Getting care when traveling

Traveling often requires a lot of planning. When you’re getting your travel plans in place, it’s a good idea to include plans for how to take care of your health while you’re away. Here are a few tips for what you can do to get health care if you need it when you’re away from home.¹

Before you even pack your bags, it’s a good idea to make sure you’ve downloaded your health insurance app. For UnitedHealthcare members, the UnitedHealthcare app connects you to your plan so you can take care of your health while you travel. With many health plan apps, you can view your member ID card, find care and pricing, view plan coverage and refill prescriptions. It can be a useful way to quickly view and use your benefits if you need to when you’re away from home. 

When you’re traveling away from home, it’s important to understand your health care options, so you know where to turn in case something unexpected happens.

When you’re traveling, it’s a good idea to learn where nearby network care options are located in case you need medical help. 

Urgent care centers may be a smart choice for health care needs like sprains, minor infections or low fevers. They’re also typically faster and more affordable than emergency rooms. Many urgent care centers accept walk-ins without appointments.

For serious or life-threatening issues, including chest pain, trouble breathing, severe injuries or heavy bleeding — the nearest emergency room can offer the immediate care you need. Before your trip, check your insurance plan or use your health plan’s app to find nearby network care options. 

If you or a family member needs a prescription while traveling, it helps to know which local pharmacies are nearby and are part of your health plan network. Before your trip, check your health plan’s app or member website for a list of network pharmacies at your destination. This can make filling a prescription quicker and more affordable when you’re not at home. If you take medicine regularly, plan ahead by arranging refills or transferring your prescriptions to a local pharmacy so you don’t run out while you’re away. 

Having these basic items with you may help you handle minor injuries or illnesses without the need to seek immediate medical care.

Get a quote for a SafeTrip travel medical and protection plan. 

Managing your health while traveling can be much easier with some light preparation. By downloading your health insurance app, knowing your care options, checking out nearby pharmacies, packing a first aid kit and considering travel health insurance, you may be able to enjoy your trip with more peace of mind.