Travel Advice for Mature Travellers
Whether you're a seasoned traveller or new to travelling and living abroad, it is important to plan ahead particularly when it comes to looking after your health. Here are a few basic precautions that can help to avoid any unnecessary accidents and illnesses.
Advice for the Mature Traveller
With a little planning, your travel should be as safe as it is enjoyable.
- Consult your Practice Nurse or GP several weeks before you leave. It is important to discuss every aspect of your trip, such as where you are going, for how long and how you plan to travel.
- If you have pre-existing illness or disability, you may need to make special arrangements for travel or accommodation. Contact your tour operator and hotel to discuss your requirements and make sure they have the facilities you need to travel in comfort.
- If you regularly take medication, make sure you take enough to last you until after you return from your trip - and be prepared for any delays. Also write down all medication you take and keep this information with you in case of emergency.
- Always carry your medication in your hand luggage and ask your GP to write a letter explaining the nature of your medication. This will help answer any difficult questions at customs.
- Vaccinations may be required to help prevent infections during your holiday. In addition to routine holiday vaccinations, you might need to have a flu vaccination.
- Make sure that your GP is aware of any medication you take before they prescribe vaccinations for your trip. Reactions may cause reduced effectiveness or even serious side effects.
- If you need to keep medications cool, ask your travel agent for room with a fridge and also make provision to keep your medication cool during the journey. It is important that you follow the instructions you receive with your medication, as temperature may affect how well the medicine works.
- If your medication requires to be taken at regular intervals, it may be worth getting some specific advice. Unusual increase in regular activity can change the rate at which some medications are absorbed. It is also important to allow for delays and different time zones when calculating your schedule. Your Practice Nurse can assist you with this.
- Check that the insurance offered by your travel company covers your requirements, like pre-existing medical conditions, you may need to take out additional insurance if the cover is not sufficient. Be thorough when completing the forms as failure to declare a health problem may invalidate your insurance.
- Malaria tablets may be required for some destinations. Consult your General Practitioner especially if you are already on regular medication.
Once You Are At Your Destination
Make yourself familiar with the medical facilities of your chosen destination. Make sure you know the emergency numbers for your locality and know where to get help if you get into trouble.
Safety rules for food and drink are very important - ensure that you are aware of the precautions you need to take to eat and drink safely. Ensure that you take adequate amounts of non-alcoholic fluid to prevent dehydration.
Insect bites and minor cuts and grazes may take longer to heal in a hot climate. Take a small first aid kit to ensure you can keep a wound clean and dry whilst away. Seek medical advice if you are concerned.
Diarrhea is a problem for many travellers. This is of particular concern for the mature traveller, and you may need specialist advice. Discuss what action you should take in the event of the onset of diarrhoea with your GP.
Globalsurance is an independent Worldwide Health Insurance Advisor. We work with all the major insurance company and can give you independent advice or a range of free International Health Insurance Quotes; click for Free Advice and Quotes. Other Expat Articles
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