Traveling the great world around us is a wonderful way to experience new things. There is certainly a lot to learn and a lot to see. Now that the weather is warmer, traveling is likely in the plans for a lot of us. No matter where we travel to however, we should first and foremost ensure that our health and safety are kept first. But preexisting conditions are no reason to keep you from traveling.
Whether you will be traveling with kids or traveling alone, we want to make sure that we’ve dotted our eyes and crossed our “T’s”…especially if you are one of many who suffer from preexisting medical conditions like diabetes.
Expect the Unexpected
While one would hope that they can experience nothing but positive things while on vacation, life can still catch you by surprise. And when dealing with medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma, heart conditions or similar common health issues, you want to make sure that you’re prepared by making your health a top priority. With that in mind, check out these suggestions on how to plan for your trip while keeping your health first.
- Visit with Your Doctor
Whether you’re traveling abroad or within the country it is ideal that you check in with your primary care physician to ensure that you’re in good health to travel. This is especially true for those that are prone to things like blood clots, asthma attacks, and extremely high or low blood sugar levels to name a few. Letting your doctor know where you’ll be traveling to, what your travel methods are and getting a medical clearance is ideal to prevent any further complications to your health. They may also be able to provide you with advice on how to deal with your health while traveling.
- Check with Your Insurance Provider
When traveling (especially those traveling abroad), it is extremely important to check in with your healthcare insurance provider. You want to find out what your insurance covers and whether or not it is accepted in other states or countries. Should you need to seek medical attention while out of town, you don’t want there to be a hold up due to insurance regulations. If your insurance provider does not cover the area in which you intend to travel to, then it may be beneficial to look into traveler’s medical insurance. Such insurance coverage can provide financial compensation in the event that you require medical services while outside of your normal insurance coverage area.
- Fill Any Necessary Prescriptions
Medications are extremely important to have with you as you travel when dealing with a preexisting medical condition. Make sure that you have taken the time to have all of your medications filled so that you have some with you while away. If you’re in need of more medication, reach out to your doctor for a prescription. Also, make sure that you use a travel sized pill sorter to place all of your medications in.
- Take All Health Support Tools
Any medical tools that are necessary to maintain your health should be efficiently packed for your trip. For diabetics this might mean packing your blood glucose monitor along with strips and refills. For asthmatics, this might mean packing things such as your inhaler or nebulizer to clear the lungs. Having this on hand is imperative to ensure that you don’t fall ill while out of town. While you’ll have insurance coverage, no one wants to be sick while on vacation.
- Consider Investing in Alternative Medical Support Products
While it is important to follow the doctor’s orders when it comes to taking medications and monitoring your health with medical support products, there are some alternative measures you can take to ensure you’re in good health. For instance, someone suffering from diabetes may have poor blood circulation; investing in compression socks and wearing them while on the plane could minimize the potential for life-threatening clots. Check into alternative medical support products that might help you to improve your overall health while traveling.
Each of the five steps mentioned above are absolutely essential to those suffering from preexisting medical conditions. There is nothing worse than falling ill, needing medication, or having to shell out money you don’t have as a result of an adverse health complication. Being prepared minimizes the potential for health risks, and also allows you the opportunity to enjoy your vacation without worry.
