Disclaimer: This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Planning a trip overseas? Whether it’s a relaxing Bali getaway, a busy backpacking adventure across South America or a family holiday to Europe, making sure you’re prepared before you go will set you up for the best possible vacation. Although pre-travel health checks might not be the most exciting part of your travel prep, they are one of the most important to help you stay healthy and enjoy your trip without worries.
Travel means new places, new climates and potential exposure to viruses or bacteria that your body isn’t used to. Without the appropriate precautions you risk getting sick…. and nobody wants that on a holiday!
What’s involved in a pre-travel health check?
1. Vaccinations and boosters
Before you travel it’s a good idea to speak to your doctor and ask what travel vaccines they recommend. They may recommend a check to ensure you’re up to date with vaccinations like measles, mumps, rubella, whooping cough and polio depending on your individual circumstances and travel destination. You may also consider getting the flu shot, especially if you’re travelling during flu season as the flu can spread more easily in crowded environments like airports and planes.
Depending on your destination, your doctor may recommend vaccines or booster shots to protect against diseases like yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A or B, or cholera.
Refer to the Smart Traveller website for tips based on your destination, and book an appointment with a doctor six to 12 weeks before you leave to discuss your travel health needs in advance₁.
2. Prescriptions and medication
If you’re travelling to areas with a high risk of water or food borne diseases, your doctor may prescribe relevant medications. For example, “Bali Belly” is a common illness and your doctor may discuss providing medication, such as antibiotics, for you to take if you become unwell while travelling. Similarly, if you’re visiting a tropical country with a high risk of malaria, appropriate preventive medication may be prescribed.
Ensure you have enough of your regular medications to last the entire trip. Book an appointment with your doctor ahead of time to discuss getting an early repeat if needed.
3. Pathology Testing Referrals
Some trips might require blood tests or other pathology checks to confirm your immunity or screen for infections.
4. Basic essentials for your travel bag
It’s a good idea to pack a few health essentials to help prevent common issues. These may include sunscreen, basic pain relief medication, antihistamines, antiseptic cream, electrolytes and a small supply of band-aids for minor cuts and scrapes. If you’re travelling to a region where mosquito-borne illnesses are common, it is suggested to pack insect repellents with DEET or picaridin3.
How Doctors on Demand can help:
Pre-travel health checks are essential but fitting them into your busy schedule can be tricky. That’s where Doctors on Demand comes in — offering convenient, quick access to qualified doctors from the comfort of your home. Whether you need advice on required vaccinations, prescriptions for travel medications, or referrals for pathology tests, our telehealth service makes it easy to get everything sorted well before your trip.
You can book an appointment or join the queue to speak with one of our Australian-registered doctors at a time that suits you.
Final Tips Before You Go:
- Check Australia’s Smart Traveller website for destination-specific health advice
- Refer to the Vaccine Hub Travel Map website for recommendations on specific vaccinations for your destination
- Make sure your travel insurance covers medical emergencies
- Keep your doctor’s contact details handy while overseas