Travel Medicine: Protecting Your Health While Overseas

When planning an overseas holiday, most people meticulously organise flights, cruises and accommodation. But one important part of travel preparation is often overlooked — planning for your health.

Travelling abroad can expose you to illnesses, infections and health risks that you wouldn’t normally encounter while living in Australia. From unexpected injuries to food-related illness or medication issues, being unprepared can quickly turn a dream holiday into a stressful experience. Taking the time to plan for your health before you travel can make all the difference.

Travel insurance: a non-negotiable

With travel costs adding up, insurance can feel like an optional extra. In reality, it is one of the most important investments you can make before travelling overseas. Medical treatment in many countries can be extremely expensive, with serious illness or injury resulting in bills of tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.

In some cases, returning to Australia for treatment may be delayed or even refused if there is no insurance in place to cover the cost of medical evacuation. Be cautious if you rely on travel insurance linked to a credit card, as these policies often require trips to be registered in advance or paid for using that card. Always read the fine print and confirm you are fully covered before you leave.

Travel vaccinations: prevention is better than cure

Travel vaccinations are another cost that is often forgotten, but they can be critical in preventing serious illness. A simple visit to your GP before travelling could protect you from diseases that may have lifelong consequences.

Your GP can advise which vaccinations are recommended or required for your destination and planned activities. They may also suggest seasonal vaccinations such as influenza or COVID-19 to reduce the risk of illness disrupting your trip.

Medications to travel with

Common travel illnesses such as nausea, diarrhoea or urinary tract infections can quickly derail your plans. Finding a doctor and accessing medications overseas can be difficult, particularly in remote areas or where there are language barriers.

Travelling with a basic first aid kit and appropriate medications — such as pain relief, anti-nausea medication, diarrhoea treatment, and in some cases antibiotics — can allow prompt treatment. Your GP can advise which medications are suitable for you based on your medical history and destination.

Important documentation

Carrying a health summary or letter from your GP outlining your medical conditions and current medications can be extremely helpful if you require medical care overseas. It can also assist if border officials have questions about the medications you are carrying.

Keep a copy of this documentation with your passport and consider having a digital copy stored securely on your phone or email.

When should you see your GP before travelling?

Ideally, you should see your GP 6–8 weeks before departure, especially if you are travelling to developing countries or remote areas. This allows enough time for vaccinations to take effect and for any required follow-up doses.

You should also book a travel health appointment if you:

• Have a chronic medical condition
• Take regular prescription medications
• Are pregnant or planning pregnancy
• Are travelling with children
• Plan to visit rural or high-risk destinations

Your GP can help you prepare for a safe and healthy trip, tailored to your individual needs and travel plans.