Planning to travel

Discuss your travel plans with your doctor or travel medicine specialist at least 2 months before you leave to determine if any medications (such as anti-malarial tablets) or vaccinations are required.

If you were born after 1965, get a measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine before travelling overseas. (Consultation fees may apply).

Ensure you have enough medication, kept in its original packaging, and check whether you need to take a letter from your doctor to state that it is prescribed for your personal use.

It is important to tell your doctor if you:

• are pregnant
• have an existing medical condition
• have recently had surgery
• plan to travel with children
• plan to be away for an extended period of time.

If you think you might participate in any high risk activities, you may wish to discuss this with your doctor.

It is useful to pack a small first aid kit containing:

• sunscreen
• insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin
• antiseptic
• dressings (bandages)
• sachets of oral rehydration solution (also referred to as oral rehydration salts or ORS) – this will help prevent dehydration associated with diarrhoea if you get gastroenteritis.

See a specialist in travel medicine if you are planning to travel or work in remote areas for a long period of time.

• Consider packing condoms and lubricant if you are likely to have sex. These can be difficult to get a hold of in some countries so it is best to plan ahead.

Sexually transmitted infections (STI) including HIV and syphilis are common in some regions such as South East Asia. If you have sex while you're away, ask your doctor for a simple STI test when you get back.

For more information about STIs, testing and treatment visit Could I have it (external site).

Think about buying travel insurance before you leave. When you travel overseas you may not be able to get the same level of health care that you receive in Australia.

In the event of a serious illness or accident, emergency evacuation is very expensive.

Planning ahead and packing the right type of clothes and shoes can reduce your risk of becoming ill when overseas.

Diseases transmitted by mosquitoes (mosquito-borne diseases) are common in many overseas countries and include:

• malaria
• dengue fever
• Japanese encephalitis
• chikungunya
• yellow fever
• Zika virus.

Wearing shoes in areas of poor cleanliness will offer protection against hookworm and other parasites that can break through your skin. Shoes also reduce the risk of stepping on discarded injecting drug equipment and getting a needle-stick injury.