Should I see my doctor before I leave?

It is important to see your doctor well before you go overseas (preferably at least 8 weeks prior). Your doctor can advise you on vaccinations, medicines, and lifestyle measures to take. This will help make your trip safe, enjoyable and productive.

Will I be able to find medical supplies while traveling?

In some countries and areas medical supplies are difficult to find. It is important to think about whether medical supplies will be available where you are traveling to. Things you might need include feminine hygiene products, nappies and contraceptives (including condoms). You may have trouble filling prescription medicines or finding medical supplies when overseas, so bring enough supply with you for the whole trip.

Will there be enough food and drinkable water?

You should check the water supply quality and food availability of the place you are travelling to before you leave Australia. You may find assistance 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 and typhoid. Make sure you practice good hygiene and wash your hands regularly.

Where local tap water is not safe, only use bottled water to drink and brush your teeth. Don't put ice in drinks. Only eat fruit you can peel and avoid uncooked food, including salads.

How can I protect myself against insects and animals?

In some areas of the world, mosquitos transmit diseases such malaria, dengue fever, zika virus and yellow fever. Ticks can also transmit diseases such as Lyme disease. You shouldn't go near or touch animals as they may transmit diseases such as rabies.

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

How will the climate affect my health?

The climate 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 in case you get the flu while you are away.

If you plan to travel to locations or undertake activities at high altitudes, discuss your plans with your doctor before you go. If you are planning 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 will be taking a long haul flight, make sure to drink plenty of fluids and regularly exercise your leg muscles while on the flight to help prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT). See your doctor before travelling if you could be at high risk of developing DVT, for example 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 are commonly affected by motion sickness or jet lag while traveling, ask your doctor for advice.

What first aid 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)
• SPF 30+ 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 to be used if you get gastroenteritis 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 with medicines or medical equipment when you are away.

• Before you leave, visit your doctor to make sure you have enough medicine for when you are overseas. Ensure your doctor gives you a letter stating which medicines you are prescribed, what dose you take 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 traveling with other people, tell them about your medical needs, so that they can support you while you 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?

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

Vaccinations may be an entry requirement for some countries, so check with the embassy or consulate of the countries you are intending to visit or transit through before you leave. 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?

Any health costs incurred overseas by Australians are not covered by Medicare. You are strongly advised to take out travel health insurance. This can be taken out as part of comprehensive travel insurance, which also covers you for 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, especially if you are relying on travel insurance provided by your credit card company.
• Check that your partner and/or family you are traveling with are also fully covered by your policy.
• Fully disclose any pre-existing medical conditions in writing to avoid future 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

Urgent help

If you need urgent help while oversea 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 Smartraveller's medical assistance overseas.

Resources and support

• You can visit the Travel health information page at the Department of Health and Aged Care.
• 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.
• Read more advice on air travel from the World Health Organization.