Whether travelling for business or pleasure, we all hope our trip goes smoothly. But the truth is, more than one in four Americans report getting sick or hurt on while on a trip and 56% needed medical treatment as a result. With well over $250 billion spent annually on domestic and international business travel, employers don’t need the added worry of a company representative falling ill on a business trip.
If plans call for travel to visit a client, attend a conference, or win over new business either domestically or internationally, travelers should consider prioritizing their health in advance of their trip with the same gusto they use to create their business proposal or sales presentation.
Here are some useful tips. Travelers should:
Check-in with their primary care doctor before traveling. Travelers should schedule an appointment with their doctor prior to their business trip. At the visit, they should inform their doctor of their travel plans to see how best to support their health while traveling, including getting any recommended or required vaccinations. Before leaving, they should refill any prescriptions they might need while away and pack enough to last the entire trip. Travelers can check travel health information and recent travel notices for destinations abroad so they know what to expect when they arrive.
For those who haven’t had an annual wellness exam and preventive screenings recently, this may be a good time to make sure they are on top of any health concerns. Health plans usually cover preventive care, which means the cost may be $0 out of pocket for certain covered preventive services if the visit is with a network provider.
Travelers may also consider options like virtual visits for non-emergency care. Virtual visits may be both cost-effective and more convenient. Get information from the health plan or doctor about virtual care options that might be available while traveling. Virtual care may help travelers quickly and affordably access needed care with a network provider while on the road.
Pack properly and make sure to pack enough essentials. Prior to leaving home, travelers should check the weather at their destination and pack accordingly. They should prepare a travel health kit with essentials like hand sanitizer, over-the-counter medications, sunscreen and bug spray. It’s wise to pack important items like prescription medications in carry-on luggage in the event of an emergency or if checked bags get lost during travel.
Be health conscious during the trip. Physical activity may help reduce stress and promote well-being. Travelers should plan to incorporate some form of activity during their business travel, such as sightseeing walks, bike rides or daytime hikes. To help avoid dehydration, carry a water bottle and refill it throughout the day. Also, make sure to wear and reapply sunscreen for skin protection and use bug spray to keep safe from bug bites.
Prepare for possible jet lag. Data shows that 60-70% of long-distance travelers may experience some form of jet lag. Preparing for time changes and getting good sleep prior to travel may help reduce symptoms of jet lag. It’s important to drink lots of water. Soaking in the sunlight (once at their destination) may help travelers reset their internal clock to help promote better sleep, which may be key to reducing jet lag and supporting their immune system.
Consider travel medical insurance and travel protection. Accidents happen. That’s why it’s important to be prepared for the unexpected. That may include making sure to have health coverage while away, which may help avoid major costs in the event of an accident or sudden illness. It’s wise to check with the health plan to see what coverage is provided at the destination — especially for those traveling internationally as many health plans may not cover medical expenses while abroad.
These tips may help travelers stay on top of their health so they can concentrate on sealing the deal and returning home with both a professional and personal win!
Dr. Amit Arwindekar is medical director at UnitedHealthcare Global.
