Dear wise senior,
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.
worried wife
To all concerned
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.
prepare: 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.
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 are traveling abroad, visit the U.S. consulate or embassy in the country you are visiting (visit below) step.state.gov (to register your trip) is a good place to get referrals. Or use the International Travel Medicine Association directory. 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.look CDC.gov/Travel Or call 800-232-4636 for this information.
Please 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 help you if you need medical care when traveling outside your geographic area. See what's covered.
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 traveling abroad purchase Travel insurance with medical coverage, it may cover your costs if you cancel your trip, require medical treatment during your trip, or need to evacuate for treatment. Make sure your insurance also covers pre-existing medical conditions.To buy and compare insurance, visit travelinsurance.com, InsureMyTrip.com or squaremouse.com.
Organize your medicine. Make sure you have enough medication to last you for the duration of your 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 bag getting lost or misdirected. To ensure a smooth passage through airport security, it is best to keep your medication in its original container. 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, please visit: TSA.gov – Click on “Disabilities 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.
Get the most out of technology: Keep your medication list 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 capsule (Capzule.com).
Send advanced questions to Savvy Senior, PO Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or to: SavvySenior.org.Jim Miller is an NBC contributor today program and its creator “Smart senior” Book.
