Five Tips to Help Minimize Potential Travel Problems

Vacation planning tends to focus on where you’ll go and the cool things you’ll see. But what happens if things don’t go according to plan? Preparing for some of the “what ifs” can be time well spent.

Even if there aren’t health concerns, weather problems, airline delays and other unforeseen issues can mess up plans and turn vacations into costly nightmares. It all points to the importance of being prepared.

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1. Protect Against Potential Health Issues
   Consider a wellness checkup with a primary care doctor to talk about your travel plans and the possible need for vaccinations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers vaccination recommendations by country, along with its current travel health advisories.

2. Refill Medications
   It is a good idea to refill prescriptions before a big trip or check to make sure you will have the proper amount for the duration of your trip. When traveling by air, always pack medication in carry-on luggage in case your checked bags go missing. Be sure to check prescription drug restrictions for each country you’ll visit on an international trip. Every country has different rules related to prescription drugs.

3. Tackle Jet Lag
   Airline passengers can experience jet lag when passing across two or more time zones. This time-hopping can cause fatigue, difficulty concentrating and stomach troubles. Drink plenty of water — before, during and after flights — to lessen the dehydrating effects of airplane cabin air and soak up the sun during the day to help reset your body clock and promote better rest at night.

4. Stay Active
   Exercise can help to lower stress and improve mood, both keys to an enjoyable vacation. Sightseeing by foot can help to keep you active, as can a digital fitness app that offers on-the-go exercise classes and relaxing meditation sessions. Making time for exercise may help promote a sense of routine amid a busy schedule and offset the effects of typical vacation indulgences.

5. Verify Protection
   Take time to go over your domestic health insurance plan, especially when leaving the country. Most domestic plans do not cover medical expenses abroad. Consider a travel medical insurance plan that covers in-person emergency medical and dental expenses, medical evacuation and virtual care options. Think about adding trip cancellation coverage to help with expenses related to travel delays and cancellations. If there are potentially risky adventures on your itinerary like snorkeling, mountaineering or skiing, consider getting extreme sports add-on coverage to prepare for any accident that could take place.

UnitedHealthcare Global offers SafeTrip travel medical coverage and protection plans for all types of travelers. SafeTrip provides international travel medical coverage and trip protection options for things like delays, cancellations and lost luggage. Additional resources included in every plan is 24/7 support to help you when things don’t go as planned. Get help with non-medical problems such as replacing lost or stolen passports and other travel documents. Get sick or injured while traveling? The SafeTrip support center can help direct travelers to appropriate care nearby.

Learn more at uhcsafetrip.com.

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