Traveling with Mesothelioma
A Guide to Traveling with Mesothelioma
Travel, contrary to popular myth, isn’t always fun. In fact, the details of travel – scheduling, shopping for the best rates, booking transportation and lodging – can try the patience of even the most seasoned and organized travelers.
For many reasons, traveling may present bigger challenges for patients with mesothelioma and other serious illnesses. But whether the purpose of the trip is treatment or pleasure, a little forethought and planning can help make travel affordable, convenient and comfortable for mesothelioma patients and their families.
Call us at (800) 278-8675 to speak with a mesothelioma paralegal
Travel Challenges for Mesothelioma Patients
Mesothelioma patients may have to travel significant distances to take advantage of the most promising medical treatments. But treatment itself can also present obstacles to travel. Following surgery, for example, most doctors recommend that patients refrain from driving, operating heavy machinery or taking part in strenuous activity. And patients who have undergone chemotherapy may have weakened immune systems, making them more susceptible to infection.
If you’ve recently received PET scans or other radiologic scans that use internal media for illumination, you may trigger radiation detectors at an airport. Ask your doctor for a letter that states the name and date of the procedure you had, the amount of radioactive material used, and how long radioactivity is likely to be detectable. Carry the letter with you to respond to airport authorities who may question you.
Bottom line: If you’re planning to travel, talk to your doctor first. Your doctor can advise you about any other precautions you should take, such as wearing a mask on an airplane and washing your hands frequently to avoid infections.
Travel Tips for Mesothelioma Patients
If you have a medical emergency while traveling, being able to provide a new doctor with as much background on your case as possible will help to ensure that you receive the most prompt, appropriate care. Begin by wearing a Medic Alert bracelet to identify your medical condition. Then, be sure to carry the following documentation with you at all times:
- A letter from your doctor that outlines your diagnosis and treatment plan
- Your doctor’s name, address, and phone numbers
- Copies of your recent test results
- A list of all medications you’re taking and any drug allergies or reactions you’ve experienced
Before you leave, do some homework to identify the facilities and services you may need on your trip. For example:
- Identify a medical facility in your destination city where you can go in case of emergency.
- Check airline regulations for carrying medications and medical equipment.
- Talk to your health insurance representative to find out about your coverage away from home. Ask about travel insurance if necessary.
Be sure to pack more than enough of your medication to last for the entire trip, and carry bottled water and meal replacement drinks or snacks with you. Severe weather and other delays can occur without warning; being prepared will help to minimize discomfort if you have to wait.
Travel Assistance for Patients with Mesothelioma
Travel costs can easily be out of reach for families already struggling to pay for medical care. Fortunately, there are several programs that help to reduce travel costs for patients, including:
- churches and charitable organizations that assist with local transportation or child care while a patient is receiving treatment
- free flights on corporate jets for medical travel
- special rates and flexibility from commercial airlines
- individuals who donate frequent flyer miles to seriously ill travelers
- volunteer pilots who fly shorter trips at reasonable rates to help patients avoid grueling commercial flights
- hospitality houses that offer free or reduced-rate lodging for patients with mesothelioma and other illnesses
Finally, in some cases, tax savings are available for the cost of travel for medical treatment. Talk to your tax consultant to see how these savings may apply to you.