Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
BEFORE YOU GO
You can buy many medications over the counter in India without a doctor's prescription, but it can be difficult to find
some of the newer drugs, particularly the latest antidepressant drugs, blood-pressure medications and contraceptive pills.
Bring the following:
»
medications in their original, labelled containers
»
a signed, dated letter from your physician describing your medical conditions and medications, including generic names
»
a physician's letter documenting the medical necessity of any syringes you bring
»
if you have a heart condition, a copy of your ECG taken just prior to travelling
»
any regular medication (double your ordinary needs)
Insurance
Don't travel without health insurance. Emergency evacuation is expensive. Consider the following when buying insur-
ance:
»
You may require extra cover for adventure activities such as rock climbing and scuba diving.
»
In India, doctors usually require immediate payment in cash. Your insurance plan may make payments directly to pro-
viders or it will reimburse you later for overseas health expenditures. If you do have to claim later, make sure you keep all
relevant documentation.
»
Some policies ask that you telephone back (reverse charges) to a centre in your home country where an immediate as-
sessment of your problem will be made.
Vaccinations
Specialised travel-medicine clinics are your best source of up-to-date information; they stock all available vaccines and
can give specific recommendations for your trip. Most vaccines don't give immunity until
at least
two weeks after they're
given, so visit a doctor well before departure. Ask your doctor for an International Certificate of Vaccination (also known
as the 'yellow booklet'), which will list all the vaccinations you've received.
