Have a senior health plan like Medicare? Are you also insured with a supplement plan or an advantage plan to pay for what Medicare doesnt cover? Most of the supplement plans and the advantage plans only cover you on an emergency basis if you are out of the country. Good health is essential for any successful trip. Whether you are going to visit your grandchildren in Boston or taking a round the world cruise you need to take preventive measures before you leave home so that you may travel well.
Traveling outside of the U.S.? Check with the U.S. Government to find what vaccinations you need for all of your port-of-calls. Make sure to get the shots you need well in advance of your departure date in case you have a bad reaction. Passport to Health is published by the U.S. Government. It will advise what shots you will need for what countries as well as suggestions on how to travel well.
The CDC also has some great travel advice for seniors.
See a doctor for a pre-travel visit 4-6 weeks before your trip
Tell the doctor about any illnesses and medication you are taking
Consider your physical limitations when planning a trip
Be up-to-date on routine vaccines, such as measles/mumps/rubella and seasonal flu shots
Get a tetanus booster
If you get an RX for Travelers diarrhea also follow food and water precautions
Minimize risk of serious injury by always wearing a seatbelt, not riding in cars after dark in developing countries, avoiding small local planes, and not traveling at night in questionable areas
Purchase supplemental travel health insurance in case of injury or illness overseas. Medicare will not pay for healthcare received outside the United States
One of the most common problems all people face when traveling long distances is jet lag. Jet lag is temporary and is a result of the change in time zones when traveling. Our bodys clock is confused which may affect our physical, emotional and mental condition. Try to cope with jet lag by drinking lots of fluid, (except coffee and alcohol).
If you are traveling by airplane try and move around during the flight. One of the best ways to reset your inner clock is to stay awake during your flight if you are expecting to arrive during the day, and catch some zzzzzs on the plane if you are arriving at night.
Traveling outside of the U.S.? Check with the U.S. Government to find what vaccinations you need for all of your port-of-calls. Make sure to get the shots you need well in advance of your departure date in case you have a bad reaction. Passport to Health is published by the U.S. Government. It will advise what shots you will need for what countries as well as suggestions on how to travel well.
The CDC also has some great travel advice for seniors.
See a doctor for a pre-travel visit 4-6 weeks before your trip
Tell the doctor about any illnesses and medication you are taking
Consider your physical limitations when planning a trip
Be up-to-date on routine vaccines, such as measles/mumps/rubella and seasonal flu shots
Get a tetanus booster
If you get an RX for Travelers diarrhea also follow food and water precautions
Minimize risk of serious injury by always wearing a seatbelt, not riding in cars after dark in developing countries, avoiding small local planes, and not traveling at night in questionable areas
Purchase supplemental travel health insurance in case of injury or illness overseas. Medicare will not pay for healthcare received outside the United States
One of the most common problems all people face when traveling long distances is jet lag. Jet lag is temporary and is a result of the change in time zones when traveling. Our bodys clock is confused which may affect our physical, emotional and mental condition. Try to cope with jet lag by drinking lots of fluid, (except coffee and alcohol).
If you are traveling by airplane try and move around during the flight. One of the best ways to reset your inner clock is to stay awake during your flight if you are expecting to arrive during the day, and catch some zzzzzs on the plane if you are arriving at night.
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