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Traveling this Summer? Take Your Healthcare with You

July 10 | 2 mins

Eighty-five percent of Americans are planning vacations this summer. As we all know, you can plan your flights, hotels, etc., but one thing you can’t plan for is a surprise sickness. Let’s cover common health issues when traveling, common barriers to healthcare, and how a Direct Primary Care (DPC) membership can bring peace of mind for your next vacation.

What are some common health problems for travelers?

When we travel, our immune system is weakened. Several factors can play into this: we’re not in our typical habitat (i.e., a change in altitude, weather, allergens), we experience an altered sleep schedule, our diet changes, etc. These factors open the door to many illnesses that can sneak in due to our weakened immunity.

Here are some common health issues people face when traveling:

Common Cold: Our immune system is weakened during travel, leading to a higher likelihood of contracting an illness. Colds are among the most common. They’re only present for a few days and are usually mild. However, these symptoms can worsen if the proper measures aren’t taken.
Stomach pain: Changing your diet while traveling or eating rich and unfamiliar foods can lead to stomach problems. The most common problem among them is diarrhea. If you’re traveling outside of the US, drinking contaminated food or water can lead to “traveler’s diarrhea.” It typically isn’t severe, but if you experience symptoms like a fever or persistent vomiting, seek out medical help.
Environmental allergies: Most people travel to a different climate, so staying outdoors for an extended period can lead to allergies. Most people take allergy medication for this problem, like an antihistamine. However, sometimes further steps are needed, and medical treatment is advised.

Common barriers people face when they need healthcare while traveling

When you’re on vacation, the last thing you want is an illness or medical emergency. One of the most significant issues people face is not understanding how to use their benefits while on vacation. For example: what clinics can you visit and, if necessary, how much will an urgent care visit cost? Another barrier is needing continuity of care. This means you might see a doctor in another city or state, and they need to know your previous medical history. This issue can be complicated, resulting in you spending more time filling out paperwork so the physician can understand your medical history and best assess your current health issue.

Direct Primary Care memberships offer benefits at home and on the road

Healthcare2U’s nationwide Direct Primary Care (DPC) membership combines affordability and convenience to create a healthcare solution especially beneficial while traveling. Healthcare2U’s membership offers unlimited benefits such as virtual care for no out-of-pocket cost and in-office visits to participating physicians across state lines for $10 per visit.

At Healthcare2U, our DPC membership starts with a call to our Patient Advocacy Line (PAL). PAL is staffed by bilingual certified medical professionals who walk you through benefits and point you in the right direction. Since our DPC membership is nationwide, you’ll have access to any physician within our network. If you prefer a virtual option, you can always use telehealth. For any care coordinated by Healthcare2U, those Electronic Health Records (EHR) live in Healthcare2U’s system, so you receive continuity of care no matter where you are.

Traveling this Summer? Take Your Healthcare with You

What are some common health problems for travelers?

Common barriers people face when they need healthcare while traveling

Direct Primary Care memberships offer benefits at home and on the road

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