Planning to travel later in life is common — and it makes practical sense: Your kids are likely grown; you’ve worked long enough to save some money; and you have time, thanks to retirement or saved vacation days. Recent research also suggests that positive travel experiences could slow premature aging.
The logistics and benefits of traveling later in life may sound perfect, but if you don’t take action to stay healthy while you travel, that positive experience could quickly turn negative. Staying healthy during travel is especially critical as you age, when your immune system becomes less effective.
Older adults should follow general tips for healthy travel including extra handwashing, staying hydrated and avoiding contaminated food and drink. But the next time you plan to travel, experts recommend taking these additional steps to safeguard your health:
1. Research your destination with health in mind
It’s fun to research the sites, adventures and food a travel destination has to offer. But don’t forget to research the safety and health risks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) “Destinations” page provides country-specific health information, including:
- Current travel health notices
- Vaccination recommendations
- Information on other diseases you may encounter
- Tips to stay safe during your visit
- Healthy packing list
- Advice for after your trip
Make an appointment with your primary care physician (PCP) or a travel health specialist at least a month before your trip. They can get you the necessary vaccinations and review your health concerns.
2. Get travel insurance
Knowing how your health insurance works outside of your state and country is vital in case you need health care while traveling. Your insurance may not cover you at your destination. Medicare (ages 65+) does not work for medical costs overseas. If you are younger than 65, check to see what your insurance company and policy offer.
Travel insurance can help with medical costs. It can also cover expenses associated with travel delays or canceled trips. Different types of travel insurance to consider include:
- Medical evaluation insurance, which covers emergency transportation from a more remote destination to a higher-quality hospital
- Travel health insurance, which can help cover costs while traveling and is highly recommended if you have a chronic condition, are traveling for an extended period or are planning to participate in risky activities, such as scuba diving
- Trip cancellation insurance, which may cover financial costs if you or a close family member gets sick or has an emergency that causes you to cancel your plans
3. Prepare for a health emergency
In case of an emergency, it’s a good idea to have vital health information on hand, including:
- Allergies
- Blood type
- Chronic conditions
- Emergency contact information
- Medication list
In addition to carrying the information with you, leave a copy with your emergency contact. If you have a severe medical condition, wear a medical alert bracelet to ensure you get appropriate care in a timely manner.
You can also enroll with the United States Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). It lets them know where you are, alerts you to travel advisories for your destination and can help people contact you if there’s an emergency at home.
4. Arrange to travel with medications
If you are traveling abroad, check to see which medicines you can bring. Some countries view certain drugs or injected medications (such as insulin or EpiPen) as illegal or controlled substances. In those cases, you may need to:
- Limit the number of pills or doses you bring
- Have your PCP write a letter outlining your condition and treatment plan
- Ask your PCP to prescribe an alternative medication
If you will be changing time zones as you travel, talk to your PCP about how to space out your doses.
When packing medications:
- Bring a list of all prescriptions (including the generic drug name) and leave a copy with someone at home.
- Don’t forget about over-the-counter medications you use frequently and may not find at your destination.
- Keep medicine in original containers with the label intact.
- Pack medicine in your carry-on and bring enough for the trip, plus a few days extra.
5. Check accessibility
Every country has its own accessibility laws. Contact the places you’ll be staying and the transportation companies getting you there to learn about their accessible accommodations. Ask about service animals if you’ll be bringing one. Find out if there are quarantine, vaccination or documentation needs for the animal — your veterinarian may be able to help.
If you’ll be traveling with assistive devices or equipment, such as wheelchairs, respirators or oxygen, be sure to:
- Bring extra parts (such as wheels and hoses) and batteries (for devices such as hearing aids).
- Check the voltage needed for assistive devices and bring a converter or adapter if required.
- Find out which items you need to check for your flight. Call the airline or the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) helpline at 855-787-2227 (toll-free).
- Gate check your wheelchair and hold on to the receipt.
- See if you can get a wheelchair or medical equipment at your destination and where it can be repaired.
6. Prevent blood clots while traveling
Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) — when the blood in a vein clots and blocks blood flow — happens more often in older adults. Sitting for extended periods of time while traveling can increase the risk.
Talk to your PCP about your risk for travel-related blood clots. Then reduce your risk by:
- Wearing compression stockings, which apply pressure to your legs and help move blood back to your heart
- Taking breaks from sitting, making sure to stand or walk frequently while traveling
Understanding and minimizing your risk for blood clots and other health events while traveling can help ensure your trip is memorable — for all the right reasons.
