Executive Summary
Older travelers can reduce health risks and travel more safely by planning ahead for medications, medical care, and trip pacing. Key steps include scheduling a pre-travel doctor visit, organizing prescriptions and medical devices, securing travel medical and emergency assistance coverage, and researching healthcare access at your destination.
Key takeaways:
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- Schedule a pre-travel medical checkup and review any chronic conditions
- Pack and organize medications and medical devices properly
- Purchase travel medical and emergency assistance coverage
- Research local healthcare quality and access before departure
- Plan flexible, slower-paced itineraries to reduce fatigue and risk
Travel is an enriching and rewarding experience that can be enjoyed at any age. Yet for many older adults, longer journeys can come with understandable questions and concerns. From managing existing health conditions to navigating unfamiliar environments, older travelers may face unique considerations that require a bit of extra planning.
Our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Michelle Nathan, shares expert guidance on how older adults can travel safely and confidently. From key health considerations to smart packing strategies, her insights help travelers make informed, medically sound decisions—no matter where their journeys take them.
Pre-Departure Considerations:
Pre-Travel Health Planning for Older Adults
Older travelers should consider traveling during shoulder season. Shoulder season is the time between the area’s peak travel season and the area’s off-season. There are usually fewer crowds, shorter lines, moderate weather, and often lower prices. Shoulder season also allows for travel at a more relaxed and unhurried pace.
Addressing health and medical needs before departure is essential. Scheduling a pre-travel checkup four to eight weeks before departure allows a healthcare provider to review medications, assess fitness for travel, and ensure vaccinations are up to date. Certain medical conditions may be affected by location and exertion, making it important to review itineraries with a medical professional. Travelers should also carry a summary of medical history, medications, and allergies, as well as a list of emergency contacts.
Older travelers may face increased vulnerability to infections, falls, and exacerbations of underlying illnesses during travel. Researching healthcare resources at a destination can provide peace of mind if an emergency does happen. It’s important to know that appropriate care is available if an illness or injury happens.
Understand medical coverage. Domestic out-of-network care can result in unexpected expenses. Comprehensive travel insurance can offer important protection, including emergency medical coverage, medical evacuation, and trip cancellation or interruption benefits. For travelers with pre-existing conditions, reviewing policy details and eligibility for waivers is especially important. Having the right coverage in place provides both financial protection and peace of mind.
Medication Management While Traveling
Medication management is one of the most important aspects of safe travel. All medications should be packed in carry-on luggage and kept in their original labeled containers. Travelers should bring several additional days’ worth of prescriptions in case of delays.
A written medication list, including generic names, dosages, and indications, should be readily available. When crossing time zones, it’s important to discuss timing adjustments with a doctor in advance, especially for medications taken at specific intervals. For temperature-sensitive prescriptions, such as insulin, proper storage solutions are essential.
Some medical devices may not be compatible with a country’s electric currents. Travelers must ensure their medical equipment is either compatible with the destination countries’ electric currents, or pack the necessary adapters. If a device uses batteries (such as hearing aids), it’s crucial to carry spare batteries, as it may be difficult to find the correct size while abroad. Additionally, always carry an extra pair of glasses.
Travel Safety & Emergency Planning
Older travelers should share their itinerary with a family member or friend who is not traveling with them. Itineraries should include travel dates, accommodations, any planned tours/excursions, and contact information.
For international travel, enrollment in programs such as the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) provides an additional layer of support by connecting travelers with embassy resources in case of emergencies.
Getting There: Packing and Air Travel Considerations for Older Travelers
Packing carefully supports both safety and independence. Pack dual-purpose clothing that can be layered to adjust for weather changes, clothing that is appropriate for local customs, and comfortable walking shoes. Carry-on luggage should include prescription medications (with extra supply), copies of prescriptions, insurance documents, and a basic first-aid kit. Compression socks may be helpful for long flights. Comfort and safety items—such as a refillable water bottle, snacks, and a portable phone charger—can make a significant difference during long travel days. Keep emergency contact information easily accessible while traveling.
Choosing direct flights minimizes the risk of missed connections and reduces physical strain. If you must have connections, allow ample time for moving around an airport and terminals. Consider checking luggage and using a light carry-on to avoid carrying bags in a busy airport.
Request airport/mobility assistance in advance, especially if you have mobility needs. Take advantage of preboarding if you need extra time or assistance. This allows you to navigate the ramp and to stow your belongings before the larger crowd of passengers.
Staying Safe and Comfortable at the Destination:
Choosing centrally located accommodations, researching accessibility features, and building rest days into the itinerary can help prevent overexertion. When booking hotels, ask about accessibility inside the hotel (elevators, showers, main floor rooms) as well as outside the hotel. A hotel at the top of a steep hill may be a challenge with mobility limitations.
A well-paced schedule often makes travel more enjoyable and sustainable. Building rest days into an itinerary can help travelers recharge and be ready for more adventures.
Take pictures and check in with friends and family at home regularly. Avoid posting travel on social media until the trip has concluded to avoid opportunistic crime and scams.
Final Thoughts on Healthy Travel for Older Adults:
Travel should be fun, fulfilling, and rewarding. With preparation, proactive planning, realistic pacing, and the right support in place, older travelers can explore the world with confidence and peace of mind.
Want to ensure your travelers are equipped with the information and tools they need for safe, healthy, and successful travel? Contact us today to learn more.
About On Call International:
When traveling, every problem is unique–a medical crisis, a political threat, even a common incident such as a missed flight. But every solution starts with customized care that ensures travelers are safe and protected. That’s why for over 30 years, On Call International has provided fully-customized travel risk management and emergency assistance services protecting millions of travelers, their families, and their organizations. Visit www.oncallinternational.com and follow us on LinkedIn to learn more.
