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Your health preparation is the most important part of any senior travel checklist — and the most commonly overlooked. This guide covers what to do before you leave, what to pack, and how to protect yourself in a medical emergency abroad.
6–8 Weeks Before Travel: Pre-Trip Health Tasks
- ✅ Schedule a pre-trip doctor visit. Review all medications, get refills, and discuss your destinations. Ask specifically about food/water safety and altitude if relevant.
- ✅ Visit a travel medicine clinic for destination-specific vaccinations (typhoid, yellow fever, hepatitis A/B, rabies if remote travel).
- ✅ Review your travel insurance coverage. Medicare pays almost nothing outside the U.S. Purchase a plan with emergency evacuation coverage — compare at VisitorsCoverage or Insubuy.
- ✅ Check if your medications are legal at your destination. Some common U.S. medications (certain ADHD drugs, painkillers, anxiety medications) are controlled or banned in other countries.
Medications Packing Checklist
- ✅ All prescriptions in original labeled bottles
- ✅ Extra supply: at least 2 weeks beyond your trip length
- ✅ Typed medication list with dosages, generic names, and your doctor’s contact
- ✅ Doctor’s letter for injectable medications or controlled substances
- ✅ ALL medications in carry-on luggage (never in checked bags)
- ✅ Insulin or temperature-sensitive medications: request a cooling pouch
Over-the-Counter Health Kit
- ✅ Pain reliever (ibuprofen or acetaminophen)
- ✅ Antacid / heartburn medication
- ✅ Antidiarrheal (especially for developing country travel)
- ✅ Antihistamine for allergic reactions
- ✅ Motion sickness medication (Dramamine) if needed
- ✅ Sunscreen SPF 50+
- ✅ Insect repellent (DEET-based for tropical destinations)
- ✅ Blister pads and moleskin
- ✅ Bandages and antiseptic wipes
Mobility & Comfort
- ✅ Compression socks for flights (reduces DVT risk)
- ✅ Lightweight walking shoes with good ankle support
- ✅ Collapsible cane or walking poles if needed
- ✅ Seatbelt extender if needed (request from airline)
Emergency Health Information Card
Create a laminated card to keep in your wallet with:
- Blood type
- Known allergies (especially drug allergies)
- All medical conditions
- Emergency contact name and phone number
- Primary physician name and phone
- Travel insurance policy number and 24/7 emergency line
What to Do If You Need Medical Care Abroad
- Call your travel insurance emergency line first — they can direct you to an approved provider and arrange payment directly (so you don’t pay out of pocket).
- Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy for a list of English-speaking physicians.
- For non-emergencies, international pharmacies can often recommend local medical care.
Related Articles: Ultimate Senior Travel Checklist | Travel Insurance for Seniors | Carry-On Packing Guide
