The uncertainty of the quality of medical care in the many countries we will visit, undoubtedly presents us with cause for concern. Overall, we are both in relatively good health after working so hard to improve it these past few years.
With our healthful, low carb diet of organic, grass fed meats and produce, exercise (mostly me), reduction in exposure to toxic chemicals in our home, low stress and a happy relationship, we feel we can manage our few complaints easily from afar.
Our doctor will be available via the Internet should we have questions and we’ll be well armed with a wide array of preventive and emergency medications should an illness arise. In the past almost year, neither of us has had a cold, a virus or illness requiring a trip to the doctor.
Our recent medical appointments have been for the sole purpose of reviewing our travel medications, receiving our vaccinations and having blood tests with an annual exam thrown in for good measure, all of which showed tremendous improvement from a few years ago. We are hopeful.
Assuming we don’t get bitten by a snake or warthog, break a leg or have a sudden gall bladder or appendicitis attack, we should be fine. But, of course, we must plan for the possibility of illness in the following manner:
- Emergency evacuation insurance
- Supplemental insurance for Jess (Medicare won’t pay for any care out of the US). Only 60 at retirement, Tom will be covered by his regular insurance. Proof of insurance documents.
- Prescription processing from afar (as mentioned in prior posts, we’re awaiting a response from our prescription plan as to whether they will provide us with 12 months of prescriptions at a time).
- Emergency medication for infections, bee stings and/or allergic reactions (EpiPen) and gastrointestinal distress.
- Copies of all of our immunizations (proof of yellow fever vaccine required with passport upon entry into Kenya).
- Copies of all of our prescriptions (in the event we are asked during customs inspections or going through security).
- First aid supplies: Bandages, antibacterial and cortisone creams, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide (small bottles).
- Over the counter medications.
- Vitamins/Supplements we currently use.
- Medical records for both of us (scanning these).
- Optical needs: extra sets of glasses/prescription sunglasses for Tom, three years of contact lenses for me. Both of us are yet to have our final optical appointments.
- Final dental appointments and supplies: Our teeth will be cleaned two weeks prior to leaving the US, while visiting Las Vegas over Christmas. The past few years, we both had all the crowns done that we’d needed.
- Copies of our living wills and legal designation for medical advocacy in the event of an emergency.