for ResMed, Pilot-12 for Philips) fly without airline approval.

Airline: ACAA medical assistive device — extra carry-on, never checked. FAA-approved for in-flight use on aircraft with 19+ seats; carriers usually need 48h notice and 150% battery capacity for runtime.
→ Read the deep CPAP travel guide
◆ NEB

Nebulizers

Voltage

Tabletop: often 110V-only; portable: dual-voltage

Omron CompAir and most tabletop home nebulizers are 110V-only — they need a voltage converter for international use, which adds bulk. Portable battery-powered nebulizers like the Philips Respironics InnoSpire Go eliminate voltage concerns entirely. Carry medications in original prescription containers with a doctor's letter explaining medical necessity; liquid medications face additional security screening.

Airline: Bring the prescription label and a brief doctor's letter for customs and security. Liquid medications are exempt from the 3.4oz limit when declared as medical necessity.
◆ MOB

Mobility scooters / power wheelchairs

Voltage

Most chargers dual-voltage (verify on the device label)

Most mobility-device chargers accept 100–240V, but verify on the device label before travel. Airlines have specific lithium-battery policies for mobility equipment — advance notification required, and the airline may remove the battery for separate transport. The 100Wh / 100–160Wh / >160Wh power-bank bands also apply to wheelchair batteries.

Airline: Contact the airline at least 48 hours before departure to arrange transport and gate-side charging accommodations. Bring the charger plug adapter for the destination country — mobility chargers use standard wall outlets.
◆ HEAR

Hearing aids / cochlear implants

Voltage

Newer charging cases dual-voltage; older models may need converters

Phonak, Oticon, ReSound, Cochlear, and MED-EL all ship newer charging cases as dual-voltage. Older charging stations may be single-voltage — check the case label. Bring spare hearing-aid batteries; replacement batteries abroad may have different specifications or limited availability. Cochlear processors travel similarly — manufacturers offer travel-specific charging accessories.

Airline: Spare batteries in carry-on only. Checked-baggage temperature extremes damage battery life. Bring a doctor's letter only if you have multiple devices or unusual quantities.
◆ INS

Insulin pumps + CGM

Voltage

Pump itself: internal battery, no adapter. Charging dock and CGM transmitter chargers may need adapters

The pump itself runs on an internal battery and needs no plug adapter. Charging docks for tethered pumps (Medtronic MiniMed, Tandem t:slim) and CGM transmitter chargers may need voltage adapters. Omnipod uses disposable pods that require no charging at all. Insulin requires refrigeration in transit — coordinate with the airline for refrigeration on long flights, or use a thermal pouch with cool packs.

Airline: Insulin requires prescription documentation for customs clearance. Bring twice the supply you need and divide it between carry-on and an accessible second bag (in case one is delayed). Always carry the prescription in the original container.
§ 04The kit · Five piecesUniversal medical-travel

Adapter, converter, thermal pouch, hard case, spare batteries.

One adapter for dual-voltage devices, a step-down converter only if your device label says "110V only", plus the basics for safe transit.

01

Universal plug adapter

Types A · B · C · F · G · I

For chargers that accept 100–240V (most modern medical devices). Single piece covers every country a traveler reaches — no separate per-country adapters needed.

Our pickEPICKA Universal Adapter →
02

Step-down voltage converter (50W+)

240V → 110V · grounded · ≥50W

Only needed for legacy single-voltage 110V devices — older tabletop nebulizers, some older charging stations. Read the label before buying: "INPUT 100–240V" means you don't need this; "110V only" means you do.

Our pickTravel voltage converter →
03

Insulin / medication thermal pouch

Cool-pack compatible · 24h + cooling

Insulin and many biologics need refrigeration. Thermal pouches with reusable gel packs maintain temperature for 24–36 hours — enough for any long-haul flight. The Frio brand uses evaporative cooling (no freezer needed), useful when staying somewhere without a fridge.

Our pickMedication thermal pouch →
04

Hard-shell device case

Crush-proof · TSA-recognizable

Medical devices don't count as carry-on under ACAA, but they still need protection through overhead-bin Tetris and X-ray bins. A clear or label-marked case helps security recognize the device immediately at screening.

Our pickHard medical device case →
05

Spare batteries (carry-on only)

Device-specific · ≤100Wh

Bring two of everything battery-powered. Hearing-aid batteries in original blister packs (some destinations don't stock your specific size). Lithium spares in carry-on only — never checked.

Our pickDevice-specific spares →

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§ 05FAQ · What people actually askFrom the inbox

Six questions medical travelers email us.

Q. 01

Do I need a prescription letter for medical devices at airport security?

Not legally required by TSA, but a physician's letter listing your devices, medications, supplies and the medical reason significantly speeds screening — especially for less-common equipment, insulin, and liquid medications over 3.4oz. For customs in some countries (more strict in the Middle East and parts of Asia), the letter helps avoid extended questioning.

Q. 02

Can I use a voltage converter with my CPAP machine abroad?

Almost never needed. Modern CPAP machines (ResMed AirSense 10/11, AirMini, Philips DreamStation) are all dual-voltage (100–240V) and only need a plug adapter. Using a converter with a dual-voltage device is unnecessary and can introduce electrical problems. Check the power-supply label for "INPUT 100–240V" to confirm.

Q. 03

What happens if my medical device breaks while traveling internationally?

Contact the manufacturer's international customer service immediately — most major brands (ResMed, Philips, Medtronic, Phonak, Cochlear) have repair networks or loaner-device programs in major countries. Hotel concierges can locate nearby medical-supply stores for emergency replacements. Travel insurance with medical-equipment coverage helps with replacement costs; confirm this is included before departure.

Q. 04

Are medical devices covered by travel insurance if damaged abroad?

Standard travel insurance often excludes pre-existing medical-equipment damage. Look specifically for policies that include medical-equipment cover (annual nomad-style plans like Heymondo often do; check the policy doc for the equipment clause). Manufacturer warranties sometimes apply internationally for major brands — verify before travel.

Q. 05

Can I bring extra batteries for my medical devices on flights?

Yes, in carry-on only — never in checked baggage. Lithium batteries follow the FAA / IATA / ICAO power-bank bands: under 100Wh allowed in unlimited quantity; 100–160Wh requires advance airline approval (typically max 2); over 160Wh banned on passenger aircraft. The 2026 in-flight USE bans on consumer power banks don't apply to powering medical devices — that's a separate ACAA-protected use.

Q. 06

How do I find medical device charging stations in airports during layovers?

Most major international airports have outlets at most gates and at dedicated charging stations. Airport customer service can direct you to medical-specific charging areas if standard outlets are unavailable. Lounges (paid or airline-status) reliably have outlets at every seating area. For long layovers with critical charging needs, request gate-side power at booking — airlines often accommodate.

§ —ClosingKeep reading

Dual-voltage, carry-on, paperwork. That's the whole framework.

Most chargers handle worldwide voltage. The ACAA gets your device into the cabin. The doctor's letter clears customs. Everything else is per-device specifics — pick the device family above and pack accordingly.

Related guide

CPAP Travel Power: Flying, Cruising & Going Abroad →

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Airplane Power Outlets: By Airline + 2026 Battery Rules →

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Cruise Ship Power Outlets: By Cruise Line →

◆ Field Guide No. 07 · Edition June 2026Last verified 2026-06-02 · PlugHopper