Are you a big planner when it comes to foreign travel?
Some like to pinpoint every secluded beach and Instagram-worthy café before they’ve even booked flight. Others, meanwhile, find the thrill in stepping into the unknown and leaving their experience in the hands of the travel gods themselves.
But however you approach your trip, there’s one area that doesn’t benefit from a devil-may-care attitude—and that’s your health.
From the perils of food poisoning to the misery of motion sickness, there are countless reasons you’ll need access to genuine and effective medications while abroad.
Easily done in country? Maybe, maybe not. The risks of counterfeit meds, communication difficulties, costs, and general availability mean that locating those crucial pills when you’re in Tanzania or Thailand is by no means guaranteed.
Luckily, we’re not the only ones who think so. Runway Health is a travel healthcare platform that provides FDA-approved treatments directly to your door.
Following an online consultation with one of Runway Health’s physicians, medications necessary to both your destination and health-needs are dispatched by post. Any questions? Your physician is available for chat-based care before, during and after your travels.
Runway Health recently formed a strategic partnership with battleface to enhance traveler awareness and access to essential pre-departure health services.
We spoke to founder and CEO Josh Rome about the health risks facing travelers, how online solutions aim to transform access to travel medications —and what happened when he got hit by a nasty stomach bug while traveling in Central America!
Josh, thanks for joining us! Where are your customers generally heading to in the world? And what type of trips are they taking?
Our customers are truly global travelers, heading to destinations across all seven continents (and every ocean!). Whether they’re exploring the bustling cities of Southeast Asia, embarking on a safari in Africa, trekking through the Andes in South America, or even crossing the Drake Passage en route to Antarctica, our customers are seeking adventure, cultural experiences and unforgettable memories. The types of trips they take are diverse, ranging from leisure vacations and honeymoons to business trips and study abroad programs. What unites them is a desire for peace of mind and the knowledge that they are well-prepared for any health needs that may arise during their travels.
Getting sick abroad sucks! But what are some of the downsides of leaving it until you become ill to source relevant medications abroad?
Getting sick while traveling is the worst! The stress and discomfort of trying to navigate a foreign healthcare system when you’re not feeling well is something no traveler should have to endure. There can be significant language barriers, making it difficult to communicate your health needs effectively, and you risk receiving medications that have not been manufactured in an FDA approved facility. Availability can also be an issue—certain medications that are easy to find at home might not be readily available in your destination. I’ve been there myself, traveling through Central America when I’m hit with a stomach bug out of nowhere. After finally summoning up the courage to leave my hotel room, I jumped into an uncomfortable taxi ride to a local clinic. As a non-Spanish speaker, I played Charades with the healthcare provider, rubbing my stomach and sharing other emotive gestures, only to walk away with a box of medication in a foreign language. Over 50 million Americans get sick while traveling each year, but they don’t have to! Better prepared travelers can mitigate or eliminate most of these common travel illnesses by preparing in advance with FDA-approved medications, avoiding these challenges.
What are the main health risks travelers are already aware of? Are there lesser-known risks that they often need educating on?
Travelers are generally aware of the more common health risks like traveler’s diarrhea, malaria, and motion sickness, which are well-publicized and frequently discussed in travel advisories. However, there are several lesser-known risks that often require more education. For instance, altitude sickness is a significant concern for those traveling to high-altitude destinations like Peru or Nepal, yet many travelers don’t realize how quickly it can set in. Additionally, certain medications, like those typically prescribed to prevent altitude sickness or malaria, are directed to start taking before arriving in destination. We also educate travelers on the importance of staying up-to-date on routine vaccinations, which can be easily overlooked when focusing on travel-specific vaccines. Our goal is to ensure that travelers are fully informed and prepared for all potential health risks, both common and uncommon.
It’s easy to think of, say, malaria meds or motion-sickness pills when it comes to travel medicine, but what are the areas of healthcare that perhaps don’t come instantly to mind?
While malaria and motion sickness medications are certainly top of mind for many travelers, there are other important areas of travel healthcare that people might not immediately consider. For instance, we also offer support for managing women’s health needs, such as medications to treat UTIs or yeast infections. These conditions are listed under the CDCs ‘self-treatable diseases’, of which it is suggested to carry medication with you when traveling to regions with limited access to medical facilities, in case of infection. Additionally, sleep aids can be incredibly helpful for adjusting to new time zones and avoiding jet lag. By addressing these less obvious needs, we help ensure that travelers are fully supported in all aspects of their health during their journeys.
Traditionally, perhaps, travelers would head to a travel clinic before jetting out. What’s the advantages of doing this on a platform such as yours?
There are several advantages to using a platform like Runway Health compared to a traditional travel clinic. First and foremost is convenience. Our platform allows travelers to access healthcare from the comfort of their own home, without the need to schedule and attend an in-person appointment. This is particularly beneficial for busy professionals or those living in remote areas. Additionally, our service offers greater flexibility—travelers can initiate a consult 24/7 and receive their medications via mail, usually within a few days, if prescribed. Runway also focuses on transparency. Travelers are commonly frustrated by travel clinics, as they typically initiate a costly visit (ranging from $75 to $150) before ever knowing what their treatment plan may cost. When using our platform, you know exactly what your consultation and treatment plan will cost, before ever paying a single dollar. Furthermore, we provide ongoing support before, during, and after their trip, something that traditional clinics often can’t offer. This continuous care ensures that travelers have access to medical advice whenever they need it, giving them greater peace of mind.
Tell us a little about the partnership with battleface. How did this come about and how does it benefit both Runway Health and battleface’s customers?
Our partnership with battleface is an exciting development that stems from a shared commitment to enhancing the travel experience by prioritizing traveler health and safety. Both Runway Health and battleface recognize that well-prepared travelers are not only safer but also more likely to enjoy their trips to the fullest. This partnership came about as we identified a natural alignment between our services—while battleface provides comprehensive travel insurance and assistance, Runway Health offers the medical expertise and access to essential medications that travelers need before they even set foot on a plane. By collaborating, we’re able to offer a more holistic travel solution. We’ve extended an exclusive benefit to battleface customers, access to complimentary pre-departure telehealth health consultation. Our goal remains to improve access to travel healthcare, which complements the protection and peace of mind that battleface’s insurance provides. Together, we’re making travel not just possible, but truly enjoyable, by covering all aspects of traveler safety and well-being.
