Stay Safe and Healthy on Vacation: Travel Essentials You Need
- Doctor Anywhere Team
- May 8
- 4 min read
Planning a getaway this summer? Many of us are ready to head off to beaches, mountains, or quick road trips to unwind. The combination of intense heat, long travel hours, new environments, and outdoor activities can make you more vulnerable to common health issues like dehydration, sunburn, allergies, and more.
Before you pack your bags, make sure these health essentials are part of your checklist. These small but important items can make a big difference in helping you enjoy a worry-free summer break.
1. Sunscreen
Sun protection is non-negotiable during the summer. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), using sunscreen with at least SPF 30 helps protect your skin from harmful UV rays that can cause sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer. Don’t forget to reapply every 2 hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
2. Sunglasses & Wide-Brimmed Hats
Sun exposure doesn’t just affect your skin, it can also harm your eyes. Sunglasses with UV protection and wide-brimmed hats shield your eyes and face from direct sunlight. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, UV rays can lead to cataracts and other eye problems over time.
3. Hydration Packs or Electrolyte Drinks
Staying hydrated in hot weather is essential. Bring water bottles or add hydration packets with electrolytes to prevent dehydration, especially if you’re sweating more than usual. Drinking plenty of fluids and electrolytes are extremely important to help your body stay cool to avoid heat-related illnesses.
4. Allergy Medications
Don’t let allergies ruin your trip. If you or a travel buddy has food or environmental allergies, pack antihistamines or epinephrine auto-injectors if prescribed. Traveling to new areas may expose you to unknown allergens.
5. Download a telehealth app
Even with all the right essentials, sometimes health issues still happen on the road. That’s why it helps to be ready with Doctor Anywhere, a telehealth app that lets you video consult with a licensed doctor 24/7, anytime and anywhere, right from your phone.
Before your trip, download the Doctor Anywhere app and create your account so you're ready to consult when you need to. All you need is a quiet spot and a stable internet connection to confidently talk to a doctor online.
To be even more prepared, subscribe to DA Healthwise for just ₱99/year. It gives you discounted consultations with 24/7 general practitioners, as well as specialists and mental health professionals. You’ll also unlock DA Perks, which include exclusive discounts and freebies from trusted health and wellness partners, including MyHealth Clinic, Metro Dental, Shinagawa, and more.
The best memories are made when you're feeling your best! So pack smart, travel safe, and keep your health in check.
Have an HMO or health insurance?
Link your membership account for fully covered video consultations for you and your dependents. Doctor Anywhere’s accredited health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and insurance providers include COCOLIFE Healthcare, EastWest Healthcare, Etiqa, Flexicare, Fortune Life, Forticare, Generali, Health Maintenance, Inc. (HMI), Lacson & Lacson Insurance Brokers, Manulife Medical Secure, MCBL Medical Secure, Manulife HealthFlex, MCBL HealthFlex, Maxicare, Medicare Plus, Sun Life Grepa, and WellCare Health Maintenance. Tap here to learn more about Doctor Anywhere’s HMOs and insurance partners.
Medical certificates may be issued only when medically necessary and at the discretion of the attending doctor. This benefit applies to members of the following HMO/Insurance partners of Doctor Anywhere:
✓ COCOLIFE Healthcare
✓ EastWest Healthcare
✓ Etiqa
✓ Flexicare
✓ Forticare
✓ Fortune Life
✓ Generali
✓ Health Maintenance, Inc. (HMI)
✓ iCare
✓ Lacson & Lacson Insurance Brokers
✓ Manulife Medical Secure
✓ MCBL Medical Secure
✓ Manulife HealthFlex
✓ MCBL HealthFlex
✓ MedAsia Philippines
✓ Medicare Plus
✓ Sun Life Grepa
✓ WellCare Health Maintenance
For Maxicare members, a medical summary may be issued, not a medical certificate, but only if you request one and if it’s medically necessary based on the doctor’s assessment. This is in compliance with Maxicare’s policy.
A medical summary gives you a quick overview of your diagnosis, recommended treatment, and how long you might need to rest.
If you need medical documentation to be excused from work due to your condition, you can present the medical summary provided by Doctor Anywhere, as it includes all relevant details about your case. However, if it’s not accepted and you are advised to get a medical certificate or a Fit-to-Work document, you’ll need to visit a Maxicare Primary Care Clinic (PCC) for a face-to-face consultation.
You can also untoggle “Maxicare” under “Add Benefits” and pay out-of-pocket. Just make sure to inform the doctor that you paid for the consultation yourself and that it’s not covered by Maxicare.
Exclusive Promo Codes: Save on Your First Video Consultation
Our healthcare providers are available daily, including weekends and holidays, ensuring you get the care you need anytime. General practitioners are available 24/7, on-demand, with an average wait time of 5 minutes, or by appointment. Our mental health experts and specialists are also available daily by appointment.
Download the free Doctor Anywhere app and use a promo code on your first video consultation to save:
Save ₱30 on your first video consultation with a general practitioner. Use *promo code DACONSULT30.
Save ₱30 on your first video consultation with a specialist. Use **promo code DAEXPERTCARE.
Save ₱50 on your first online session with a mental health expert. Use ^promo code DAMENTALHEALTH.
Make the most out of your doctor appointments! Tap here for key reminders to help you prepare for your video consultations.
One-time use per account for the first video consultation. Valid for new Doctor Anywhere users who haven’t had a video consultation yet. Promo runs from Jan. 1, 2025 - Dec. 31, 2025. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-192282 Series of 2024. *Promo runs from May 1, 2025 - Apr. 30, 2026. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-221357 Series of 2025. ^Promo runs from June 3, 2024 to June 2, 2025. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-194645 Series of 2024. Visit https://www.doctoranywhere.ph/promos-and-discounts for more information.
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