For those of us who are living with medical conditions, life can be tough. Medical issues can impact and influence our lives in countless ways, forcing us to carefully consider decisions that many other people don’t need to think twice about.
Getting away on holiday is essential. It offers us a chance to unwind and escape from the stresses of everyday life. While some people can jet off at a moments notice with little else but the clothes on their back, people living with medical conditions need to carefully plan holidays to ensure they stay safe on their trip. If you’re planning to travel with a pre-existing medical condition, there are a number of factors you need to consider. Keep reading to find out more.
Think About Insurance
Regardless of your medical history, travel insurance is absolutely crucial. Not only does it offer you cover should you have to pay for any medical treatment, but it also can work to protect you should your baggage be misplaced or if you were to face any last-minute flight cancellations.
If you happen to have a pre-existing medical condition, booking travel insurance ahead of your holiday is even more important. Your condition could mean you are more likely to require medical treatment at short notice, which can incur high costs in a foreign country. You might also need access to specialist medicines or equipment, which again can come with a significant price tag. Take a look at options for insurance for travelling with medical conditions, there are packages available that offer cover for a range of conditions. Doing so will allow you to enjoy your holiday without having to stress or worry.
Speak To Your Doctor
This is a vital step that should not be overlooked if you’re looking to travel with a pre-existing medical condition. Your doctor will know the details of your condition and your health, they will be able to use this information to make an informed decision about your ability to go on holiday and offer advise on anything you should be aware of.
Your condition may mean you are more susceptible to picking up infections, so your doctor may offer you vaccinations ahead of your trip to minimize any potential risks.
Choose Your Destination Carefully
Travelling with a pre-existing medical condition may mean that you are more limited in terms of where you are able to go, with some destinations unsuitable for your symptoms or physical condition. For example, if you do not handle heat well then perhaps somewhere with a cooler climate would be the best option, while if you have mobility issues then a hiking trip in the mountains would probably not be suitable.
This is highly subjective and will depend entirely on your specific personal circumstances. You’ll have to be honest about the impact your condition has on you and assess how capable you are of partaking in certain activities, using this knowledge to influence your decision when booking a holiday.
Take Everything You Need
Living with a pre-existing medical condition can mean you have to take regular medication. This can come in various forms, such as pills, liquids, or injections. You’ll need to think about taking your medicines abroad with you, carefully assessing you much you’ll need for your trip. There is no guarantee you’ll be able to access the medicine you need while you’re away, so bringing what you need is absolutely vital. Additionally, you’ll need to check your destination’s laws and your airline’s policy before taking any medicine with you.
Conclusion
If you have a pre-existing medical condition, follow the steps we’ve outlined above to safely plan and book your holiday.
A passionate writer, Rosana enjoys travelling and then sharing her experiences with the world. Her love of exploring and finding exciting new experiences to sample translates into her work, and her articles reflect an adventurous heart and a free spirit.
