Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The majority of major cities and popular tourist areas are well developed with ad-
equate and sometimes excellent medical care.
Travellers tend to worry about contracting exotic infectious diseases when visiting
the tropics, but such infections are far less common than problems with pre-existing
medical conditions such as heart disease, and accidental injury (especially as a res-
ult of traffic accidents).
The following advice is a general guide and does not replace the advice of a doc-
tor trained in travel medicine.
BEFORE YOU GO
Pack medications in clearly labelled original containers and obtain a signed and
dated letter from your physician describing your medical conditions, medications
and syringes or needles.
If you take any regular medication bring double your needs in case of loss or
theft. In Thailand you can buy many medications over the counter without a doctor's
prescription, but it can be difficult to find the exact medication you are taking.
INSURANCE
Even if you're fit and healthy, don't travel without health insurance - accidents do
happen. You may require extra cover for adventure activities such as rock climbing
or diving, as well as scooter/motorcycle riding. If your health insurance doesn't cov-
er you for medical expenses abroad, ensure you get specific travel insurance. Most
hospitals require an upfront guarantee of payment (from yourself or your insurer)
prior to admission. Inquire before your trip about payment of medical charges and
retain all documentation (medical reports, invoices etc) for claim purposes.
VACCINATIONS
Specialised travel-medicine clinics are your best source of information on which
vaccinations you should consider taking. Ideally you should visit a doctor six to
eight weeks before departure, but it is never too late. Ask your doctor for an Interna-
tional Certificate of Vaccination (otherwise known as the yellow booklet), which will
list all the vaccinations you've received. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC;
www.cdc.gov ) has a traveller's health section that contains recommendations for
vaccinations. The only vaccine required by international regulations is yellow fever.
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