Travelling can take a toll on the body of a healthy person, so it’s easy to imagine why someone with an injury or illness will have an especially difficult time making it work. Medications, treatments, and special needs can stand in the way of a good time. Yet with a bit of ingenuity, know-how, and tenacity, travelling can happen for anyone at any time. We have curated a list of tips for you to make it easier for you to travel when ill or injured.
Talk with the Doctor First
Most doctors want their patients to have a positive quality of life and fully support people wanting to do something that brings them enjoyment. While you are considering your plans to travel, have a discussion with your doctor to see if it’s safe. In many cases, you will be encouraged to take a trip somewhere and get away from your usual routine. What doctors are most often concerned about is you being able to get treatments on time and have a plan in case you experience a setback. Let’s say you need to have a monthly hip injection to deal with arthritis. Your doctor may want to schedule that before you go, or she may request you plan your trip for right after the injection.
If you are a terminally ill patient and really want to go to the family reunion two states over, there might be a connection to a health facility in that area that they can refer you to in case you come down with an illness. Don’t ever assume the doctor will say no, just listen to their advice so that you can enjoy your trip.
Have a Medical Plan
Wherever you go and whatever you plan to do, have a medical plan in place in case of an emergency or a setback. Imagine you want to go overseas and see the Taj Mahal. India is well known for its medical tourism but you still need to know how to navigate it. Whatever country you choose to visit, you should do the following:
- Be familiar with and get in contact with the American Embassy in that country
- Talk with your insurance to see if they offer extended coverage overseas
- Know where the hospitals are in relation to your tours and hotel
- Find out how payments are to be made and if the American Embassy will help
- Have a medical budget
- Fill all your necessary prescriptions and have plenty with you
- Bring whatever medical devices you need with you
Make Sure Your Needs Can Be Met
In the US, businesses are required to be handicap accessible. With that said, it can still sometimes be difficult to navigate a city in your wheelchair or with walking devices. Other countries don’t have the same accessibility laws and some will be really handicap friendly and others will be harder to navigate than the US. When you are travelling by bus, airline, or train, be sure they understand your needs and if they can cater to you. When it comes to any restaurants you go to, hotels you stay at, or sites to see, you should know how accessible they will be to you. Plenty of older sites in Europe do not have elevators and can make touring a castle extremely difficult.
Take a Buddy
Never travel all by yourself! You are going to need someone to be your voice should you need to visit a hospital. You will need backup if a restaurant tries to refuse your service because of your disability or illness. Besides, travelling with a friend or family member means you can share some amazing sites and delicious foods together.
Travelling while ill or with an injury may be a challenge, but it will be well worth it to enjoy all that there is to see and do. Just because you are battling an illness or an injury doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy life. Get out there and partake!
