Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
BEFORE YOU GO
A little planning before departure, particularly for pre-existing illnesses, will save you a lot of trouble later. Before a long
trip, get a check-up from your dentist and from your doctor if you require regular medication or have a chronic illness, eg
high blood pressure or asthma. You should also organise spare contact lenses and glasses (and take your optical prescrip-
tion with you); get a first-aid and medical kit together; and arrange necessary vaccinations.
Travellers can register with the
International Association for Medical Advice to Travellers
(IAMAT;
www.iamat.org
) . Its website can help travellers find a doctor who has recognised training. You might also like to consider
doing a first-aid course (contact the Red Cross or St John's Ambulance) or attending a remote medicine first-aid course,
such as that offered by the
Royal Geographical Society
(
www.wildernessmedicaltraining.co.uk
) .
If you are bringing medications with you, carry them in their original containers, clearly labelled. A signed and dated
letter from your physician describing all medical conditions and medications, including generic names, is also a good
idea. If carrying syringes or needles, be sure to have a physician's letter documenting their medical necessity.
Insurance
Find out in advance whether your insurance plan will make payments directly to providers or will reimburse you later for
health expenditures (in many countries doctors expect payment in cash). It is vital to ensure that your travel insurance will
cover the emergency transport required to get you to a good hospital, or all the way home, by air and with a medical at-
tendant if necessary. Not all insurance policies cover this, so be sure to check the contract carefully. If you need medical
care, your insurance company may be able to help locate the nearest hospital or clinic, or ask at your hotel. In an emer-
gency, contact your embassy or consulate.
RECOMMENDED VACCINATIONS
The
World Health Organization
(
www.who.int/en
) recommends that all travellers be adequately covered for
diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella and polio, as well as for hepatitis B, regardless of their travel destina-
tion.
Although no vaccinations are officially required, many doctors recommend hepatitis A and B immunisations just
to be sure; a yellow fever certificate is an entry requirement if travelling from an infected region.
Medical Checklist
It is a very good idea to carry a medical and first-aid kit with you, to help yourself in the case of minor illness or injury.
Following is a list of items you should consider packing.
»
antidiarrhoeal drugs (eg loperamide)
»
acetaminophen (paracetamol) or aspirin
»
anti-inflammatory drugs (eg ibuprofen)
»
antihistamines (for hay fever and allergic reactions)
