Are You Too Sick To Travel?

Are You Too Sick To Travel?

No one wants to travel when they are sick. However, many times people who are too sick to travel still do so, anyway. That’s because they feel they must travel for any number of reasons, including an important business meeting or a rare family get-together in an exotic location.

But when should you simply admit to yourself that you are too sick to travel? It’s important to know the illnesses and symptoms that should keep you from getting on a plane. A stuffy nose is one thing. But the following are ways your body is letting you know that now is not the time for you to fly.

A Fever

A fever of more than 100 degrees is a sign that you likely have something contagious. You don’t want to expose fellow passengers to your illness. Also, a fever may worsen with the stress of travel. This is one of the primary ways your body lets you know that flying is not a good idea.

Chest Pain

As Dr. Cedrek McFadden told Orbitz, chest pain is a sign of heart trouble, and heart trouble takes precedence over travel. Chest pain means you need to get your heart checked out immediately. McFadden said, “If a person is feeling pressure or a squeezing sensation in the chest, they could be exhibiting a sign they are not well enough to fly.” It could be a sign the heart is not getting enough blood flow.

Nausea

Nausea plus flying is not a good combination. Much like food poisoning makes you violently ill, flying can do the same thing with a case of nausea. At the very least, this can make the flying experience extremely unpleasant. This is a situation where you must really evaluate how you feel, as slight queasiness can be brought on over nervousness about flying. But true nausea is worse than that.

Trouble Breathing

Like chest pain, this is a sign that you need to see a doctor rather than get on a plane. Difficulty breathing can be caused by many different things, but it’s important to consult with a physician and find out which one of those things is impacting you. Getting on a plane with respiratory problems can only make the situation worse, as the decrease in oxygen will only worsen your situation.

Sinus Infection

There’s pain. Then, there’s the pain that high altitudes can cause for someone with clogged sinuses who is traveling at 30,000 feet. The high altitude increases pressure on the sinuses, which in turn will cause pain for you. If you can clear your sinuses before getting onboard, you should be all right. But just be aware that changes in cabin pressure can cause severe pain and even damage to your eardrum if you have an infection. This is definitely an area where you might be too sick to travel.

Medical Escort

If you do not match the above but still are not feeling your best, it’s not a bad idea to travel with a medical escort. They can see to all your medical needs and be on hand if your situation worsens while you travel.

Keep these issues in mind as you consider whether you are too sick to travel. No one likes to bail on a planned trip. But sometimes, your body is trying to let you know that this time, cancellation is the best idea.

What is Medical Travel Insurance & Why Do You Need It?

What is Medical Travel Insurance & Why Do You Need It?

What is Medical Travel Insurance & Why Do You Need It? | Trip Insurance

Medical travel insurance covers the policyholder for any medical costs incurred while traveling abroad. Many people need it because they want to have the comfort of knowing they are covered in case of an emergency, and because many insurance companies do not cover international travel.

Medical travel insurance sometimes is sold under the names international travel insurance, international medical insurance or worldwide travel insurance.

What Does Medical Travel Insurance Cover?

There are insurance policies available that cover all kinds of “what ifs” involving travel. Those include having to cancel the trip because of illness and severe weather. Insurance also can cover the cost of lost luggage. Most of that falls under the term “trip insurance.”

However, medical travel insurance is not trip insurance. It focuses on any costs on the trip from medical care. Those costs can include the following.

  • An emergency trip to the hospital because of an accident
  • Having to see a physician because of illness.
  • Emergency dental costs
  • Having to get emergency medical evacuation from a remote area and transport to a medical facility
  • Costs for transporting your body back home in the event of death

An Inexpensive Alternative

Medical travel insurance provides a less expensive alternative to trip insurance, according to Travel Insurance Review. Medical travel insurance policies are priced based on your age, the length of your trip and the amount of coverage.

That can add up to as little as a few dollars a day, according to Travel Insurance Review. Because trip insurance policies are based on the cost of the trip, they can cost hundreds of dollars more.

Also, medical travel insurance has some of the same benefits of trip insurance. Many policies will cover costs associated with trip interruption, trip delays or lost luggage.

How to Shop for Medical Travel Insurance

When looking for the best medical travel insurance policies, it’s important to consider some of the key issues, in addition to cost.

For example, you want to make sure that the policy covers the costs that your medical insurance at home covers. That way, you are not stuck paying for basic medical tests if you feel ill. To be on the safe side and make sure that a hospital stay is covered, look for a minimum of $50,000 in coverage.

You also want adequate medical transportation costs covered. That typically means about $250,000 in coverage.

Some companies offer annual Multi Trip Travel Medical Insurance policies that provide coverage for an unlimited number of trips.

Further, you want a company that provides around the clock customer service. That way they can help you file a claim, find a doctor or arrange medical transport no matter what time zone you happen to be traveling in. Medical travel insurance provides a needed safety net for those who plan to travel out of the country. It’s important to know what it can do for you, and how it differs from trip insurance. Read the fine print and ensure that it’s the right policy for you.

Considerations for Seniors

For senior travelers, choosing the right medical travel insurance requires special consideration. As you age, travel insurance needs can change, often necessitating more comprehensive coverage. Here are a few essential points to consider:

  • Pre-existing Conditions: Ensure your policy covers any pre-existing medical conditions to avoid complications during your travels.
  • Emergency Assistance: Prioritize policies offering robust emergency services and medical evacuation, especially important for older travelers.
  • Policy Terms for Seniors: Be aware of age-related terms and restrictions. Some policies may have different conditions for travelers above a certain age.

Choosing the right policy means balancing coverage needs with policy terms. It’s essential to read the fine print and seek expert advice if needed. For more in-depth guidance tailored to senior travelers, explore our detailed article on Senior Travel Insurance. This resource provides valuable insights to help you navigate the complexities of travel insurance for seniors.