Healthy travel tips for your next adventure | Oscar Rx | hioscar Blog | Oscar
Healthy travel tips for your next adventure
Enjoy every minute of your trip by nailing down your health game plan ahead of time.
General HealthClinically Speaking
6 min read
Share article
You finally scored a flight to your dream destination. Now you’re counting down the minutes ‘til takeoff as you cross off items on your to-do list. You know how to get there, where to stay, which landmarks to see, and what to read (opens in new tab) while you soak in some sunshine.
Getting sick is one thing you don’t have room for in your travel itinerary. Before you pack your bags for your next adventure, take a moment to plan for your health so you can enjoy every minute of your travels.
Before you take off
Some travel destinations require vaccinations before a trip, even if you’re healthy. For more info about recommended vaccinations, check the CDC’s travel website (opens in new tab) at least six weeks before your trip so you can coordinate any travel shots with your primary care doctor.
These types of vaccinations are typically covered by most health insurance plans and are subject to cost-sharing, which means you may be responsible for a portion of the cost. Travelling by airplane? Get a free flu shot beforehand to help fight germs from your sneezy neighbor in the aisle seat. Keep in mind flu shots take two weeks to become effective, so get yours well before your flight.
If you’ve got a chronic condition like diabetes, plan to visit your primary care doctor before takeoff so you can make sure you’ve got access to the equipment, medications, and care you’ll need while you travel.
Check your routine medications, like birth control, so you don’t run out during your trip. Talk to your doctor before you leave if you think you’ll need refills. If you’re planning on being away for an extended period, ask your insurance company if you can fill your prescriptions ahead of time.
Keep in mind that certain medications have limitations on how and when they can be filled. Depending on where you’re travelling, you may be able to fill your prescriptions at a nearby pharmacy. Keep your prescriptions in their original labeled bottles so they can be easily identified while you travel.
For the flight
There’s no way to avoid germs when you’re on a packed airplane, but you can reduce your risk of getting sick by pre-gaming before air travel. Boost your immune system with Vitamin C (gummies, tablets, or OJ). Wash your hands frequently while you’re en route. Use antibacterial hand-wipes for the tray table, lavatory doors, and everything you touch on the plane. Drink hot water during the flight to stay hydrated, and use nasal spray to keep things flowing (high altitudes can dry you out).
On your adventure
Being in a new and unpredictable environment can sometimes take a toll on your body. Prepare yourself for the elements by amping up your self-care game.
Stay hydrated throughout the day. If you’d like to keep things fresh, try coconut water. Avoid tap water, since you can’t always guarantee that it’s clean. When it comes to bottled water, seltzer is a good option, since you can hear it pop when you open it (a sign that it’s sterile).
Watch out for bugs! Mosquitos can transmit diseases like the Zika virus (opens in new tab), which causes birth defects in pregnant women who’ve been infected. Make sure your room has screens, or sleep with a bug net. Use plenty of bug spray. If you’re travelling somewhere warm, remember to apply sunscreen first, then insect repellant. Skin So Soft (opens in new tab) is a great natural bug repellant if you’ve got an allergy.
Grab some sunscreen (opens in new tab), and reapply frequently throughout the day. The average amount you should be using for each application is around the size of a shot glass. Remember to reapply after sweating or swimming.
Get some rest. Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean you should get less sleep. Plan on 7-8 hours per night so you can stay energized for your adventure. Getting enough sleep will help keep your immune system on point.
Eat your greens (opens in new tab) at least once a day. You can’t always control your food options while you travel, but try to eat one fresh meal a day so you can stay energized, regulate digestion, and avoid getting sick. If you’re travelling on a budget, try hitting up the local supermarkets and making your own meals. Hot cooked meals are typically the safest to eat, but this may vary depending on your destination.
Limit your alcohol intake. Got big plans to party at Señor Frog’s? Before you start downing margaritas, keep in mind that your body will be adjusting to a new environment. The elements can impact how much you’re affected by alcohol (dehydration, dizziness, cognisance), so take it slow and listen to your body. Who wants to spend a precious beach day feeling hungover?
Stay active and exercise frequently. Take a local dance class for full-on cultural immersion. Use your favorite fitness tracker and walk everywhere. Make time for jumping jacks in your hotel room. Whatever you do, find time to sweat it out so you can regulate your body function.
How to get care once you’re there
Being sick on vacation sucks, but it happens to the best of us. Check with your insurance company before your trip to confirm your coverage for out-of-network care, and bring your health insurance ID card (or a copy) on your trip.
Be sure to collect copies of any bills for care you receive while you travel. When you return home, you’ll need to submit them to your health insurance company so they can determine how much is covered by your plan.
Some insurance companies offer free telemedicine services, which are great for treating eye issues, the flu (opens in new tab), skin rashes, and UTIs. If you’re an Oscar member and travelling within the U.S., use the Oscar app (opens in new tab) to request a doctor on call anytime, anywhere.
Urgent care clinics are also an option if you need to see a doctor while on the road, and can be accessed anywhere in the world. They can treat most colds, broken bones, minor wounds, and mild chronic conditions.
If you’re having a true travel emergency, go to the ER. Insurance companies cover the cost of out-of-network ER visits as stated in your benefits. Make sure to tell your insurance company if you’re admitted to the ER while you travel so they don’t miss any bills.
Welcome home
Traveling can take a toll on your body, even if you’re healthy. Stay in touch with how you feel even after you’re home. If you start feeling ill, see your primary care doctor and let them know exactly where you’ve been.
Changed time zones during your travels? It's best to avoid stimulants like alcohol and caffeine, get plenty of rest, and spend time outside to sync your internal clock once you’re back home.
One last tip: Remember to moisturize your skin if you got some sun.
