Healthy Travel Tips for Older Travelers

Dear Senior Savvy,

What advice can you offer retirees with health issues who are planning trips? We've been looking forward to traveling again after staying at home for the past few years, but my husband has a heart condition and back problems that worry me.

— Wife concerned

Dear concerned,

A dream vacation can turn into a nightmare if you get sick or injured while you're away and aren't prepared. Before you go, here are some tips to ensure a safe and healthy trip for you and your husband.

Prepare: Before you leave, talk to your doctor about your travel itinerary and the 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 medications you are taking in case you need emergency medical care while you are away.

It's also a good idea to locate health clinics or urgent care facilities near the areas you're visiting. Your hotel can help, or a simple internet search can identify nearby health services. If you are traveling internationally, the U.S. 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 reference. Or use the International Society of Travel Medicine directory at ISTM.org.

If you are traveling outside the United States, you should also find out about the health conditions in the country you are visiting and what, if any, vaccines and/or preventative medications are recommended. See 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 is covered if you need medical care while traveling in outside your geographic area.

Beneficiaries with Original Medicare are covered throughout the United States. But if you travel internationally, you won't be covered outside the United States and its territories except in rare circumstances, although some Medicare Advantage plans and some Medigap supplemental policies offer limited coverage. . Most private health plans also do not cover health costs outside the United States. Be sure to check it out.

Many retirees traveling abroad purchase travel insurance with medical coverage, which can cover expenses if you cancel the trip, need to be treated during the trip, or need to be evacuated for medical treatment. Make sure the policy will also cover your pre-existing health conditions. To shop and compare policies, visit TravelInsurance.com, InsureMyTrip.com Or SquareMouth.com.

Organize your medications: Make sure you have enough medication for the duration of the trip.

If you are traveling by air, you must take your medication in your hand luggage. So, if your checked baggage is lost or misdirected, you won't have to worry about it. It is best to keep your medication in its original container to get through airport security without delay. It's also a good idea to bring a note from your doctor explaining why you are taking these medications, especially if they involve syringes or other medical supplies.

For airport security requirements, visit TSA.gov – click on “Disability and medical conditions”. You can also call TSA Cares at 855-787-2227 before traveling with any questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint.

Maximize technology: Keep a list of your medications and other important medical and health information handy on your smartphone so you can easily access it and share it with emergency healthcare providers when you travel. Some good apps that can help you are Backpack Health (BackpackHealth.com) and Capzule (Capzule.com).

Send your 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.”