Staying healthy is the foundation of any great trip. When you're heading far from home, sometimes for months at a time, planning ahead for your medical needs is a must. From check-ups to mandatory vaccines, and everything in between, here is a practical guide to help you prepare and travel with peace of mind.
General practitioner: for a full checkup, renewing your prescriptions, and anticipating your needs.
Dentist: it’s better to treat a cavity before taking a flight!
Ophthalmologist: essential if you wear glasses or contact lenses (bring a spare pair).
Gynecologist / other specialists: depending on your personal medical follow-up.
Before any long trip, it is strongly recommended that you consult your regular doctors.
Why is this important?
Detect and treat any health problems in advance.
Bring your vaccinations up to date.
Obtain the certificates or prescriptions needed for your travel insurance.
Some vaccines are mandatory or strongly recommended depending on the destination. They often need to be given several weeks before departure (sometimes in several doses).
Common examples:
Yellow fever (required for certain countries in Africa and South America).
Hepatitis A and B.
Typhoid.
Rabies (depending on the area).
For more information, here are useful links:
Practical tip: make an appointment as soon as possible, as some centers have several weeks of waiting time.
In certain regions, preventive treatment against malaria may be prescribed.
Your doctor can also inform you about:
Protective measures against mosquitoes (mosquito net, repellents, long clothing).
Health risks related to water and food (traveler's diarrhea, cholera, etc.).
The Travel Medicine link allows you, through your profile, to get fairly comprehensive advice on vaccines and other recommendations!
A well-thought-out first-aid kit saves you a lot of stress on the spot. It should contain:
First aid: bandages, disinfectant, gauze pads, healing cream.
Everyday health: pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen), anti-diarrheals, antihistamines.
Travel: motion sickness treatment, saline solution, water purification tablets.
Tropics: mosquito repellents, high-protection sunscreen, burn ointment.
Your doctor can adjust the kit based on your medical history and your destination.
Don't leave without checking your travel insurance: medical expenses, hospitalization, repatriation. These coverages are essential, especially outside Europe where costs can be very high.
Also keep:
Your prescriptions.
Useful numbers (24/7 medical assistance, embassies, consulates).
A digital copy of your medical documents.
We offer you three other articles related to preparing for a long trip. You know that you need to equip yourself properly for a journey of such duration, but you must also plan the administrative aspects, take care of your health, and anticipate potential problems. After all, it is better to be prepared for everything to fully enjoy your trip!
