Should I see my doctor before I leave?

Will I be able to find medical supplies while travelling?

In some countries medical supplies can be difficult to find. It is important to think about what medical supplies you will need while travelling.

Things you might need include:

• feminine hygiene products (including tampons and sanitary towels)
• nappies
• contraceptives (including condoms)

You may have trouble getting your prescriptions or finding medical supplies when overseas, so bring enough supplies with you for the whole trip.

Will there be safe food and drinkable water?

You should check if you can drink the tap water, and find out about the types of food available at your destination before you go. You may find helpful advice at the Australian Government's Smartraveller website.

Eating or drinking contaminated food and water can put you at risk of infections such as:

• gastroenteritis
• hepatitis A
• cholera
• typhoid

Make sure you practice good hygiene and wash your hands regularly.

Where local tap water is not safe to drink, take these precautions:

• Only use bottled water to drink and brush your teeth.
• Don't put ice in your drinks.
• Only eat fruit you can peel.
• Avoid uncooked food, such as salads.

How can I protect myself against insects and animals?

In some areas of the world, mosquitos transmit diseases such as:

• malaria
• dengue fever
• zika virus
• yellow fever

Ticks can also transmit diseases such as Lyme disease.

You shouldn't go near or touch any animal as they may transmit diseases such as rabies.

Before you leave Australia, talk to your doctor about the best ways you can protect yourself from these diseases. Ask if you should take any preventative medicines, such as antimalarials, or get any vaccinations.

How will the climate affect my health?

The climate overseas may be hotter or colder than you are used to. Wherever you go, you may be exposed to influenza (flu), particularly if it is winter.

Ask your doctor about a flu vaccination before you go and what you should do if you get the flu while travelling.

If you plan to travel to locations or do activities at high altitudes, discuss your plans with your doctor before you go.

If you are planning to do more physical activity than you are used to, gradually build up your fitness before you depart.

How can I keep healthy in transit?

If you're taking a long-haul flight, make sure to drink plenty of fluids during the flight. Regularly exercising your leg muscles while on the flight will help prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

See your doctor before travelling if you could be at high risk of developing DVT, such as if you have had recent surgery, are pregnant or have other medical conditions.

There may be steps you can take to reduce your risk.

If you get motion sickness or jet lag while travelling, ask your doctor for advice.

What first aid items should I bring with me?

It's a good idea to make up a small medical kit to take with you that includes:

• over-the-counter medicines to relieve headaches, pain or mild fever
• antiseptic lotion
• cotton wool
• adhesive bandages (band-aids)
• high SPF sunscreen
• insect repellent

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common in many countries, so make sure to bring condoms with you and always practice safe sex.

Ask your doctor about bringing a course of antibiotics in case you get gastroenteritis (infection of your bowels) and aren't able to access medical care.

What medicines should I take with me?

If you take regular medicines or need medical equipment, planning ahead will reduce the risk of having problems if you run out or need equipment when you are away.

• Before you leave, visit your doctor to get enough medicine for when you are overseas. Get a letter from your doctor stating which medicines you are prescribed, the dose and that it is for personal use.
• Travel with your medicines in their original packaging.
• Ensure you have travel insurance that will replace your medicine or medical device if it's lost, damaged or stolen.
• Check that your medicines are legal in the countries you are visiting.
• If you are travelling with other people, tell them about your medical needs, so they can support you during the travel.

Watch this video from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) about travelling with medicines and medical devices overseas. Some may be illegal in some countries or require special documentation from your doctor.

What vaccines do I need before I travel?

Talk to your doctor about any vaccines or boosters you may need, including any top-up doses of childhood vaccinations. Many diseases that are a risk to travellers can be prevented by immunisation.

If you have been prescribed a vaccine for travel, a pharmacist may be able to give you the vaccine. A pharmacist can also provide general advice about staying well while travelling.

Vaccinations may be an entry requirement for some countries, so check with the embassy or consulate of the countries you are planning to visit or transit through before you leave. You can also use the Smart Traveller website to learn about vaccinations needed for your destination.

In some countries you may be refused entry or required to have the vaccination at the border.

Read more detailed information on travel vaccinations.

Do I need health insurance?

It's always a good idea to have travel health insurance. Any health costs incurred overseas by Australians are not covered by Medicare.

You can get health insurance as part of comprehensive travel insurance, which also covers things such as theft, lost luggage and travel cancellations.

• Check the policy carefully to make sure it covers all medical expenses for injury or illness.
• If you are travelling with family members, check that they are also fully covered by your policy.
• Fully disclose any pre-existing medical conditions in writing to avoid future insurance claims being rejected.

What happens if I get sick when I return home?

You might be exposed to an illness overseas, but only show symptoms after you return to Australia.

See your doctor if you become unwell after you return, especially if you experience:

• fever
• persistent vomiting and/or diarrhoea
• swollen glands
• persistent coughing or difficulty breathing
• unexplained skin rashes

Tell your doctor about any recent travel.

It's also common to get jet lag when you travel home from overseas. Jet lag affects your sleep patterns.

Urgent help

If you need urgent help while overseas you can contact the emergency consular assistance which is available 24 hours a day.

Call the Consular Emergency Centre (CEC) in Canberra on:

• 1300 555 135 (within Australia)
• +61 2 6261 3305 (from overseas)

More information is available at Smartravelle's medical assistance overseas.

Resources and support

• You can visit the Travel health information page at the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
• Visit Smartraveller by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade also strongly encourages Australians to register their travel details. This ensures help can be given quickly if needed or you can be contacted in an emergency.
• Read Sleep Health Foundation's top 10 tips to relieve jet lag.
• Find a pharmacy that can help with travel health and vaccines.
• Read more advice on travel and health from the World Health Organization.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.