Ahh, vacation. It’s something you’ve probably been looking forward to all year long. There’s a lot of preparation that goes into your trip. Your travel plans. Remembering to pack all the items you might need. But there’s something you may be forgetting about: your health.
Unfortunately, the possibility of illness and injury never takes a vacation. No one wants to visit a doctor or hospital while on vacation. Still, if you do need care, there are some preparations that can make the situation much less painful.
Review your coverage
It’s important to understand your health plan’s coverage in case you need medical assistance while away from home. This includes hospital stays, urgent care, and emergency transport.
Get international medical coverage
If you’re vacationing outside of the Unite States, you can get temporary international health coverage from Blue KC. GeoBlue®offers medical insurance and trip protection through one of the world’s largest networks of doctors and hospitals.
Talk to your doctor before your trip
Tell your doctor where you are going. Your physician may suggest getting a vaccine or updating your booster shots prior to your vacation – depending on your destination.
Fill prescriptions
It’s best (and easiest) to fill your prescriptions at home before you leave. Make sure you have enough medication for the entirety of your trip. Also, make sure you carry all of your prescriptions in your carry-on bag.
Consider traveling with medical records
If you have a chronic illness or condition, or you’ve recently had a major surgery, it’s smart to bring a copy of your medical records with you. This will be valuable in the event you need to get care during your trip.