What Medication to Pack in Your First Aid Kit for the Cook Islands

Although you can obtain first aid kits at nearly any pharmacy, they are often generic and typically only include enough supplies to address a couple of minor cuts. We like to create our own first aid kit, adapted to our destination, in this case, the Cook Islands, and to our personal needs.

Our example Cook Islands first aid kit includes a few prescribed medications, so be sure to book an appointment with your GP and obtain these prescriptions.

What to Pack in Your First Aid Kit for Rarotonga and the Cook Islands

While not necessarily needed in your "first aid kit" for Rarotonga and the Cook Islands, these other medications and health products are also handy to have with you.

Sunscreen

With UV levels of 6-11+ in the Cook Islands, it’s crucial that you protect yourself and your loved ones from sun exposure in order to avoid sunburn or heatstroke. It’s recommended to use at least SPF 30 sunscreen, which should be applied thickly every three hours or soon after going in the water. Be sure to choose a sunscreen that’s safe for marine life in the Cook Islands, too.

Check out examples of safe sunscreen to use in The Best Sunscreens for the Cook Islands + Sun Protection Tips.

Insect Repellent

It’s important to avoid mosquito bites in the Cook Islands as much as possible, as mosquito-related diseases like dengue fever and chikungunya do occur.

Check out our recommended mosquito repellents in the 10 Eco-Friendly Mosquito Repellents for the Cook Islands. Plus, get more advice for avoiding bites in the 10 Ways to Avoid Mosquito Bites in the Cook Islands.

Iodine (Water-Purifying) Tablets

As a precaution for drinking water from a tap or any other potentially unsafe source, iodine tablets dissolved in water help remove some bacteria and viruses from the water. This is not 100% effective, though, so when possible, boil water for at least 10 minutes before drinking it.

Get more tips for finding safe drinking water in Is the Water Safe to Drink in the Cook Islands?

Glasses/Contact Lenses

It’s always a good idea to have a spare pair of glasses or extra sets of contact lenses, in case you lose or damage your current pair.

Seasickness Pills

The cruises in Rarotonga and Aitutaki are within sheltered lagoons, so most travellers don't suffer from seasickness. If you are particularly prone to seasickness or plan to go out on diving or fishing trips, however, you may want to pack a few seasickness pills so you can enjoy the whole trip!

Prescription Medication

Finally, remember your prescription medication. It’s a good idea to bring medication in the original packaging with the label for whom it is prescribed, just in case you are asked about your medication at the border.

As an extra precaution, get your GP/doctor to sign and date a letter describing your medical conditions and medications, including their generic names, should you need more prescribed medication while in the Cook Islands (but bring enough for your whole trip and then some).