Summer travel offers the chance to explore new places, visit family, or embark on long-awaited adventures. But amid the excitement of planning, it’s easy to overlook important health needs – especially for those managing chronic conditions.
While packing clothes and finalizing itineraries may be at the top of the to-do list, ensuring you have a solid plan for your prescription medications is just as important. A little preparation now can help turn potential travel stress into a smooth, carefree journey.
Here are some tips for helping Medicare beneficiaries stay healthy, manage their medications confidently, and travel more comfortably this summer.
Understand Your Medicare Coverage Before You Travel:
It’s important to know what your health coverage looks like when you are away from home. Original Medicare generally does not cover medical care or prescriptions outside the U.S. Similarly, Medicare Part D plans – which cover prescription drugs – typically do not provide coverage for medications purchased internationally.
If you have a Medicare Advantage or standalone Part D plan, you should check with your plan provider before you travel. They can help you understand what’s covered for emergencies and out-of-network services or if your plan offers any support for international travel. Even within the United States, network restrictions can vary, so it’s better to be informed ahead of time.
Check for Destination-Specific Health Needs:
If your summer adventures involve traveling abroad, do a little homework first. Certain destinations may pose specific health risks, from mosquito-borne illnesses to food and water safety concerns.
Start by checking the CDC’s Travelers’ Health website for up-to-date travel health alerts, recommended vaccines and destination-specific medication advice. Once you know what precautions are necessary, schedule a pre-travel visit with your primary care provider. They can review your medical needs, provide necessary vaccines or preventive medications and offer personalized advice based on your itinerary.
Make a Medication Plan:
Medication management is especially important when you’re away from your usual pharmacy. If you’re planning an extended trip, talk to your provider or pharmacist ahead of time about getting a 90-day supply or requesting an early refill. This can help ensure you won’t run out of critical medications while traveling.
Be aware that some countries have strict regulations around prescription medications, especially for controlled substances or injectables like insulin or EpiPens. Many require travelers to carry a doctor’s letter or specific documentation. To find the latest requirements, visit the U.S. embassy website for your destination country.
Store Medications Safely While Traveling:
Some medications, like insulin, must be kept at specific temperatures to remain effective. Devices like temperature shields are designed to protect medications from extreme heat or cold and can be purchased over-the counter from pharmacies, such as CenterWell Pharmacy. Before your trip, review your prescriptions’ storage needs.
For medications requiring refrigeration or cooling, use an insulated travel cooler during transit, and ask your hotel ahead of time if they have ice available or a refrigerator in the room. Also, never leave medications in a hot car, and avoid direct exposure to sunlight, which can degrade many drugs.
Be Cautious When Filling Prescriptions Abroad:
If you do need to refill a prescription while traveling internationally, always seek out a licensed pharmacy. Be wary of counterfeit drugs, which can be a serious risk in some countries. Also, medication names may differ from what you’re used to in the U.S., so it’s important to verify you’re receiving the correct medication and dosage.
If you’re unsure, reach out to your health care provider or contact your health plan provider. Many – including Humana – offer 24/7 nurse hotlines or customer service support that can also be of assistance.
Summer travel should be about discovery and enjoyment, not worrying about potential health complications. By taking proactive steps, such as checking your Medicare and Part D coverage, creating a sound medication plan, and protecting your prescriptions on the road, you can help make your trip safer and more manageable.
Disclaimer: Other pharmacies may be available in your plan network.
