Travel vaccinations
Health is a big factor in both domestic and international travel. If you’re travelling overseas, it’s important to keep in mind that some diseases that have been eradicated in Australia may still be present at your holiday destination.
Before taking to the skies, make an appointment with your GP to discuss the potential health risks in the country you are travelling to and receive the necessary vaccinations. The most common destinations requiring preventative vaccinations include countries in Central and South America, Africa and Asia.
In addition to protecting yourself from certain viruses abroad, some countries actually require you to be immunised before visiting. It’s a good idea to carry your vaccination certificates from your doctor.
Some diseases that are still active in foreign countries you may need immunisations against include encephalitis, yellow fever, typhoid fever, malaria and influenza.
Travelling with medications
Prescription medicines available at home are not always legal in other countries. If you do need to travel with medication, it’s important to check that your medicine is legal by contacting your GP or the embassy of your destination.
You may need a letter from your doctor certifying your medical condition and the medication required as well as stating how much medication you are carrying and confirming it is strictly for personal use. Medication should be taken in your carry-on baggage, but remember that liquids, gels and aerosols must not exceed 100ml if you’re going to take them in the cabin with you.
Children’s medicines and non-prescription medicines (‘over the counter’ items such as low dosage pain killers, cough mixtures and allergy tablets) are generally fine to take to other countries, but medication containing substances such as codeine or pseudoephedrine can sometimes cause problems.
Travel Tip: Always keep your medication in its original packaging with any pharmacy labels attached.
Do I really need travel insurance?
The old credo ‘it’s better to be safe than sorry’ is still appropriate when it comes to travel insurance. Imagine you’re overseas, have an unfortunate accident or fall ill and need to be taken to hospital. Receiving medical treatment abroad can be extremely costly, sometimes leaving you out of pocket up to tens of thousands of dollars.
Travel insurance protects you for a number of different things depending on your policy, including medical expenses, theft, lost luggage and even trip cancellations.
Flight Centre’s Cover More has more than 20 year experience with travel insurance and offers a range of helpful features including 24-hour emergency assistance and rental car excess insurance.
Chat to your Flight Centre consultant about adding travel insurance to your holiday plans and travel with peace of mind knowing you’re safeguarded against things that could potentially turn your holiday sour.