Hardly anyone can resist a treat every now and again. Be it a new pair of shoes or the latest gadget, people love to indulge in the little things. With that said, there’s typically nothing better than spoiling yourself or someone you love with a surprise luxurious trip. However, for those with health conditions travel is more difficult. Just remember, experiences are something that no one can take away from you. They’re memories without an expiration date.
With all the joys of travelling come the inevitable downsides as well. Big families require weeks of pre-packing preparation and booking a ride to and from the airport rarely goes smoothly. Alongside these small bumps come bigger issues as well. Such as, travelling with a health condition, especially when things go wrong. Without the right research and organization, travellers with health problems can experience severe discomfort. Luckily, this article gives you a play-by-play on how to make your trip comfortable, despite having a health condition.
Nothing ever goes according to plan on its own. Thus, for travellers with pre-existing health conditions, trips require some pre-planning. Thus, before deciding on which sites to visit, individuals with health conditions should first schedule a doctor’s appointment at least a month before the trip.
While this certainly won't be the high point of the trip, a doctor's visit is necessary. With a month to go, a healthcare provider has enough time to do a full workup. They can check that your pre-existing condition is under control. Furthermore, an early visit to the doctor leaves enough time to get the vaccines that may be needed for the trip. Even on the off chance that something is wrong, the doctor will catch it. Thus, getting you back in shape just in time for your trip. After all, no one wants to spend their vacation in a foreign clinic!
Each pre-existing condition requires specific treatment and with that often comes an abundance of medication. In our everyday routine, getting medication refilled is a relatively easy, yet exhausting chore. However, when travelling, the situation is not as clear-cut. For one, pharmacies in some countries may not have a specific brand of medication required for your health condition. Because of this, it's always better to stock up on medication before take-off. Thus, during your pre-trip check-up, consult with your doctor about the amount of medication you’ll need on the trip and check if it can be issued at once.
Another issue to keep in mind is how and where to pack the medication. Luggage gets lost more often than any of us would like to admit. While everything can be replaced, it’s best not to take that risk with life-saving medication. Thus, when packing, make sure to bring at least a portion of the medication with you on the plane, train, etc.
While some conditions are regulated with medication, some require regular treatments. However, thanks to modern medicine, needing regular medical treatments is no reason to cancel a trip. In reality, all a patient needs is a bit of preparation. There are specialized clinics and medical centres around the world that allow patients to book their specific treatment such as dialysis in advance.
Therefore, if you're travelling somewhere tropical like Tanzania, you can book your treatment in advance. This means it doesn't need to put a damper on your vacation plans. With a quick online search, you'll have both your treatment and trip itinerary ready to go!
While you may have checked out all the boxes above, unplanned health emergencies can still pop up at any corner – this is where (the right) health insurance comes in. A solid travel health insurance plan should cover your trip from the second you walk out the door to the moment you return. However, not all insurance works for pre-existing conditions.
People with pre-existing conditions will need to check the kind of insurance they need with an expert, ideally the insurance agent and their doctor as well. Thus, in the case of lost medication or unforeseen complications, you’ll know you’re in the right hands. The insurance company will have your medical information and will provide you with the best possible care.
No one should be held back from travelling and uncovering every corner of the world. Because of modern medicine and modern technology, travel has become more widely available than ever. With the right medical preparation and health insurance, people with underlying health conditions have the chance to travel with both ease and comfort to almost every corner of the globe. What better time to start planning than now?
