Travel Clinic FAQs
Our travel health experts can advise you on possible health risks related to your travel destination. They will advise, recommend, and offer:
Travel vaccines and medications
Specialty travel health products
Safety tips, security information and travel alerts
Medical evacuation insurance
You will receive a comprehensive, destination-specific consultation that covers everything from avoiding and protecting yourself from contaminated food and water to properly guarding against mosquitoes that carry deadly diseases like yellow fever, malaria and dengue fever.
While your regular doctor's office can provide you with general health advice and medical care, visiting a specialized travel clinic can offer several unique benefits when it comes to preparing for travel.
A specialized travel clinic can offer expertise in travel health, destination-specific recommendations, availability of vaccines and medications, and convenient service that is tailored to your individual travel plans.
When visiting a travel clinic, you can expect to receive a variety of services and information to help you prepare for your upcoming trip. Here are some things you might expect when visiting our travel clinic:
A comprehensive travel health assessment: Our healthcare provider will ask you about your travel itinerary, your vaccination history, and your medical history to assess your individual health risks and provide you with recommendations for vaccinations and preventive measures.
Vaccinations: Depending on your destination, you may need to receive one or more vaccinations to protect against diseases that are prevalent in the area. The healthcare provider will discuss the recommended vaccines for your destination and administer the necessary shots.
Preventive medications: In addition to vaccines, you may also need to take preventive medication to protect against diseases such as malaria or traveler's diarrhea. The healthcare provider can prescribe the appropriate medication and provide you with information on how to take it.
Advice on preventing illness: The healthcare provider will provide you with advice on how to prevent common travel-related illnesses such as traveler's diarrhea and mosquito-borne illnesses. This might include recommendations on what to eat and drink, how to avoid insect bites, and how to manage altitude sickness.
Additional health services: In addition to travel-specific health advice and vaccinations, many travel clinics also offer additional health services such as medical consultations, prescriptions, and lab testing.
The specific travel vaccines you may need depend on the countries you plan to visit, the activities you plan to engage in, and your individual health history. Some of the most commonly recommended travel vaccines include:
Hepatitis A and B: These vaccines protect against liver infections that can be transmitted through contaminated food or water, as well as through sexual contact or sharing needles.
Typhoid: This vaccine protects against typhoid fever, a bacterial infection that can be contracted through contaminated food or water.
Yellow fever: This vaccine is required for entry to certain countries in Africa and South America, where yellow fever is prevalent.
Meningococcal: This vaccine protects against meningococcal disease, a bacterial infection that can cause meningitis and other serious illnesses. It may be required for travel to certain areas, particularly during outbreaks.
Rabies: This vaccine protects against rabies, a viral infection that can be transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. It is recommended for those who plan to engage in activities that may put them at risk of exposure, such as working with animals or exploring caves.
Other vaccines that may be recommended for travelers include influenza, COVID, Polio, Measles, Mumps, and Rubella. Our travel medicine specialist can help you determine which vaccines are recommended for your trip based on your individual circumstances.
Even if you do not think you need any vaccines, it is still a good idea to visit a travel clinic prior to your travel. A travel clinic can provide you with important information and advice to help you stay healthy and safe during your trip, regardless of whether you need vaccines or not.
For example, a travel clinic can provide you with information about the health risks associated with your destination, as well as advice on how to avoid common travel-related illnesses such as traveler's diarrhea. They can also provide you with guidance on how to pack a travel health kit and what medications to bring with you in case of illness.
Additionally, a travel clinic can help you assess your individual health risks based on your travel itinerary, such as your risk of developing altitude sickness if you are traveling to high altitudes or your risk of developing a blood clot during a long flight.
Overall, even if you do not think you need vaccines, a travel clinic can provide you with important information and advice to help you stay healthy and safe during your trip.
Our travel clinics operate by appointment only, and we may not be able to accommodate walk-in patients. By making an appointment, you can ensure that the we are prepared to provide you with the necessary services and advice based on your specific travel plans and medical history.
Additionally, we may require that you fill out paperwork or provide specific information before your visit, which can be done in advance if you make an appointment.
It is recommended to visit a travel clinic four to six weeks before your trip, especially if you are traveling to a developing country or a region where certain diseases are common. Some travel vaccinations require a series of shots that need to be administered over time, so it's important to allow enough time before your departure date.
On the other hand if you missed the optimal time window for your vaccines, it is not too late to visit our travel clinic. We will always do our best to accommodate last minute travelers.
Whether health insurance covers travel vaccines and travel clinic services depends on your specific insurance policy. Some insurance plans may cover some or all of the cost of travel vaccines and consultations at a travel clinic, while others may not cover any of these expenses. It is important to review your insurance policy or contact your insurance provider to determine if your plan covers travel vaccinations and consultations.
Even if your insurance plan does not cover travel vaccinations or consultations, you may still be able to receive these services at our travel clinic. We offer competitive pricing for our services and may be able to provide recommendations on how to make the services more affordable.
When visiting our travel clinic, it is important to bring certain items and information to help us make appropriate recommendations and provide necessary vaccinations or medications. Here are some things to consider bringing to your travel clinic appointment:
Your travel itinerary: Bring a detailed itinerary of your trip, including destinations, length of stay, and any activities or excursions you plan to do.
Your vaccination history: Bring your vaccination records if you have them, especially if you have received vaccinations outside of your usual healthcare provider.
Your medical history: Provide information about any medical conditions you have, as well as any prescription medications or over-the-counter medications you are taking.
Your allergies: Provide information about any allergies you have, including medication allergies.
Your insurance card: If you have travel health insurance or regular health insurance, bring your insurance card to your appointment.
Payment method: Be prepared to pay for some or all the services provided at our clinic. Most travel related services are not covered by traditional health insurance.