Travel Insurance - New Age Travel - MBF Travel Insurance

Travel information - for the older person

Want to see the world? Don't put it off! Being at the wiser end of the age scale need not be an impediment to a great holiday, says former nurse and travel writer, Mary Carroll. A must-read for those over 60 and considering travelling.

Want to see the world? Don't put it off! Being at the wiser end of the age scale need not be an impediment to a great holiday, says former nurse and travel writer, Mary Carroll.

Are you considering travelling and aged over 60? Some advice that may suit you is: Go now! If you're in good health and can afford it, making your holiday plans for the near future can be the best way to ensure an enjoyable trip.

Whether travelling alone, with a companion or in a group, planning and preparation will mean you enjoy your holiday to the fullest.

Planning the trip

Before you decide where to go, work out the pros and cons of different destinations and travel styles with your friends, family and GP. Bear in mind the kind of transport you're likely to use, the planned daily activities (sitting on a bus, walking, climbing etc), the variety and types of meals, and what medical facilities are available.

Talk to your GP about your itinerary and any physical demands it may make on you. If you're aged 70 or over, you will also need special medical clearance to obtain travel insurance, a must even for the healthiest traveller, and available from many reputable companies.

All booked up

Shop around for a good travel agent who will be sensitive to your wants and needs before you commit yourself. Often, word of mouth is the best guide ask your friends and family about some of their travel experiences.

When you book, make sure you let your travel agent know in writing about any special needs, for example, help getting on or off planes, buses or other transport, a wheelchair or particular dietary requirements. Also be specific about medical conditions that may require appropriate seating, for example, you could ask for more leg room in an aircraft, or a seat near a toilet. Include a letter from your GP and take copies with you.

Take your pills

As with any travel, find out from your GP and your travel agent about any recommended vaccinations, anti-malaria tablets and so on, related to your destination. Be sure all your vaccinations are up-to-date: diphtheria, tetanus, influenza and pneumococcal vaccine included. Remember that influenza types in the Northern Hemisphere may differ from those in the Southern Hemisphere; you may not be totally protected by the current Australian vaccine.

Now is also the time to ask about medicines you may need for sea sickness, diarrhoea and other common conditions, to save expensive midnight chemist runs or fruitless conversations with well-meaning hotel staff. Your GP can advise which medication is most compatible with your current drug regime handy to know if illness strikes.

Plan to carry a complete range of your tablets and pharmacy products for the duration of the trip. You may not use them all, but having them there certainly beats being stranded empty-handed somewhere late at night with everything closed.

Take the original packs and bottles, accompanied with a letter from your GP or specialist on official letterhead stating what they are (full chemical names, not just the brand names) and that these are your prescribed medicines. This way, suspicious customs officers can see you are carrying these drugs legally. Travellers have been known to get into hot water over carrying aspirin! Keep a copy with your passport, and one with your tablets.

On the journey, carry twice as much medication as needed for its duration, putting half in your suitcase and half in your hand luggage, so if your suitcase goes astray you will have your tablets with you. If any of your luggage is stolen, advise your insurance company immediately for assistance.

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Getting ready

A busy itinerary might mean a lot of footwork, so a walk each day leading up to departure might help your stamina. Buy or borrow a case with wheels and place nametags inside and out. Choose a colourful strap to tie around the case to reinforce it and make it instantly recognisable on baggage carousels.

Before leaving home, paste signs safe and fridge on the inside of your suitcase, to remind you to check both before you leave a hotel room. It can be easy to leave belongings behind.

Try not to pack too much clothing keep it functional, easy to wear and wash. Pack things which mix and match and will suit day and evening occasions. Laundromats and hotel laundries will take care of essentials. Follow dress code advice from your travel agent about the countries you'll be visiting.

It's worth considering a special bag or belt for carrying and concealing money and documents there are several kinds available.

A small torch is essential (particularly for when you cant find the light switch in the dead of night!) Don't forget sunglasses, insect repellent, sunhat and sunblock, plus spare hearing aid and torch batteries.

A fold-up umbrella is useful (if only to ensure it will never rain) carry it in your hand luggage. Wear comfortable shoes at all times and never break-in new shoes on holiday. Take a dictionary which lists words relating to your condition a great time (or even life) saver if you fall ill.

Wear reading glasses attached to a cord. Pack spare glasses and extra cords if possible.

While you're away

Seek medical attention immediately if you feel ill, or an existing condition worsens. Don't wait. Early treatment can increase your chance of staying on holiday and making a better recovery in the long term. Ask your guide or hotel manager straight away for help.
Rest when necessary and be guided by how you feel don't over do it, theres always another day.
Avoid the temptation to overeat all the interesting new foods and limit your wine intake. Drink bottled water its safer and guards against dehydration.
On coach and train trips, find out where the toilets are at the outset. If none, ask if there are comfort stops and make sure this requirement is noted and understood by the driver or tour leader.
Never leave your luggage unattended, even in moments of great distraction.
Carry your GP or specialists contact numbers with you and wear a neck tag or bracelet stating any allergies.

The best policy

Travellers Insurance is an absolute necessity for all travel, including short trips, to cover losses caused by cancellation, transport home in case of emergency, hospital care and medical treatment, loss of tickets, luggage etc.

Choose a respected and experienced company to help you find the cover you need, Make sure you obtain your cover early, so you can take out the policy as soon as you've paid for your trip approval processes can take a week or so.

Find out more

A specialised medical advisory service is a good resource for complete information on your intended journey. It can also prescribe any necessary medication for you, such as the most appropriate malaria tablet. Travellers Medical Vaccination Centre (TMVC) clinics can be found in all state capitals and many major towns.
For health advice and information, check out the TMVC website, www.tmvc.com.au.

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