As a retiree, you’ve probably had dreams of traveling the world – or just going to the next state over. However, as you age, health concerns become an issue and leaving the home becomes more difficult. Recurring illnesses and chronic conditions like diabetes can make traveling a challenge.
You may not feel comfortable with the idea of having to find good medical care in another city. It can be risky to travel, but by taking some precautions to ward off problems, you can enjoy your trip.
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Here’s what you can do:
- See your doctor. Get your physician’s clearance to go out of town or to another country before you go. Your doctor should give you the OK to travel and may even be able to give you some tips on how to navigate your condition while you’re on the road.
- Get medication. One of the tricky aspects of traveling is making sure you have enough medication to last the entire trip. Work with your doctor and pharmacist to ensure that you have the medications you need to cover the duration of the vacation.
- Spread them out. If you’re traveling by air, don’t stuff all your medications in one piece of luggage. If the bags get lost, you’ll be completely out of medication. It’s better to carry them on the plane with you if possible or pack them in multiple bags, so you’ll still have access to your pills if one of the bags gets misplaced.
- Use an alert bracelet. If you have a risky condition or allergies, be sure that you wear your alert bracelet at all times and always have your medical alert card in your bag or wallet. This will help medical staff in a foreign country or out-of-town location swiftly address your needs and provide the proper care.
- Buy insurance. If your Medicare or private health insurance policy doesn’t cover medical care in other states or countries, or it doesn’t provide the amount of coverage you’d like, consider getting travel insurance. If you have unique medical needs, looking into a travel insurance policy is a must.
- Investigate special accommodations. If you have mobility issues, call airports and hotels in advance to ensure that you can take advantage of special services that will make traveling easier. Some accommodations include escorts in the airport and accessibility features in hotel bathrooms. If you don’t call ahead and make arrangements, however, you may not be able to utilize these free services that will make your trip that much more enjoyable.
- Watch your diet. If you’re traveling to a foreign country, be wary of eating certain foods that can flare up your condition or illness It’s fun to try new foods and indulge in local fare, so be sure to inquire about the ingredients in the dish before you order.
- Be careful of the water. Travel in some foreign countries also requires careful attention to the water you drink. Make sure you’re drinking bottled water or boiled water, and steer clear of contaminated water that can derail your vacation.
Travel abroad and around the country without worrying about your health. Follow these tips for safe traveling and contact InsureOne Benefits to talk about travel insurance.