What tips can you give to retirees with health issues and planning to travel? After being at home for the past few years, we were all looking forward to traveling again. My husband has heart disease and some back problems, which worries me.
If you get sick or injured while traveling and are unprepared, your dream vacation can turn into a real nightmare. Before you go, here are some tips to ensure you and your husband have a safe and healthy trip.
Be prepared: Before you go, talk to your doctor about your travel dates and what precautions you should take before traveling. When you travel, you should also carry your doctor's contact information and a list of your medications in case you need emergency treatment while you're away.
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It is also wise to find a clinic or urgent care facility near the area you are visiting. You can solve this problem at your hotel or find nearby medical services with a simple internet search. If you're traveling internationally, a good place to get a referral is the U.S. consulate or embassy in the country you're visiting (step.state.gov to register for your trip). Or use the International Society of Travel Medicine directory at istm.org.
If you are traveling outside of the United States, you should also find out about the health status of the country you are visiting and what vaccinations and preventive medications, if any, are recommended. To obtain this information, visit cdc.gov/travel or call 800-232-4636.
Check your insurance: If you have private health insurance that only covers in-network doctors or a Medicare Advantage plan with an HMO or PPO, check your plan to ensure your health care is covered when you travel outside your geographic area. Find out what's covered if you need it.
Beneficiaries enrolled in Original Medicare are covered anywhere in the United States. However, international travel is not covered outside of the United States and its territories, except in rare circumstances. However, some Medicare Advantage plans and some Medigap supplemental insurance policies offer limited coverage. . Most private health insurance plans do not pay for medical care outside the United States either. Please be sure to check.
Many retirees who travel internationally have travel insurance with medical coverage, which covers them if they cancel their trip, require medical treatment during their trip, or need to evacuate for treatment. They may cover your costs. Make sure your insurance also covers pre-existing medical conditions. To buy and compare insurance, visit travelinsurance.com, insurancemytrip.com or squaremouth.com.
Organize your medications: Make sure you have enough medications for the entire trip.
If you're traveling by plane, you'll need to pack your medications in your carry-on baggage, so you don't have to worry about your checked luggage getting lost or misdirected. It is best to keep your medicines in their original containers so that you can pass through airport security without a hitch. It's also a good idea to bring a note from your doctor explaining why you're taking these medications, especially if syringes or other medical supplies are involved.
For airport security requirements, visit tsa.gov and click on “Disability and Medical Conditions.” You can also call TSA Cares (855-787-2227) before you travel to ask questions about screening policies, procedures, and what to expect at security checkpoints.
Make the most of technology: Keep a list of your medications and other important health and medical information on your smartphone so you can easily access it and share it with emergency medical providers while you travel. Some great apps to help with this include Backpack Health (backpackhealth.com) and Capzule (capzule.com).
Send senior questions to Savvy Senior, PO Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070 or visit savvysenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of the book “The Savvy Senior.”
Send senior questions to Savvy Senior, PO Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070 or visit savvysenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of the book “The Savvy Senior.”