Savvy Senior: Healthy Travel Tips for Older Travelers
Dear Savi Kabir,
What tips can you give to retirees who have health problems and are planning to take some trips? We have been looking forward to traveling again after staying at home the past few years, but my husband has a heart condition and some back issues that are worrying me.
The wife in question
Dear concerned,
A dream vacation can turn into a real nightmare if you get sick or injured while you’re away and you’re not prepared. Before you head out, here are some tips to help ensure a safe and healthy trip for you and your partner.
get ready: Before you go, talk to your doctor about your travel itinerary and what precautions you should take before traveling. You should also have your doctor’s contact information with you when you travel, as well as a list of your medications in case you need emergency medical care while you are away.
It’s also a smart idea to locate health clinics or urgent care facilities near the areas you’re visiting. Your hotel can help you with this or a simple online search can locate nearby healthcare services. If you are traveling abroad, you can visit the US consulate or embassy in the countries you are visiting (go to step.state.gov To register your trip) is a good place to get a referral. Or use the International Society of Travel Medicine guide at ISTM.org.
If you are traveling outside the United States, you will also need to know the health conditions of the country you are visiting and what, if any, vaccinations and/or preventive medications. be seen CDC.gov/travel Or call 800-232-4636 for this information.
Check your insurance: If you have private health insurance or a Medicare Advantage plan through an HMO or PPO that only covers in-network doctors, check your plan to see what’s covered if you need medical care when traveling outside your geographic area.
Beneficiaries with Original Medicare are covered everywhere in the United States but if you are traveling abroad, you will not be covered outside of the United States and its territories except in rare cases, although some Medicare Advantage plans and some Medigap supplemental policies provide limited coverage. Most private health plans don’t pay for health care outside the United States either. Make sure to check.
Many retirees who travel abroad buy Travel insurance with medical coverage, which may cover expenses in the event of a flight cancellation, the need for treatment during travel, or the need to evacuate for medical care. Make sure the policy will also cover your pre-existing medical conditions. To shop and compare policies visit TravelInsurance.com, InsureMyTrip.com or SquareMouth.com.
Organizing your medications: Make sure you have enough medication to cover the entire trip.
If you’re traveling by air, you need to put your medications in your carry-on bag, so if your checked baggage gets lost or misdirected, you’ll be left without it. It is best to keep your medications in their original containers so they can pass through airport security without delay. It’s also a good idea to bring a note from your doctor explaining why you’re taking these medications, especially if injections or other medical supplies are involved.
For airport security requirements, visit TSA.gov – Click on “Disabilities and Medical Conditions”. You can also call TSA Cares at 855-787-2227 before traveling with questions about screening policies and procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint.
Maximize technology: Keep a list of your medications and other important health and medical information handy on your smartphone so you can easily access and share them with emergency healthcare providers while you travel. Some good apps that can help with this are Backpack Health (BackpackHealth.com) and Capzol (Capzule.com).
Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, PO Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is an NBC contributor today Presenter and author “adult and savvy” book.
