Milestone trip locations for someone with health issues (Europe?)
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Anonymous
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Was supposed to take a milestone trip with someone later this summer (late July) with someone who recently had a lot of complex health issues. They'd still really like to travel but I am a little nervous. Was planning on Europe.
- Any recommendations for where best to go? UK (where we speak the language)? Somewhere known for good healthcare (Switzerland? others?)? Places with more easy direct flights back to US? - Recs for travel insurance if we need to get home early / quickly? Price not an issue and we'd try to book as much fully refundable as possible in case of a change of plans. |
Anonymous
| That's extremely nonspecific. What ate they interested in and what limitations do these health issues create? July, you're also leaving the planning pretty late. Have you confirmed passports and other necessary documents, at a minimum? |
Anonymous
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Well, what exactly are your concerns?
Mobility issues are very different from might-need-high-level-care-at-the-drop-of-a-hat which is different from the person dealing with a lot of fatigue which is different from access to medication which is different from issues that mean you need to avoid higher altitudes which is different from mental health issues that can be triggered by time zone changes which is different from ... |
Anonymous
| I assume short, direct flights from the east coast of the US can only help. |
Anonymous
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It’s really hard to know without knowing what the issues are but someplace like Ireland has direct flights and people speak English and health care is pretty decent.
It’s late to plan for Alaska but that’s America so has that benefit (but depending on where you go you might need helicopter transport to hospital so definitely need the good insurance). We took my dad to Mexico several times despite his complex health conditions. People there are so nice, and the Costco pharmacy was great when he forgot his medications. I think there are some decent hospitals for people with money — but again it’s gojng to depend what kind of treatment you might need and how likely you are to need it. Some poorer countries have better healthcare for Americans to access than some of the rich European countries with universal healthcare. I’ve actually heard Thailand has incredible hospitals due to the medical tourism. But that kind of flight might be difficult and again you’d want good insurance in case you need a medical flight home. |
Anonymous
Depending on the health issues, you may not be able to get any health insurance |
Anonymous
| What are the health issues? I'd probably go to the UK. However, I have health issues and no way I'd get on a plane and risk getting sick. |
Anonymous
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+1 on health insurance being an issue. I’d start there. Not only to get back, but to ensure you can get it at all in case care is needed there.
July in Europe (which is a very big place with a lot of different things to do and see) can be very crowded and honestly, very hot. On the very outset, air conditioning is not a given everywhere - is the heat going to be a factor in this person’s health condition? What can they do? Are the limited by mobility? What are their interests? Is there a bucket list thing or two they’d like to accomplish during the trip? |
Anonymous
| Switzerland |
Anonymous
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I'm not sure why people are saying you can't get health insurance due to a pre-existing condition. That was outlawed with the passage of the Affordable Care Act.
I like GeoBlue health insurance for travel. I travel enough that I just get a policy for the entire year. As for locations, I wouldn't overthink it. I'd go wherever sounds most appealing. |
Anonymous
The way around the air conditioning issue in Europe is to always book at major hotel brands vs local inns. If budget is an issue hotels like Ibis will still have ac. |
Anonymous
| OP, you really shouldn’t be MIA on this— everyone has asked you to further define the “health issues.” |
Anonymous
Travel health insurance is not the same as everyday health insurance. Travel insurance charge more for people with conditions, and if you don't declare them and get sick abroad with a pre existing condition, they may not cover you. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/travel-insurance/pre-existing-conditions/ |
Anonymous
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Viking River cruise or Cunard Mediterranean cruise.
Both lines cater to older people and have medical staff on board who can coordinate medical attention wherever you are. Excursions contemplate any limitations people might have. There’s a reason why so many older people pay a premium to travel on those lines. |
Anonymous
Fly first class so you can arrive rested. |