(Fast Company) - If you’ve ever felt that jolt of anxiety mid-flight—the kind that hits during unexpected turbulence—you’re not alone. I’ve logged more than 350 flights since founding Trust & Will, and even as a seasoned traveler, there are still moments that shake me.
It turns out, I’m not the only one who thinks about mortality somewhere over 30,000 feet.
Since launching our estate planning platform in 2017, we’ve consistently seen a spike in new members and updates to plans right before major holidays and travel weekends. Every July, without fail, we get messages from parents on their way to Europe, newlyweds prepping for a honeymoon, or college grads heading out on post-grad adventures, many of whom start or finish their estate plan in the final hours before boarding.
Why? Because travel is a trigger. Not just for excitement, but for reflection—and a little fear.
THE OVERLOOKED MVP OF YOUR ESTATE PLAN
When most people think about estate planning, they picture a will. Maybe a trust. Maybe funeral wishes.
But one of the most important sets of documents often gets overlooked—especially by younger people: healthcare documents.
These include your HIPAA authorization, medical power of attorney, and living will (also known as an advance healthcare directive). Collectively, they determine who can speak on your behalf, access your medical info, and make decisions if you’re unable to.
In other words: They’re the playbook for your care when the unexpected happens.
DESIGN MEETS INTENTION
An estate plan should be frictionless, intuitive, and human. The same design principles that guide app UX or airline check-in flows apply here. The process of choosing a healthcare proxy or outlining medical preferences should feel approachable, not anxiety-inducing.
That’s why we spent years developing a guided experience that walks people through decisions in plain language. Whether you’re sitting at a gate or on a layover, your documents are a tap away and ready to be shared if you’re ever in an emergency, especially in rural or international areas where access to care is different.
We’ve heard real stories: A hiking injury in Maui where a traveler needed emergency airlift and care coordination. A solo trip to Europe where a college student got sick and had no legal guardian anymore, but hadn’t yet appointed a healthcare agent. These aren’t just hypotheticals; they’re avoidable moments of chaos if the right documents are in place.
QUICK TIPS BEFORE YOUR NEXT TRIP
Whether you’re a frequent flyer or just headed out for summer vacation, here are three things to do before your next takeoff:
- Name A Healthcare Proxy: Who do you trust to speak on your behalf if you’re unconscious or unable to communicate? This isn’t just for the elderly—it’s crucial for everyone over 18.
- Store Your Documents Digitally: Paper is great until you leave it in a hotel drawer. Keep digital copies of your estate and health documents in a secure vault or cloud platform that you can access and share from anywhere.
- Talk To Your Travel Companions: It might feel awkward, but telling your spouse, partner, or travel buddy where your documents are stored and what your wishes are can make a huge difference in an emergency.
A DIFFERENT KIND OF TRAVEL CHECKLIST
In the same way you wouldn’t travel without your ID or passport, your estate plan—especially your healthcare documents—deserves a spot on your checklist.
We spend a lot of time planning our vacations. Booking the right hotel. Earning points for upgrades. Picking restaurants. But the true peace of mind? It doesn’t come from TSA PreCheck or an airport lounge. It comes from knowing that if something were to happen, your family isn’t left scrambling for answers. That kind of planning? It’s the ultimate design of care.
By Cody Barbo
August 19, 2025
