Traveling internationally as a senior can give you the opportunity to enjoy retirement, see the world, and embrace new cultures. However, with age can come higher risk when it comes to traveling outside of the United States.
One key concern can be your health and insurance coverage while traveling abroad, especially for seniors on Medicare. Since Medicare doesn’t offer medical coverage outside of the United States, a travel insurance plan for seniors can help keep you protected during your travels.
In addition to travel medical insurance, here are some travel tips for seniors on Medicare that can help you best prepare and enjoy your international journey.
Have a Checkup Performed for Travel Clearance
Before embarking on your travels abroad, it is in your best interest to have a checkup performed by your doctor to ensure that you are cleared for travel.
This can help give peace of mind that you are healthy enough to endure overseas travel, and give you a better idea of what ailments or issues to keep an eye on while you are away.
It can also give you a better idea of any pre-existing conditions that have a possibility of giving you trouble while traveling and how you can best keep them controlled.
Ensure You Have Enough Medication Filled
When traveling away from home, it might be difficult to get certain medication filled in a foreign country for conditions that you have.
It is advised to ensure that you have enough medication filled to last you throughout your trip to avoid any health issues.
You may also consider bringing along your prescription information in case your medication is lost along the way and you need your medication.
Get Preventative/Routine Care Taken Care of Beforehand
If you have any preventative or routine treatment or services that are due, it is best to have these taken care of before your travels.
This will ensure that you are in the best health possible to travel abroad and prevent you from having to seek routine medical care abroad.
While travel insurance for seniors will cover eligible emergency medical expenses incurred internationally, routine and preventative care is excluded from travel insurance coverage.
Become Familiar With Local Emergency Services
Since traveling as a senior can be risky, becoming familiar with the local emergency services in your destination country will help make the process of receiving medical care easier.
Important things to know include the emergency services phone number, nearby medical facilities close to your booked accommodations, and a general idea of how medical care works in the country you are visiting. You may also want to become accustomed to use your travel insurance abroad.
Plan Your Trip With Health in Mind
When getting together your travel plans, it is important to remember that you may have some limitations depending on your age and health.
For example, it may be wise to limit strenuous activities each day and avoid more dangerous activities such as hiking or kayaking if you are worried about your abilities or health issues.
Research Weather and Transportation Routes
Before you embark on your travels, it is wise to research the weather of your destination to ensure that you are packed appropriately.
Researching transportation routes, driving etiquette, and public transportation options can help ensure that you have a plan when it comes to getting around to avoid stressful situations.
Make Copies of Important Documents
Any time that you are traveling abroad, it is always a good idea to keep copies of your important documents with you in case you lose key items or are a victim of theft.
Documents to keep copies of include:
- Passport
- Visa
- Prescription medication information
- Travel insurance policy ID
Protect Your Belongings
When traveling abroad, especially in high crime areas, theft is always a possibility.
It is highly recommended to be vigilant while traveling to protect your belongings. Here are some tips for safeguarding your valuables:
- Avoid wearing flashy or expensive jewelry
- Use a safe in your accommodations to store cash or other valuables
- Only bring what you absolutely need with you when visiting high traffic areas
- Avoid bags that do not close or do not have zippers
- Avoid putting your phone or wallet in your back pocket
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
As a senior on Medicare, the most important travel tip is to not travel internationally without proper medical coverage.
Since Medicare doesn’t cover you abroad, international health insurance for seniors on Medicare is crucial to keep you protected.
Compare international health insurance plans for seniors or contact our Customer Success Team with any questions.
