Tips for healthy holiday travel

Counting the days until your holiday trip? Make these 6 healthy steps part of your travel preparations.

1. Update your health plan’s digital app

Yep, this one’s easy. But the quick download may seem like forever if you’re hurt or not feeling well. Update it today and bask in some gratitude from ‘future you.’

With the Kaiser Permanente app, members can schedule routine appointments, email their doctor’s office, refill prescriptions, view their medical history, and more. (Kaiser Permanente Washington members must download the Kaiser Permanente Washington app.)

Plus, the Kaiser Permanente mobile app includes a digital membership card. Just like the physical card, it has helpful phone numbers for appointments, advice, and pharmacy.

2. Use telehealth for nonurgent needs

Sometimes a nonurgent illness — like a urinary tract infection or the flu — can interrupt your holiday.

Kaiser Permanente members who don’t need an in-person exam can get care by video, phone, or online from a Kaiser Permanente clinician anywhere in the United States. Go to kp.org/travel or click “Get Care Now” in the Kaiser Permanente app.

3. Know your care options — at your destination and along the way

No matter where your travels lead you, it’s important to know where to receive urgent or emergency care.

Kaiser Permanente members can go to any Kaiser Permanente facility or the nearest urgent care or hospital emergency room.

Outside of Kaiser Permanente states, members can go to the following locations and only pay their copay or coinsurance for care or prescriptions related to their urgent care visit — no need to file a claim later.

• Cigna HealthcareSM PPO Network*
• MinuteClinic, including pharmacies**
• Concentra urgent care**
• The Little Clinic, including pharmacies**

At all other locations, Kaiser Permanente members must pay the full cost of care up front and file a claim for reimbursement later.

More details and guidance for members are available at kp.org/travel.

4. Boost immunity with vaccines

Winter brings an uptick in respiratory infections. Learning more about respiratory infections can help you avoid getting sick and spreading illness to others.

Remember:

• It takes about 2 weeks for the flu shot to start preventing flu. Kaiser Permanente members, check kp.org for clinic locations where you can get your vaccinations.
• You can get a COVID-19 vaccination or booster at the same time as the flu shot. Kaiser Permanente members, visit kp.org/covidvaccine to learn how to get your updated COVID-19 vaccine.

5. Check your stock of COVID-19 at-home tests

Order more if needed.

• The federal government has restarted its program to deliver 4 free self-tests per household. Visit covid.gov/tests to order today.
• Kaiser Permanente members, here’s how you can get additional test kits sent to your home.

6. Set a daily self-care goal

A few moments of mindfulness, a daily walk, or regular stretching can go a long way toward managing holiday stress and staying open to the joys of connection.

• Use an app to support your goal. Self-care apps like Calm, MyStrength, and Headspace Care, previously known as the Ginger app, are available at no additional cost for Kaiser Permanente members according to their plan.
• Curious about whether self-care apps can help? Watch this video about using these popular digital tools.

Notes for Cigna Healthcare

*The Cigna Healthcare PPO Network refers to the health care providers (doctors, hospitals, specialists) contracted as part of the Cigna Healthcare PPO for Shared Administration.

The Cigna Healthcare PPO Network is not available to HMO and EPO members enrolled in coverage issued by Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington and Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington Options, Inc.

The Cigna Healthcare PPO Network is not available to members enrolled in 3-Tier Point-of-Service (POS) and PPO coverage issued by Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Northwest, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington, and Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington Options, Inc.

Cigna Healthcare is an independent company and not affiliated with Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., and its subsidiary health plans. Access to the Cigna Healthcare PPO Network is available through Cigna Healthcare’s contractual relationship with the Kaiser Permanente health plans. The Cigna Healthcare PPO Network is provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of The Cigna Group, including Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company. The Cigna name, logo, and other Cigna marks are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc.

Georgia commercial members are required to pay up front and seek reimbursement for prescriptions. If member is in a state that has Kaiser Permanente providers, but outside one of our service areas, the member pays up front for services and prescriptions and will need to file a claim for reimbursement. Maintenance medications (for example, blood pressure, cholesterol), high-cost or specialty medications are not included in this benefit, and the member will need to file a claim for reimbursement. Reimbursement is subject to the pharmacy benefit as described in the member’s Evidence of Coverage or other coverage documents.

Notes for MinuteClinic, Concentra urgent care, and The Little Clinic

**Payment experiences vary by plan.