By Gail Marsh
For many people, the dream of RVing is the ultimate freedom—a life on the open road, exploring stunning landscapes, and living at your own pace. But what happens when health or medical necessities come into play?
Whether you’re dealing with chronic conditions, new medical needs, or simply want to ensure you’re prepared for anything that comes up while RVing, there are plenty of ways to adjust your travel plans and keep your RV adventures rolling.
(I’m writing this from experience after my husband had a heart attack at a Love’s truck stop.)
Plan your route
One of the best ways to stay safe while RVing is to plan your route with medical facilities in mind. Depending on your condition or needs, you might want to ensure you’re never too far from a major hospital or clinic.
Use apps like RV Life Trip Wizard or Google Maps to plan your journey. Include stops near healthcare facilities. Many RVers find peace of mind knowing they can access urgent care or specialized medical help without having to travel too far.
Tip: Make note of pharmacies and clinics in each area you’re visiting, especially if you’re traveling through rural or remote locations. Some areas might have limited medical resources, so planning ahead will give you the reassurance you need.
Telemedicine—Healthcare on the go
With advancements in telemedicine, you don’t always need to visit a doctor’s office to get care. Telehealth services allow you to have virtual consultations with your healthcare provider.
Many RVers utilize services like Teladoc Health or amwell, which provide 24/7 access to doctors who can offer advice, refill prescriptions, or even recommend treatment for non-emergency conditions. This is especially helpful if you’re in a remote area or can’t easily access a physical healthcare facility.
Medications and medical supplies
Before hitting the road, it’s important to make sure you have enough medication and medical supplies to last you between refills. Most insurance companies allow you to fill a 90-day prescription, which is ideal for longer RV trips.
You can also look into mail-order pharmacies like Amazon Pharmacy or CVS Caremark that will ship medications directly to your RV park or campground.
If you require medical equipment like oxygen tanks or mobility aids, research companies that provide delivery services across different states. Some suppliers like Lincare or Apria Healthcare offer nationwide delivery. This can be invaluable for full-time RVers with medical needs.
Travel pace
If you’re managing medical conditions, flexibility is key. Instead of packing your itinerary with daily hikes or long drives, build in rest days and avoid overexertion. You might want to spend longer stretches of time at RV parks or campgrounds with great amenities, giving you time to recharge between travel days.
It’s also wise to allow for flexibility in case your health changes during your trip. Booking longer stays at RV parks with good cancellation policies gives you peace of mind—you can always extend your stay if you need to recover from an illness or minor setback.
Maintaining mental health
Mental health is just as important as physical health, and RVing can sometimes present challenges in this area—especially if you’re dealing with medical issues or traveling alone.
To manage stress, consider activities like meditation, yoga, or journaling, which can be done inside your RV or in nature. Many RVers also find joy in hobbies like photography, painting, or reading, which help calm the mind and keep you grounded during long trips.
If you need additional support, teletherapy is also available through apps like BetterHelp or Talkspace, where you can speak to licensed therapists remotely.
Community support
The RV community is full of people who face similar challenges and offer support through online forums, Facebook groups, and local meetups. These can offer valuable information and a sense of camaraderie for those dealing with medical issues. You might even find recommendations for RV parks that cater to travelers with mobility concerns or special needs.
Keep on keeping on
By taking the time to plan your route, adjust your travel pace, and ensure you have access to the medical care you need, RVing can still be the adventure of a lifetime—even with health concerns. With a few adjustments and plenty of preparation, the road remains wide open!
Feel free to comment or offer additional suggestions for adjusting RV travel plans for medical needs.
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RVDT2759
Take a look at EA+ (Emergency Assistance Plus), or one of the competitors. This insurance does not cover medical expenses, it covers the issues that come with medical emergencies when away from home. Most cover medical evacuation when outside the country. EA+ will cover the expense of getting you and your belongings back home from pretty much anywhere. That can also include a spouse, pets, car, and yes even a RV.
My spouse cannot tow for a number of reasons. If I am incapacitated, EA+ will get me home. But read the fine print. “Home” has to be a pre-established physical address and not a PO Box.
We joined the latest version of FMCA for its assisted transport after a medical emergency policy.
Along with thousands of others, we traveled down to South Padre this last February to exchange winter for palm trees. We discovered that a large market for low-level pharmaceuticals without prescription and dental work exists just across the border at discount prices.