We all travel for new experiences and relaxing getaways, but planning for a trip can often be stressful—even more so if you’re an older adult with health conditions or limited mobility. To make sure everything is smooth sailing for your next vacation, here are six travel tips for older adults.
1. Consult with Your Doctor
Explain your travel plans to your healthcare provider to discuss any travel precautions you should take. If you have any health conditions that affect your mobility, discuss traveling arrangements that can be helpful to prevent any discomfort or flare-ups.
2. Organize Personal and Medical Documents
From having valid identification to personal medical information, take the time to organize your personal and medical documents, including making copies to assure you’re not left without important documentation. Having your doctor’s contact information on hand is also a good idea.
3. Arrange Medication Management
If you take multiple medications, organizing your medications is super important when traveling so you can continue to take your medications as intended. You’ll also want to organize enough medication for a few days longer than your trip in case of any travel delays.
4. Pack Strategically
Make sure your carry-on is packed with everything you may need during the flight, as well as things you would need immediately if your checked baggage is lost. You’ll also want to pack your medication in your carry-on to avoid any loss or damage. While you don’t want to overpack to avoid heavy luggage, make sure you have the essentials you need to be comfortable.
5. Drink Plenty of Water
Spending a long period of time in a climate-controlled environment with little humidity like planes can leave you susceptible to dehydration. Staying hydrated can help avoid fatigue, dehydration, and any interference with blood sugar levels.
6. Make Sure You Understand Your Medicare Coverage When Traveling
With Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), you should have coverage anywhere in the U.S. and its territories. However, some Medicare Advantage plans will only cover care inside your service area. There are some Medicare Advantage plans that will provide coverage to providers out-of-network or out of your service area, but often at a higher copayment or coinsurance cost. You’ll want to make sure you understand what your Medicare plan covers before you travel anywhere. It’s important to note that Medicare Advantage plans are required to cover emergency and urgent care anywhere in the U.S. without imposing additional costs or coverage rules.
Learn about your Medicare coverage options when traveling with SelectQuote.
When it comes to traveling both in the U.S. and internationally, each Medicare plan differs. At SelectQuote, we want to make sure you have the coverage and rate that’s right for you—and coverage that can go with you when you travel.
