Health Travel Tips # 5 - Verify your Medical Insurance before your Trip

     Call you medical insurance company in advance to find out if you are covered if you travel. Whether traveling within the same state, out of state, or out of the country; check to make sure you are covered and for what types of illnesses/visits. Some plans may only cover life threatening emergencies and all other care may need to be preauthorized.  Some plans may not cover you at all if your are out of your country of residence. If you are not covered, you may need to purchase an travel medical insurance plan.  (Some plans, in particular HMO's also known as Health Maintenance Organizations, may not even cover care outside of your local area without calling for a preauthorization). Check with your medical insurance carrier regarding their coverage and rules for all travel; within the same state, out of state within the US and especially for foreign travel.


Find out what procedure you need to follow if you need to see a doctor or go to an emergency room in a different area. If you have to purchase additional insurance, see what your insurance carrier recommends. You can also check with the airline you are flying to see what plans they may offer, and, or, your travel agent that are booking your trip with. They can serve as a resource for possible company names, rates and coverage/plan info. Do this research well in advance to give you time in case you need to make an additional purchase. By doing so, you can leave with the peace of mind knowing your are covered and enjoy your trip. 

Healthy Travel Tips # 2 - Refill your Prescriptions in Advance

      Refill any prescriptions you may need before you leave so you won't run out on your trip. Do this at least 3 to 4 days before you travel.  Whether you have refills left and can simply call them in to your pharmacy or if you are out of refills and need to call your doctor for a refill authorization. Give yourself a buffer of time so your refill (s) can get processed and you can pick them up before your trip.

Healthy Travel Tips # 1 – Bring the Basics

Summer is here and vacation trips abound; this is Part One of a series of health related travel tips. Bring the Basics regarding first aid supplies. This is especially important if you’re traveling to a rural area or out of the United States, but good practice for any trip. Prepare and carry a small pack of OTC (over the counter) medicines to take on your trip so you don't have to scramble finding a pharmacy or grocery store late at night in a new location.


Oral Medications: Read and follow all directions on the package labels regarding dosing and warnings on all medications.

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) for pain or fever.  
• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for allergy symptoms (or your favorite antihistamine).  
• Loperamide (Imodium) for diarrhea.          
• Meclizine (Dramamine) for motion sickness. If you are flying, make sure you carry medicines in their original containers or foil packs (which are flat and easy for packing).

Topical Supplies:

• Band-Aids (2 each in various sizes). 
• Antibiotic cream.  
• Corn & Callous pads. These come in small flat packages that are easy to pack and helpful if you anticipate a lot of walking.

Last but not least, seek care from a Licensed Physician or go to an Emergency Room if you have any severe or urgent symptoms.