Medical Advice
International travel exposes you to changes in climate, temperature and diseases which can impact your health. You can minimise the health risks by taking a few precautions before you travel.
For the latest travel advice specific to your destination please go to the Safe Travel and World Health Organisation websites.
Before travel, consult your health professional to discuss:
- Your itinerary
- The duration of your trip
- Your type of travel
- Your past medical history
- Any vaccination requirements
- If you are pregnant
- Allergies
- Any medications you may need to travel with
- Your Pre-existing Medical Conditions
- Disease prevention
Tips for long distance travellers
- We highly recommend you do frequent leg exercises during your flight. Move around the cabin, stretch and take deep breaths regularly while seated.
- Drink plenty of non-alcoholic beverages to prevent dehydration.
- Eat lighter to avoid bloating.
- Set your watch for your destination time zone when you get on the plane and try and sleep to their schedule. This will help with beating jetlag.
The three R's of Travel Vaccination
Routine Vaccinations (childhood or adult vaccinations)
- Tetanus
- Polio
- MMR
- Influenza
- Pneumococcal
- Varicella
- Diphtheria
- Tuberculosis (TB)
Required Vaccinations
When crossing international borders certain vaccinations are required. Check with the World Health Organisation for more information.
- Yellow Fever
- Cholera
- Meningococcal
Recommended Vaccinations
There are some vaccinations recommended when travelling overseas specific to your destination. These may include:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Japanese Encephalitis
- Poliomyelitis
- Rabies
- Cholera
If you have a medical conditions, always carry a summary of your medical history and your family doctor's details with you. Please see your doctor to identify your specific needs.
We and Safe Travel highly recommend that you take out adequate travel insurance. The cost of medical treatment in foreign countries can be significant. For more information, please call us on 0800 553 550.