Travel Tip: Medical Considerations
To get the most out of your holiday, you need to consider your physical capabilities and any medical conditions, prior to travelling. Where a Hosted Journey itinerary is active or involves a medium to high level of fitness, you will need to complete a medical form at the time of booking.
Below are some considerations you need to think about.
Before you go: Before you travel it is essential to make sure you look after your health. Some countries make it compulsory for everyone entering to have vaccinations. You may experience challenges if you cannot provide proof that you have had them. There are other vaccinations which are not compulsory but recommended.
All travellers should be up to date with their childhood vaccinations including tetanus, diphtheria, polio and measles. The influenza vaccine is also recommended.
If you are travelling to parts of Africa or South America you must be vaccinated for yellow fever. Travellers who are going to countries in the developing world or “at risk countries” are advised to vaccinate themselves against Hepatitis A, Japanese encephalitis, tick bone encephalitis and cholera. Others will need to consider getting vaccinated against Hepatitis B, rabies and typhoid. Over 65s and those with pre-existing medical conditions should get protected against pneumonia.
Travelling with medication: Before you commence travelling, you will need to check that the medications you’re travelling with are legal in the country you’re going to. You can obtain this information from the country’s consulate or embassy. It’s advisable you do this as early as possible. If you are travelling with PBS issued medication you must ensure it is for yourself only. If you are caught supplying medication to others you may be fined up to $5,000 and spend up to two years in prison. For more information on PBS medication contact the Department of Human Services on 1800 500 147 within Australia.
If you plan on taking medication overseas ensure: It is legal in the countries you are travelling to.
You have enough to cover the duration of the trip.
Carry a letter from your doctor.
Always leave the medication in its original packaging.
Split medication between your luggage and carry some on you in case some goes missing.
If you need to inject your medication make sure you take your own needles, but if you need to buy some while overseas ensure you buy them in their sealed package.
Travelling at altitude: It is advisable to have a doctor’s appointment before travelling and discuss the countries you intend on visiting and the activities you intend on participating in.
Travelling at altitude can be a consideration which needs to be discussed, if you have certain medical conditions.
