(LONG BEACH, CA – May 21, 2008) — Whether your summer travel plans include a long vacation or a short getaway, if you are an older adult there are things you should do before leaving home to ensure a healthy trip. According to Timothy Schwab, M.D., chief medical officer of SCAN Health Plan, these ten tips for seniors apply whether you're planning to go out of the country or just a few counties away.

1. Discuss travel plans with your doctor. If you are (or recently were) under a doctor's care, talk to your doctor to be sure it is safe for you to travel. Discuss whether changes in food, humidity or altitude will affect your health or abilities.
2. Plan travel activities with your fitness and mobility in mind. Travel can be demanding on the body. Changes in food or activity can worsen existing health problems. Be careful lifting or carrying heavy or bulky bags.
3. Take a list of your medicines and allergies with you. This list is important to have in case you get sick or injured. A healthcare provider may need it to best check and treat any problem. A list makes it quick and easy.
4. Refill prescription medicine. Of course you'll bring enough medication to last the whole trip, but in the event of unexpected delays, be sure you bring some extra medicine with you.
5. Pack medicines in carry-on bags. If your checked bags get lost or delayed, you will be prepared.
6. Leave all medication in original, labeled containers to avoid problems at security checkpoints.
7. Take your health insurance card. It has information you need anytime you get medical care.
8. Consider travel health insurance. If you think you might need health coverage beyond your current benefits, check if short-term travel insurance with health coverage would meet your needs.
9. Make appointments for routine care before you leave or after you return. Most health plans do not cover routine care outside of your normal service area, so be sure to take care of that before or after your trip. Emergency or urgently needed care is usually covered.
10. Find out about emergency care and customs in the places you will visit. The 9-1-1 system is not everywhere. Before you leave, find out what to do in case of an emergency. Also take contact details for U.S. Embassies and Consulates. They can assist in locating medical services abroad.

"No one wants to think about needing medical care when they're on vacation," said Dr. Schwab. "But taking just a few precautionary steps will make a big difference should you need care while you're away."

For more than 30 years, SCAN Health Plan has been focusing on the unique needs of people with Medicare. One of California's fastest-growing Medicare Advantage plans, SCAN currently serves more than 105,000 members in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Ventura and Kern counties. In Arizona, SCAN offers a health plan for Medicare and Medicaid-eligible individuals and also provides long-term care services to individuals enrolled in the state's long-term care system in Maricopa County. Further information may be obtained at www.scanhealthplan.com.