Do Some Research:

The internet is the ultimate resource for travel advice and information. Have a look for health advice such as diseases that you might need vaccinating against, local healthcare services and other local information that could affect you whilst there. The Foreign Office website is regularly updated with alerts and has loads of advice on many destinations.

Your Vaccinations:

Some vaccinations are free on the NHS but vaccines for yellow fever, rabies, Japanese encephalitis and other more obscure diseases will carry a charge. You should consider these costs when it comes to budgeting for your holiday and many vaccines are vital for travel to certain destinations and could save your life. Vaccines for certain destination could end up costing hundreds of pounds but that’s nothing when you think about what it prevents.

Leave Your Plans at Home:

Your doctor will ask you to fill out a travel questionnaire with information about yourself and your medical history including allergies and other potential problems as well as the place to which you’re going. You should also leave a detailed itinerary and contact details with immediate family or friends. Leave this person’s details as the emergency contact on the questionnaire you fill out at your doctor’s so they can be contacted in case of an emergency.

Current Medical Health:

It is important that you try not to travel if you are unwell at the time, especially if you have any chronic illnesses such as asthma, epilepsy, diabetes or heart disease. Flying could have an adverse affect on your condition so it is important that you get checked out by a doctor before you go. It is also a good idea to carry a note on you of emergency contact details and information about any ailments you may have so you can increase the efficiency of any treatment you might need abroad.

Travel Insurance:

It is vital that you purchase travel insurance before your trip. Make sure you look at the details of the policy and note what is covered and what isn’t. You must also make sure that you’re covered for any medical conditions you may already have. If you plan on doing any activities such as scuba diving or bungee jumping, you must make sure these are covered as any medical bills that injury from an uninsured activity could cost you and your family a lot of money.