Planning
Before you go, it’s a good idea to talk things through with your GP. Let him or her know where you are going and if the climate or other conditions are likely to affect you.
Research the emergency numbers and procedures of the places you’ll be visiting so that you know what to do if needed.
Check if the countries you will be visiting require vaccinations and if so, how far in advance you need to have them done. The World Health Organisation has this information available on their website, while the Centre for Disease Control Guide, which is updated every two years, has information on how medications may affect any vaccines you are required to have.
Health and comfort
Jetlag and long journeys can make you more tired than usual so plan to get extra rest, and plan activities that you will be able to do within your limits.
If you find it difficult to sit for a long time, some airlines offer bulkhead seats for a small extra charge which will give you extra legroom or you can request a bulkhead seat when booking with your travel agent. Most airlines will also offer you assistance to and from the boarding gate to the airport entrance if you require it – you just need to book this with them over the phone.
Medications
If you take medication, you’ll need to be covered while you’re away. Plan to take enough for the length of your trip – and you might want to consider taking an extra amount in case of unexpected cancellations or delays. Carry it in your hand luggage so that if your baggage is lost or delayed, you’ll still be covered.
According to SmartTraveller it is now an offence to carry or post medications overseas unless they are for your own use. You will need a letter from your GP stating what the medication is, the dosage, and that it is for your use.
Also, it’s best to carry the medications in the original packaging, clearly labeled with your name and the dosage. This will help you to avoid any problems with Customs.
Beware of purchasing medications overseas which may have the same name as yours, as dosages may vary from country to country, which could cause you a serious problem.
If you have to inject your medication, as well as taking enough syringes for the trip, you will need a letter from your GP if you have to carry a syringe on board for your use during the flight. Check with the airline or your travel agent.
Travel Insurance
SmartTraveller also strongly recommends that you take out Senior’s Travel Insurance to cover you against cancellations, lost, stolen or damaged baggage, and emergency medical care.
Emergency medical care is probably the most important of the three, as medical costs overseas can be considerable. For example, a stay in hospital in the United States may cost you up to $200,000 without insurance, while some hospitals will not treat you without it. In other countries, hospitals may require daily cash payments before they will treat you. While Australia does have reciprocal medical care agreements with some countries, which will cover you for emergency care, you are not covered while travelling to and from there and also, you may face a long wait.
Travel Insurance with Worldcare Travel Insurance will cover you for emergency medical care, reimbursement of medical costs, and repatriation if it turns out that you have to travel home for care. We will also offer interpretation services in case you can’t understand what the doctors are telling you, and we’ll keep your family up to date with your condition.
If you have questions on your age and coverage, pre-existing medical conditions or anything else concerning your travel insurance policy, please visit our FAQ section or telephone our Call Centre staff on 1800 008 614.
Disclaimer
Any advice here is general only and does not take into account your specific needs or circumstances. Pre-existing Medical Conditions exclusions may apply. Please refer to the Product Disclosure Statement (including policy wording) to consider whether our products are right for you and for details of policy benefits, limits and exclusions. Any medical advice here is general only and you should always seek advice regarding your specific situation from your medical professional. Mondial Assistance does not endorse the content of linked websites nor comments by contributors or the content of websites linked by contributors.