There are several important tips for traveling with chronic illness conditions in 2021. Traveling can easily become a hassle when dealing with the complexity of medical needs, daily medications, or other restrictions due to chronic illnesses. Of course, you can never let these minor setbacks restrict you from seeing the world. To make your upcoming trip safer and easier, there are multiple important tips to help you stay better prepared. Read on to learn about the top tips for traveling with chronic illness conditions in 2021.
There are millions of people with debilitating diseases. MS, COPD, Cerebral Palsy, Cystic Fibrosis, and Rheumatoid Arthritis to name some of the bigger ones. With a game plan, you can still enjoy the world of travel. You just need to plan for health emergencies and hopefully they will never happen while you are having the time of your life.
With a little preparation, planning and some modifications you should be able to enjoy your trips stress-free.
Carry A Medical ID
First and foremost, it is key to carry a medical ID that specifies your chronic illness conditions. Simply, a medical ID displays your conditions, allergies, and current medications. In addition, they may describe your reactions, immunizations, or support animal information. This way, emergency medical personnel will have the critical information needed to properly treat you if something unfortunate were to happen. Essentially, these forms of identification work as a simple, effective way to communicate vital information in emergency situations where you may become incapacitated, unconscious, or injured. It will help you convey information to paramedics in scenarios where you may be distressed, confused, or unable to appropriately advocate for your own health. Known as the original medical ID bracelet, MedicAlert offers a range of bracelet styles. From everyday Stainless Steel, to Sterling Silver and Gold options. The bracelet is internationally recognized, offers online emergency health records, and a 24/7 emergency response team that provides critical information to first responders. $ 24.99/year medicalert.org. If you have any severe reactions to food, you may want to consider carrying a food allergy and dietary translation card as well. Take a look at selectwisely.com– They offer 35 different cards in 60 languages. They offer travel emergency cards in english like Diabetes and Asthma. Cards cost $ 14.99 each. Certainly, carrying a medical ID is essential when visiting new places with a chronic illness.
Pack A Travel Health Kit
In addition, it will be vital to pack and prepare a travel health kit. Within your kit, organize all of your prescriptions, first aid supplies, and health insurance identification. You should bring along any over-the-counter (OTC) medications you may be taking, as well as your medical ID. Be sure to pack all of these materials within your carry-on luggage. This way, you can be sure to not lose anything in the event that your suitcase gets lost or delayed. Simultaneously, this can be important to protect you in the event of a medical emergency during air travel. If you will require oxygen or any other medical equipment on your flight, be sure to reach out to your airline well in advance. This way, you can swiftly navigate the arrival, screening, and boarding process for your flight. Surely, bringing a travel health kit is essential when vacationing with chronic illness conditions.
Strategically Pack Your Luggage
As you pack for your trip, make sure you have copies of your prescriptions. If you are going to a foreign country, make sure they can be easily translated into the local language. This will help avoid questions or delays at customs or immigration. Also bring extra medication with you. If your trip gets delayed on the way back you will be glad you did. You may be changing multiple time zones and that may require a change in your schedule of taking your medications. Keep your medications in their labeled pharmacy bottles, not a generic pill pack. They may be inspected at your destination airport. Know the generic name for your medications as those names may be more recognizable at pharmacies in a foreign country.
Lets face it. Luggage can get lost or delayed. Carry all medications in your carry-on bag. For the ones that require refrigeration, consider how to transport your medications for a long travel day or flights. Make sure you have a high quality insulated bag.  Another good option is the FRIO product for Diabetics. They offer a variety of medicine cooling products. One product keeps insulin cool and safe, protects it from cold, activated by water, no  refrigeration or ice needed, it is light and compact, and is reusable. $ 27.95 holding two insulin pens. frioinsulincoolingcase.com
Request a small refrigerator in your accommodations. Ask the flight attendant to place your items in the aircraft refrigerator.
It is best to bring extra non-medication supplies such as incontinence supplies, diabetes test strips, hearing aid batteries, etc., as these may not be available at your destination. You do not want to spend unnecessary time looking for those items while enjoying your vacation. Everyday on your trip should be a good one!
Research whether your airline or cruise line has a policy for devices such as wheelchairs, portable machines, batteries, respirators, and oxygen. Maybe you choose not to bring some of that with you and look to rent it at your destination?
Plan Your Itinerary Accordingly
Next, it is fundamental to plan your itinerary accordingly. Even though travel is meant to be relaxing, it often puts high levels of additional stress on the body. To ensure that this does not occur, it is important that you understand your limits. For example, you may not want to take on a strenuous hike if you are suffering from asthma, or other respiratory conditions. Instead, you may want to opt for a more leisurely activity such as a walk on the beach. Simultaneously, you will want to allow plenty of time for rest. This way, you can maintain your well being, physical, and mental health. Indeed, strategically planning your itinerary is essential when traveling with chronic illnesses.
It is very tempting to see everything and do everything where you are going. Try not to plan too much into your itinerary. Pick and choose what really excites you. No need to check off all the boxes. Slower travel involves activities that will not exhaust you. Try a cooking class in Italy instead of a walking tour. Take a taxi to a beach and soak in the scenery. Go horseback riding instead of a hike. Spend an extra day at your destination so you do not feel the need to rush and maybe get an extra hour of sleep in the morning each day. Be patient with your body and mind. Take full advantage of substantial discounts on public transportation and entrance admissions to attractions due to the disability. Research in advance places you may go so you don’t miss out.
If you have an illness where you need help with any daily activities, we do not recommend solo travel. There is no guarantee help is available when you need it. It is always good to travel with someone familiar with the issues you have.
Purchase Travel Insurance
Of course, it is important to purchase vacation insurance to protect you from a wide range of common travel mishaps. As a chronic illness patient, you may feel fine one day, and then ill the very next. Therefore, travel insurance is essential to protect you from an unforeseen loss. This way, you can prevent minor mishaps from ruining your trip and avoid medical emergencies overseas. Simultaneously, purchasing insurance is essential to safeguard your vacation investment. Absolutely, purchasing travel insurance is key when vacationing with chronic illnesses.
Obtain Supplemental Medical Insurance
If your health insurance plan does not provide coverage overseas, we strongly recommend supplemental medical insurance. Remember that Medicare does not provide coverage overseas. Private insurance plans may require you to pay for costs directly before getting reimbursed. A good place to start is checking out worldnomads.com and personalizing the coverage you want.
Before you go abroad, learn what medical services your health insurance will cover, and more importantly, does not cover. If your health insurance policy provides coverage outside the U.S., remember to carry both your insurance card and also a blank claim form so you can file it without delays. We know this may be too much planning but better to be safe and sorry.
Although some health insurance companies pay “customary and reasonable” hospital costs abroad, very few pay for your medical evacuation back home.
Medical evacuation can be very expensive, depending on your location and medical condition. For example, Medjet has a plan that covers an individual under age 75, for eight days of travel, will transport you home or to the hospital of your choice for $99. Of course the cost goes up from there for longer trips, additional services and travelers 75-84. Medjetassist.com
Look for a policy that will make payments to hospitals directly. You do not want to be in a position where you have to lay out thousands of dollars and hope you get reimbursed.
Here are important questions to consider when shopping for insurance to see if they cover:
Emergency medical care, medical transport back home, travel/accommodation costs, 24 hour contact line, the region(s) you travel in, pre-existing conditions, and activities you plan on engaging in.
At the same time, look for policies for disabled travelers on your airline’s website. Specifically, review their protocols for batteries, oxygen tanks, and respirators.
Brief Your Travel Companions
Moreover, be sure to brief your travel companions before embarking on your journey. Whether you are traveling with an unfamiliar tour guide, your spouse, or a group of friends that you have known for several years, it is important to clearly discuss your condition early on. Sure, it can be a bit embarrassing or a little awkward. However, it will be absolutely essential if you are experiencing a medical emergency while traveling. You may want to speak with your travel group about how your condition may limit your ability to do things. If the activities on your itinerary appear to be too extreme, you may want to look into finding a more appropriate group of travel buddies. Undoubtably, briefing your travel companions is key for safe chronic illness tourism.
There are several important tips and recommendations for traveling with chronic illness conditions in 2021. First off, be sure to always carry a medical ID. In addition, you will want to bring along a travel health kit. Next, you should strategically plan your itinerary in accordance with your limitations. Of course, you may want to purchase travel insurance to safeguard your vacation investment. Moreover, be sure to brief your travel companions on your chronic illness condition. Certainly, this is a beneficial tip for trips with friends, loved ones, or even on family vacations. Follow the points above to learn about the top tips for traveling with chronic illness conditions in 2021.
After preparation like this, you can get excited about the adventures to come!
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