Are you taking a trip to the Big Apple? Headed to the mountains to play in the snow? Flying to Paris or Italy? Here are three important travel tips that will help you prepare for your trip, figure out how to get care while traveling, and follow-up with any health care matters upon return. The National Travel website at kp.org/travel offers a wealth of information in one easily accessible place.
Before your trip: Learn what you can do to prepare and what services are covered.
Making sure you have a sufficient supply of your needed prescriptions is a must for many KP travelers. Be sure to order your refills one to two weeks in advance of your travel. Here’s how:
The National Travel website is packed with a wealth of helpful health and benefit information, including a quick link to ordering your prescriptions in advance. It really is as easy as 1, 2, 3.
- Click on refill your eligible prescriptions – found in the Before you travel section;
- Log into kp.org; and
- Click on the medications you need and check out.
Visit your local KP pharmacy if you need an early refill of your prescriptions to ensure you have what you need during your travels. Early refill requests can only be made in person at a local KP pharmacy. Check out the pharmacy section of kp.org for more details.
During your trip: Find out what to do if you have a medical emergency or run out of medication.
Find answers to questions like:
- What should I do if I have a medical emergency?
- What if I have an urgent medical condition that isn’t an emergency?
- How do I see a doctor when I’m in another Kaiser Permanente area?
- What do I do if I’m hospitalized while away from home?
After your trip: Learn how to get reimbursed for care you may have received while away from home.
The KP National Travel Website is optimized for mobile devices and available in Spanish at kp.org/viajero.
- Translate your list of food allergies and medications. Have a list of your food allergies and medications translated into the language of the country you are visiting.
- Take your medication with you in your carry-on bag. Checked luggage can be damaged or lost.
- Seek care before you go. Make sure you are as healthy as possible before you travel.
- Vaccinations may be needed depending upon your destination. Contact the travel clinic in your area to make sure you get any vaccines, medications, and information you may need to stay healthy. If your area doesn’t have a travel clinic, contact your doctor or Member Services.
- Consider traveler’s insurance. Research the possibility and benefits of purchasing traveler’s insurance to supplement your current coverage.
- Pharmacies are your first line of defense. In some countries, pharmacies can help with minor health issues.
- Save your receipts. Receipts need to be provided when you submit claims upon your return, and copies should be provided to your primary care doctor/specialist. If you receive urgent or emergency services outside the United States, review the detailed information on kp.org/travel so you know what specific documentation is needed for reimbursement.
The Away From Home Travel Line
To keep healthy no matter where you are, you also can keep in touch by phone. The Away from Home Travel Line (951-268-3900) is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (except major holidays) and works both inside and outside the United States.
