BoomerGirl Diary

Biking through Italy, lounging in Tahiti, volunteering in Guatemala: A plethora of international adventures beckon retirees.

They may have more time to travel, but they also may have more health concerns. Fear of sickness or injury shouldn’t prevent retirees or others with medical conditions from planning a getaway, however. Good forethought and preparation, such as visiting with doctors and considering travel insurance, can help these travelers confidently plan and enjoy their dream trips.

Peace of mind

Most people think about travel insurance when they worry about having to cancel a trip.

However, travel insurance also is available for medical costs if a traveler becomes ill or injured or needs ambulance or air transport to a medical facility.

Most Americans who purchase travel insurance choose comprehensive policies that cover medical and medical evacuation expenses in addition to trip cancellation and lost or damaged baggage, according to the US Travel Insurance Association.

Travel insurance prices are generally based on a person’s age, cost of trip and amount of coverage. Most policies range between 4 and 8 percent of the total trip price, according to the association.

Annual policies also are available for frequent travelers.

Some policies include a 24-hour assistance hotline, which coordinates medical help, transportation and payment, facilitates communication with doctors and family in the U.S., and helps with translation and other emergency needs.

Some policies exclude pre-existing conditions while others will cover those considered stable with medication. These policies usually must be purchased within a set period related to departure or initial trip deposit, explained Linda Kundell, spokeswoman for the association.

Some policies include additional protection for pre-existing medical conditions and against supplier default if travelers purchase insurance when they book their trip, according to the US Travel Insurance Association.

The only policies that typically have an age limit are those that provide collision or damage coverage for rental cars (age limit is 75), though policy costs will increase with a person’s age, she noted.

There’s a wide variety of travel insurance available to fit a person’s needs. For example, travelers planning to climb mountains or go white water rafting may want to find travel insurance that will cover medical costs related to hazardous sports.

Consumer Reports rated travel insurance companies and provided recommendations for choosing a policy in a May 2007 report (see www.consumerreport.org).

Travelers can compare and purchase travel insurance online at Websites such as www.insuremytrip.com or visit a travel agency for more information.

Other preparations

Amid arranging for passports and planning itineraries, travelers should leave plenty of time to consider any immunizations they may need.

Information about recommended or required vaccines for international destinations is available at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site, www.cdc.gov/travel.

Travel clinics help travelers determine which vaccinations are necessary and administer the vaccines. Travelers should get immunized at least one month before travel so the vaccines will be effective against disease.

The Foundation for Health in Aging, a program of the American Geriatrics Society, offers suggestions for helping travelers make sure they aren’t without their medications during their trip.

Travelers should keep their medications and extra eye glasses — if needed — in their carry-on bag in case their checked luggage is lost.

To make the customs process easier, they should leave prescription and over-the-counter medications in original containers and carry a doctor’s note specifying their medical conditions and treatment, the brand and generic names of their medications, doses and the amount needed for the trip.

It’s a good idea for older travelers to talk with their doctors before planning or embarking on a trip. Doctors can alert their patients to any health risks, such as air pollution or high altitudes for those with respiratory, cardiac or other problems. Travelers may also want to know whether time zone changes should affect when they take their medications.

To avoid food- and water-borne illness, travelers should review information specific to each country at the CDC Web site before leaving.

They also should carry and use alcohol-based hand sanitizers, especially after spending time on crowded planes, trains, buses and before eating, the Foundation for Health in Aging suggests.

Older travelers should be aware of deep-vein thrombosis when planning a trip involving long plane, train or car rides. Adults older than 60 are among those at higher risk for this dangerous condition, which happens when blood clots form in veins, usually in the legs, and block blood flow.

Sitting for a long time, usually more than four hours, can contribute to DVT. Doctors may recommend a blood-thinning medication or compression stockings for those at higher risk. Travelers also can flex and stretch their feet to encourage blood flow, take a quick walk every hour, drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol, according to recommendations from the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.