How to Overcome Traveling with Health Problems
By Emma Joyce
If you’re a typical thrill-seeker and adventurer, traveling is surely your passion, but it can become quite stressful and overwhelming if you’re battling a chronic health issue. In addition to preparing and planning for the travel related things, you’ll need to worry about your own health condition and medication you need. Luckily, there’s no room for panic! With a little planning and preparation, you can travel safely and care-free to any destination of your choice, just make sure you cover the following points.
Plan ahead
Before you set off on your journey, it’s imperative you do research on everything you might experience, from different weather conditions, local food to airport security. Also, make a list of the main health centres and hospitals in the area you’re visiting and check with your medication manufacturer if your brand would be available in the local pharmacies. Even if you have a health issue that needs attention and treatment, you can still ensure you get the care you need. Thanks to today’s technology, you can easily plan around your illness, even if it’s kidney disease. You can plan your travel and have your condition checked and treated at local dialysis centres and clinics by booking in advance.
Get organised for airports
Going through security procedures at airports with all your medications and medical equipment can be quite stressful, but it helps to get prepared. One clever hack that helps is to pack all your medications, your medical history and other relevant documentation in clear bags so it’s immediately obvious to security officers what is in question. Some medications like insulin are very sensitive when exposed to high temperatures and can be damaged beyond use. So, if you carry it, make sure the officers know it can’t be put in the hold. If it’s necessary, demand the presence of the manager and stay calm until you resolve the situation in your favour.
Find accomodation
In order to feel more calm, make sure you organize your accommodation in time. If you’re traveling to an unknown area, the best way to make sure you find a place to stay in a safe area. A great option is a cozy studio apartment that has everything you need and is situated near all the great locations you want to visit. This will allow you to feel secure during your stay which is very important.
Pack a travel kit
A travel kit with all your prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines is one of the most important parts of your hand luggage. Pack enough to last you through your whole trip and don’t forget the first aid supplies and your insurance card. If you have any additional medical equipment, such as a wheelchair or an oxygen bottle, you must notify the airline authorities in advance and you should also find information about how to prepare for the security screening process at the airport for your particular medical condition or disability.
Use car rental
Buy travel insurance
#1 trip cancellation insurance
this covers the costs if you have to cancel or reschedule due to your illness.
#2 travel health insurance
this covers costs of your medical treatments in other countries
#3 medical evacuation insurance
this will cover the costs of your transportation to a health care facility in a case of an emergency.
When deciding on the best insurance policy for your case, make sure you read everything, even the fine print, so you can make sure you get fully covered.
Even though it sounds overwhelming and intimidating to travel with a medical issue, it only takes a little careful planning and resourcefulness so everything can work out and be worth it in the end. All the time and effort that you have invested in the process will pay off once you arrive at your destination. In any case, don’t let your health condition prevent you from enjoying life’s adventures!
Author Bio:
Emma Joyce is a writer who specializes in health-related topics. She covers a wide range of them, from various dieting ideas and health problems in different stages of life to leading a healthy lifestyle and introducing positive changes into your daily routine.
The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect all or some of our beliefs and policy. Any links on this page do not necessarily mean they have been endorsed by Defying Mental Illness.
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