Senior Travel: Check With Your Doc to Plan a Healthy Trip

Are you planning to visit a faraway place, return to the land of your ancestors or take a long, relaxing cruise? The enthusiasm you feel as you plan your trip might be making you feel like a kid again.

Before you start reading travel brochures, though, the place to begin planning the trip of a lifetime might be in a doctor's office. A doctor can help you decide if you're fit for certain trips. He or she can also help you create a travel plan to better manage medical conditions. A dental checkup may be in order, too. You'd hate to find out you have a loose filling midway through a meal in Tuscany.

At your appointment
Ask your doctor if you need vaccinations for your destination. Some countries require proof of these shots and you may be refused entry without it. Schedule your shots early because some vaccines take weeks to start working.

Also ask your doctor for a list of any other medications that you should take with you in case of emergency. This could include something for diarrhea or cold symptoms, for instance.

Another good idea is to get written prescriptions for the medicines you take. Bring them along in case any of your medications get lost during the trip.

Don't just throw things in a bag
Pack your prescriptions in their original containers. Make sure the name on the labels exactly matches the name on your boarding pass. A note from your doctor, notably for injection drugs, is a good backup.

Carry medicines with you - don't leave them in checked bags. You may need to ask a flight attendant to store your medicine if it needs to be at a special temperature. Also, check in advance about whether you'll need documentation for your meds, in case they might be considered illegal in some places.

Bringing other items can also make your trip easier:

• An ID card or medical ID bracelet, especially if you have an allergy or chronic conditions, such as diabetes or epilepsy
• A card with your doctor's contact information
• Names and dosages for all of your meds
• A copy of your eyeglass prescription

On the airplane
Review your medication routine with your doctor, especially if you will have a long flight. You may need to change dosing.

People who are on oxygen often cannot bring their own canisters on board and will have to make other arrangements. Check with your airline.

While flying, senior travelers are more prone to develop blood clots that can lead to deep vein thrombosis (DVT). To prevent problems:

• Wear loose-fitting clothes
• Consider special stockings for circulation
• Stretch and walk around the cabin frequently
• Drink lots of water

If you have risk factors for blood clots, medication may be prescribed for flights.

Caution on cruise ships
About one third of cruise travelers are seniors, but those over 65 make up over half of sick bay visits.

With passengers and crew from around the world, you face higher disease risks on a cruise. Ship-based flu outbreaks can occur year-round and gastrointestinal illness can run rampant. Ships also stop in ports where you can pick up and carry germs on board.

Six weeks before your cruise leaves, talk to a doctor about how you can prevent disease and seasickness. You should also get a summary of your medical history to bring with you.

Seeking treatment abroad
About 8 percent of travelers seek treatment while abroad. If you have a medical condition, check up on health care resources near where you'll be.

Find out what your health insurance covers before you leave. Some U.S. insurers cover emergencies while traveling. But most do not pay for evacuation costs or problems with pre-existing conditions. Think about buying a supplemental travel health insurance plan. These policies can offer guaranteed medical payments, assistance and transport.

Read about your "out-of-network" coverage, pre-authorization requirements and second opinion options. Also be ready to pay for health care up front. Most doctors and health care facilities in other countries usually require cash or credit card payment.

All this advanced planning may seem daunting, but don't let it stop you from realizing your travel dreams.

Related Articles Six to Eight Weeks Ahead Healthy Travel Quiz Healthy International Travel Traveling With Diabetes

External Sources Reed CM. Travel recommendations for older adults. Clinics in Geriatric Medicine. 2007;23(3):687-713. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Traveler's health: yellow book. Conveyance and transportation issues: cruise ship travel. Accessed February 14, 2008. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Traveler's health: vaccinations. Accessed February 14, 2008. American Academy of Family Physicians. Air travel health tips. Accessed February 14, 2008.

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