How to Get Your Health Check in Before Long-Term Travel
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During your retirement years, it can be pretty exciting to have the chance to do some long-term travelling, especially if this is something that you’ve always dreamt about. For example, travelling around Spain and seeing the beaches and all the way to the mountains can be exhilarating, especially if you’re just going to go on a whole world trip, What could be better than that? Well, regardless of where you plan to travel to, you need to keep your health in mind. You just never know when things could go south.
Plus, it can be challenging to get adequate health services while you’re aboard. So, before anyone travels, especially if you’re a retiree, you need to keep in mind that health-wise, you need to prepare for this. In fact, you really need to check your health before you book anything. But what do you need to know?
Health Screenings
Those regular annual health check ups aren’t going to do it. No, instead, you should try for a complete health check up before any extensive trips. You never really know what could happen, and knowing now could mean that you could take some preventative steps. But of course, you’re going to want to make sure all your vaccinations are up-to-date and discuss any potential health concerns related to your travel destinations.
This is usually a good time to get additional vaccinations, too, as some visas won’t be given without these. It’s also a good time to review your medications and get prescriptions for the duration of your trip. This is the very first thing that you absolutely need to do. Plus, it’s a lot easier to schedule this at home rather than abroad – as travel insurance can get pretty complicated.
Medications and Medical Supplies
This one might be a bit tricky as some medications are simply not allowed into a country, and sometimes, certain medications can be illegal. So, taking that into account, just be sure to pack more than enough medication to last your entire trip, plus a bit extra in case of delays. It’s wise to carry a detailed list of your medications, including their generic names, as brand names can vary by country, and prescriptions.
Also, bring along any necessary medical supplies, such as glucose monitors, blood pressure cuffs, or mobility aids. You might need these, or you might not. It varies for everyone, but it’s still best to know this, or you could face potential trouble (health-wise or legally).
How Does Your Travel Insurance Look?
Now, you just never know what could happen abroad. You could be in incredible health now, but who knows, maybe you will land in an accident on your travels! So, that’s why investing in comprehensive travel insurance is crucial – it’s basically non-negotiable. Be sure to look for a policy that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and any activities you plan to partake in.
Basically, you need to expect the worst in case the worst is to come. But also make sure your insurance covers pre-existing conditions and offers sufficient medical evacuation coverage, just in case you need to be transported back home for treatment.
