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1. For US citizens especially, Medicare supplemental insurance is advisable. Medicare will not pay for any medical expenses incurred outside the USA. 2. Check the fine print in your medical evacuation insurance policy. Several companies have restrictions for travelers 75 years of age and older. 3. Purchase supplemental medical insurance to cover the costs of any medical emergency. It is not very expensive for a 4-6 week trip, and best purchased as an add-on to your medical evacuation policy. 4. Take an extra pair of glasses and sun glasses, plus your eyeglass prescription. 5. Take enough medication for the duration of your trip plus two extra weeks in case of illness or delay. Bring a letter from your doctor listing your diagnoses, special needs, and medications. 6. Be sure your immunizations are up to date. Get accurate advice regarding malaria, rabies, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, typhoid prevention and travelers diarrhea. Also, review the indications for YF vaccine because of untoward reactions in some older travelers. It is recommended you see a travel medicine specialist if traveling to developing countries. 7. If you are going to Africa or other malaria areas, take proper mosquito protection. Take permethrin impregnated bed netting and clothes. Take the proper strength DEET (30%). 8. Carefully review any other medical needs with your doctor, such as insulin dosage, jet travel, refrigeration of medicines and coumadin usage. See diabetes tips. 9. Be sure to carry copies of your passport and visa, in case of theft or loss. Leave copies of your itinerary with your children, attorney, financial advisor, or physician. See travel tips. 10. Leave your furs and expensive jewelry at home. Have your wife wear an inexpensive wedding band rather than her good rings. 11. Take a Berlitz language book - the locals may laugh but will appreciate your efforts to speak their language. 12. Don't drive a car, especially if the drive lane is on the opposite side of the road or at night. Always wear seat belts.
13. Review your medical problems relating
to flying at high altitude with your doctor, such as heart or lung problems, as
the cabin altitude is about 8000 ft on most commercial jets. A
colostomy can occasionally present problems
flying. 14. If you have stress incontinent problems, take plenty of Depends or other suitable products, as these items are not available in Asia or some other areas. 15. If you are disabled, see these two sites:
Thank you to the travel specialist who supplied this list.
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