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With spring break coming up soon, many South Florida residents may be planning a getaway to visit with family and friends in other parts of the country or to explore an international destination.
While spring-time travel can be a chance to reconnect with loved ones or visit some place new, it can also present challenges. Any number of factors can lead to packed airports, and bad weather can cause annoying delays and cancellations. What’s more, nearly one in 10 international passengers ends up requiring medical attention while traveling abroad. It all highlights the importance of pre-travel preparation.
To help minimize potential stress and reduce the risk of health-related issues while away from home, here are five tips to think about:
Anticipate potential health issues. Consider a wellness checkup with a primary care doctor before departure to talk about travel plans, including the possible need for vaccinations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers vaccination recommendations by country, along with current travel health advisories posted in each of them. Packing a portable health kit may also prove helpful, especially when traveling to a remote place or to avoid the hassle of finding a specific item while sick or injured in an unfamiliar place. Items to consider include anti-inflammatory pain relievers, first-aid supplies, earplugs, sunscreen and sunburn relief, motion-sickness remedies and insect repellents. Upon arrival at the destination, identify the nearest qualified medical facilities in the event of an injury or illness.
Refill medications. Before any trip, it is a good idea to refill medications and pack extra doses in case of travel delays. Some pharmacies may have limited hours during peak holidays, which could make a refill more difficult. When traveling by airplane, always pack medication in carry-on luggage to help ensure access, especially if checked bags go missing. For international travel, be sure to check prescription drug restrictions for each country to help avoid the risk of medications being confiscated upon arrival. Also, make a point to clearly label any medications, and keep them stored safely and out of the reach of any children.
Reduce jet lag. People taking to the air can face the possibility of jet lag, which may happen when quickly traveling across two or more time zones. This time-hopping can cause symptoms such as fatigue, difficulty concentrating and stomach problems. To help avoid jet lag, get lots of rest before a trip, and drink plenty of water before, during and after flights to reduce the dehydrating effects of cabin air. Then, make a point to get plenty of sunlight during the day, which can help to reset the body’s internal clock and promote better rest at night. Proper sleep can help strengthen the immune system, better regulate appetite and aid in recovery from injury.
Stay active. Studies have shown that exercise is a great choice for helping to reduce stress and improve mood, both of which are keys to an enjoyable vacation. Incorporating physical activity into sightseeing is one strategy for staying active, as many places offer walking or bike tours that can be relatively affordable, informative and fun. It may also be helpful to use a fitness app such as Apple Fitness+, which is available to millions of UnitedHealthcare members at no additional cost as part of their health plan. Apple Fitness+ provides access to thousands of workouts, from high-intensity interval training, and yoga and meditation too. Making time for exercise while traveling may promote a sense of routine amid a busy itinerary and provide balance to typical vacation indulgences such as restaurant meals, alcohol or desserts.
Get protection. Before traveling out of your home state or internationally, take time to review your health insurance plan and confirm what it covers. Some health plans only offer network access to local health care professionals, and most insurance policies — including original Medicare — do not extend overseas or across the border. (The exceptions are northern U.S. states where the nearest hospital is in Canada or in some Medicare Advantage plans that offer limited emergency coverage). For additional protection abroad, travel medical plans may cover the cost of medical care and offer additional services, including access to virtual care resources. These may include foreign-language translation, direction to appropriate facilities or help with evacuation to other facilities and coordinated care with local health providers. To help cover expenses due to unforeseen events, such as illness, travel delays or family emergencies, also think about adding trip cancellation coverage.
UHCSafeTrip.com offers medical travel and trip cancellation plans, including for individuals, families and groups. Plans also provide access to virtual care resources and 24/7 service in 100+ languages, access to a global network of 1.7 million physicians, clinics, hospitals and other specialist medical facilities and the ability to connect to the Emergency Response Center for non-medical problems.
Whether traveling for work or leisure, considering these tips can help avoid health issues, promote well-being and protect against unexpected complications.
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