Caring for health needs when you’re away from home

Going on vacation? Have a work trip on the calendar? Of course, you’re focused on what to pack and what you’ll do while you’re away. But here’s a tip: Don’t forget to take a moment to plan for your health needs.

After all, things can happen. A broken bone, allergies, or the flu can affect your trip, whether you’re out of state or out of the country. That’s why it’s important to know how you’ll care for health needs before you leave home. Find answers below to some of the top questions about accessing medical care when you’re away so you know what to do.

Is virtual care an option if I’m away from home?

Instead of going to a local urgent care, you may want to speak to your own primary doctor, also known as a primary care provider or PCP. Some PCPs have 24/7 virtual visits available for their patients. Since all PCPs are different, ask yours about their virtual options and how you can best access care when you’re away.

Some plans also provide a 24/7 nurse line to call when you need quick health advice or help determining if you should get medical attention.

What if I need to visit an emergency room?

You’ll probably enjoy your trip without a major accident or illness. But just in case you need to visit an emergency room and are unable to provide your personal details, here’s how to be better prepared.

“Carry a piece of paper with a list of your major medical conditions and your regular medications,” says Benjamin R. Leavy, M.D. He’s a family and community medicine doctor at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento.

You can also download the Medical ID app on your smartphone. In case of an emergency, the app allows doctors or paramedics to see your health information right on your smartphone’s lock screen. Users don’t need your smartphone’s passcode to view the information, and they won’t be able get into the rest of your phone.

Should I take my health plan card?

Yes. Make sure you always have your health plan card on hand. It has a phone number for Customer Service. In the event you need care, call that number. They may be able to help you find a local urgent care or hospital that’s covered by your health plan. You can also access your Blue Shield member ID card anytime by logging in to your online member account or the Blue Shield of California app. Some apps like Apple or Google wallet will also let you save your ID card in them.

What if I run out of medications? Or my luggage gets lost with my medications inside?

Don’t get stuck without the medications you need to stay healthy. Dr. Leavy recommends carrying extra doses to last a few days in case your travel plans get extended. “If there’s a flight cancellation and you’re stuck for another night or two, it helps to have extra medication,” he says.

To make sure you have enough, fill your prescriptions before you leave home. Some health plans let you refill your prescription early. If you’re traveling in the United States, you may also be able to fill them during your trip at an in-network pharmacy.

If you’re flying, stow your prescription drugs in your carry-on. “Lost luggage happens enough times that you want to be ready for it. Having your medication close to you is important,” says David Kim, M.D. He’s the CEO of MemorialCare Medical Foundation in California.

And don’t worry about getting your medications through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints. Even liquid medication can go through customs, according to the TSA. But check the guidelines before you pack your bags. Some states may have specific rules that need to be followed.

What about over-the-counter drugs?

Sure, you could go to the local pharmacy if you accidentally cut your finger or have an allergic reaction. But what if it’s late at night? Or you don’t speak the local language?

Dr. Kim recommends packing some basic over-the-counter medications in your carry-on bag. Be sure to have an antihistamine (such as diphenhydramine), hydrocortisone cream, and pain relievers (such as ibuprofen). At the very least, you may need to relieve a headache if your flight gets delayed.

“Traveler’s diarrhea is probably the most common condition you might encounter while away,” says Dr. Leavy. He suggests keeping loperamide on hand in case of this illness, which can affect up to 70% of international travelers over a two-week trip depending on the destination and season of travel, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Is it safe to travel if I have a preexisting condition?

If you have ongoing medical conditions, you can still travel and enjoy yourself. But you may need to take extra steps to be prepared. If you need to go to the hospital during your trip, make sure you know what will be available near your destination.

It’s also a good idea to talk to your PCP or the specialist who is managing your condition. That way, they can help you figure out when to take your medications at the right times if in another time zone, advise on any travel restrictions, and set up any medical care you may need during your trip.

Some countries require proof of certain immunizations before you can travel to them. Your PCP can make sure that you have the right immunizations and routine vaccines before you go on your trip.

“Even if you’re healthy and traveling out of the country, it’s a good idea to let your provider know. They may suggest preventive medications to take, like malaria drugs if you’re going to a country that has malaria outbreaks,” says Dr. Levy.

If you have a trip coming up, contact your doctor by calling their office to talk about managing your health needs. You can use our Find a doctor tool to find a pharmacy or urgent care center from anywhere. If you need a virtual visit while away, log in to your online member account or the Blue Shield app to make an appointment with a participating provider.

^{Blue Shield of California does not provide medical or dental advice. This information is for informational purposes only.}