With summer nearly here, many of us are already thinking about or planning our next vacation. Whether it be a weekend getaway to the mountains or traveling abroad, we all have visions of relaxing, enjoying time with our loved ones and leaving behind the stress of our day-to-day world.
“When traveling, the last thing anyone wants to think about is a medical issue,” said Heather White, Blue Shield of California’s senior manager of Customer Experience. “Whether you’re going away for the day or the month, you want to have a great experience. That’s why it’s important to have a healthcare mindset as you plan your next trip.”
White and her colleague, Becca Litman, technical communicator, share six tips to ensure you’re prepared:
1. Know which immunizations are needed
If you are traveling internationally, check as early as possible in advance to see which immunizations are recommended or required before entering the country. One good resource is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Travelers’ Health site. If you need immunizations, schedule a visit with your doctor at least one month before your trip. “While you’re there, make sure you’re up to date on routine immunizations and boosters, including tetanus, COVID and flu shots,” said Litman.
2. Connect with your doctor
This is particularly recommended if you have a chronic condition. Your doctor can recommend precautions you may need to take while traveling. “You want to set yourself up for a good vacation,” said White. “By checking in with your physician ahead of time, you can reduce the chance of health issues disrupting your trip.”
3. Understand your benefits
Ensure you understand what your health plan covers and what it doesn’t when you travel. For Blue Shield of California members, the fastest and best way to do this is through our member portal. “Most plans cover emergency and urgent services outside of the United States,” said White. “The best way to know what is covered out of state or out of the country is to verify directly with your plan.”
4. Prepare for the worst-case scenario
Although we all want our vacations or trips to go off without a hitch, there is always a chance that something unexpected will occur. No matter your destination, take time to identify local clinics or hospitals in advance in case you need care during your trip. Blue Shield members can research potential physicians and hospitals outside of the United States using Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core.
5. Pack a first-aid kit
For minor health issues that don’t require a doctor’s help, bringing your own first-aid kit can save you from scrambling to find a pharmacy in an unfamiliar place. Depending on your destination, consider packing over-the-counter pain medication, bandages, antacids, motion sickness pills, laxatives and/or anti-diarrhea pills.
6. Remember the essentials
Most people remember to pack their prescription medications, but there are a few other essentials to bring when traveling both domestically and internationally. White recommends taking printed or digital copies of your immunization records, as well as all prescriptions, including eye glasses.
Finally, be sure to bring your insurance card, either the actual card or a digital version. If you do have an emergency while traveling and need to submit a reimbursement claim, it’s important to get complete information from the hospital or clinic that provided care. You will need an itemized bill, including what was done, who it was done for, the provider’s information and the cost in local currency. Blue Shield members can file a claim through our member portal or through the Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core webpage.
“Calls related to travel are from members who incurred costs while they were away,” said White. “By preparing beforehand, you can minimize out-of-pocket expenses and have the best vacation possible.”
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