For many people over 50, travel is one of life’s great pleasures — a chance to explore new places, visit family abroad, or simply enjoy a well-earned break. But as we get older, a little extra planning around health can make the difference between a smooth trip and a stressful one. Whether you’re heading to the Canaries for some winter sun or embarking on a longer adventure, here’s how to stay well while you’re away.
TL;DR
- Visit your GP at least 6–8 weeks before travelling for a travel health consultation, especially if you have chronic conditions or need vaccinations.
- Carry a detailed medication list (generic names, dosages, prescribing doctor) and pack medicines in hand luggage with a doctor’s letter.
- Apply for or renew your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before travelling in the EU/EEA — it covers necessary public healthcare but is not a substitute for travel insurance.
- Long-haul flights increase deep vein thrombosis (DVT) risk — stay hydrated, move regularly, and ask your GP about compression stockings.
- Comprehensive travel insurance is essential — ensure it covers pre-existing conditions, medical repatriation, and cancellation.
Start with a Travel Health Check-Up
One of the smartest things you can do before any trip is book a travel health consultation with your GP. In Ireland, many GP surgeries offer dedicated travel health clinics, and some pharmacies now provide travel vaccinations as well. Ideally, schedule this six to eight weeks before departure — some vaccinations need time to take effect, and certain courses require multiple doses.
Your GP can advise on destination-specific risks such as malaria prophylaxis, hepatitis A and B vaccinations, and food and water precautions. If you’re managing a chronic condition like diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis, your doctor can also help you plan around time zone changes (important for insulin or timed medications) and provide a letter explaining your medical needs.
The HSE provides useful travel health guidance, and your local health centre can direct you to the nearest travel vaccination clinic.
Medication Management Abroad
If you take regular medication, travel requires careful preparation. Here are some practical steps:
- Carry a written medication list — include generic (non-brand) names, dosages, and your prescribing doctor’s details. This is invaluable if you lose medication or need medical care abroad.
- Pack medicines in your hand luggage — checked bags can go astray. Keep medicines in their original pharmacy-labelled containers.
- Bring more than you need — pack at least a week’s extra supply in case of delays or extended stays.
- Get a doctor’s letter — essential for controlled medications (strong painkillers, certain anxiety or sleep medications) and for carrying syringes or needles through airport security.
- Check regulations at your destination — some medications that are legal in Ireland may be restricted elsewhere. The International Narcotics Control Board and your destination’s embassy can advise.
If you use a medicine that requires refrigeration (such as insulin), invest in a travel cool bag designed for the purpose. Many pharmacies in Ireland stock these.
Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
If you’re travelling within the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles you to access necessary public healthcare on the same terms as residents of the country you’re visiting. In Ireland, you can apply for or renew your EHIC online through the HSE website — it’s free and typically arrives within a couple of weeks.
Important points to remember:
- The EHIC covers necessary medical treatment in public healthcare facilities — not private hospitals or elective procedures.
- It does not cover medical repatriation (getting you home if you’re seriously ill) or trip cancellation.
- It is not a substitute for travel insurance — think of it as a useful safety net alongside a proper policy.
For travel outside the EU, check whether Ireland has a bilateral healthcare agreement with your destination country. In many cases, you’ll need to rely entirely on travel insurance.
Choosing the Right Travel Insurance
Travel insurance becomes more important — and sometimes more expensive — as we get older. But it’s one expense that’s genuinely worth it. When choosing a policy, look for:
- Cover for pre-existing conditions — many standard policies exclude these, so you may need to declare your medical history and pay a higher premium. Be completely honest; non-disclosure can void your entire policy.
- Medical repatriation — the cost of an air ambulance can run into tens of thousands of euro.
- Cancellation and curtailment cover — especially important if a health event might prevent you from travelling.
- 24-hour emergency helpline — look for a provider with a dedicated medical assistance team.
Age Action Ireland and Active Retirement Ireland members sometimes have access to group travel insurance schemes, so check with your local branch. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) also offers impartial guidance on comparing insurance products.
Reducing Your Risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Long periods of immobility — on flights, coaches, or car journeys — increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot that forms in the deep veins, usually in the legs. The risk increases with age, and is higher if you have a history of blood clots, recent surgery, cancer, or are taking hormone replacement therapy.
To reduce your risk:
- Move regularly — on flights, get up and walk the aisle every hour or so. In a car, stop for short walks every couple of hours.
- Do seated exercises — flex and point your feet, rotate your ankles, and tense and release your calf muscles.
- Stay hydrated — drink water regularly and limit alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you.
- Wear compression stockings — your GP or pharmacist can advise on the right grade. These are especially recommended for flights over four hours.
- Talk to your GP before travelling if you’re at higher risk — they may recommend a blood-thinning injection for long-haul flights.
Sun Safety and Heat Awareness
Irish skin is particularly susceptible to sun damage, and the risk of skin cancer increases with age. If you’re heading somewhere sunny:
- Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen and reapply every two hours (more often if swimming).
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection.
- Avoid the midday sun (11am–3pm) when UV radiation is strongest.
- Stay hydrated — older adults are more prone to dehydration and heat exhaustion. The Irish Cancer Society recommends particular vigilance for people over 50.
Some medications (including certain blood pressure tablets, diuretics, and antibiotics) can increase sun sensitivity. Check with your pharmacist before you go.
Food and Water Safety
Traveller’s diarrhoea is common and can be more serious for older adults, particularly those on multiple medications. In higher-risk destinations:
- Drink bottled or boiled water — avoid ice in drinks unless you’re sure it’s made from safe water.
- Eat food that’s freshly cooked and served hot.
- Be cautious with salads, raw fruit you haven’t peeled yourself, and buffet food that may have been sitting out.
- Carry oral rehydration sachets (available from any Irish pharmacy) — they’re small, light, and invaluable if you do get ill.
Accessible Travel and Getting Support
If you have mobility issues, reduced hearing or vision, or other access needs, planning ahead makes a significant difference. Most airlines offer assistance if you request it at least 48 hours before travel. In the EU, airports are required by law to provide free assistance to passengers with reduced mobility.
Fáilte Ireland’s website has information on accessible tourism within Ireland, and organisations like Irish Wheelchair Association can advise on accessible destinations abroad. If you use a wheelchair or mobility aid, confirm with your airline that it will be handled as priority luggage.
A Quick Pre-Travel Checklist
- ☑️ GP travel health consultation (6–8 weeks ahead)
- ☑️ Vaccinations up to date
- ☑️ Medication list and doctor’s letter
- ☑️ EHIC applied for or renewed (EU travel)
- ☑️ Travel insurance with pre-existing condition cover
- ☑️ Compression stockings for long flights
- ☑️ Sunscreen, hat, rehydration sachets packed
- ☑️ Emergency contact details and insurance documents in hand luggage
Travelling Well with Críonna Health
At Críonna Health, we believe travel should be one of the joys of getting older — not a source of anxiety. With the right preparation, most health concerns are entirely manageable, and you can focus on what really matters: enjoying the experience.
If you’re planning a trip and want to brush up on related health topics, explore our guides on managing multiple medications, staying hydrated, and skin health after 50.
📷 Photo by Mitchell Luo (@mitchel3uo) on Unsplash
