Travel health FAQs

1. In what areas am I most at risk of illness while travelling abroad?
2. In which areas am I at a greater risk of malaria?
3. What health risks should I prepare for?
4. Is travel insurance necessary?
5. What should I do to reduce the risk of travellers' diarrhoea?
6. Is there any problem with taking medications abroad?
7. Are vaccinations necessary?
8. What do I need to do to prevent malaria?
9. If I get ill on holiday, what should I do?
10. What should I do if I get ill after I come back?

In what areas am I most at risk of illness while travelling abroad?

You should be prepared for the possibility of illness while travelling abroad wherever you go, but some areas of the world are considered to present a higher risk than others. If you are travelling to a developing country from a developed country or to a warm climate from a colder climate, you are at a greater risk of developing an illness. Potential illnesses include heat stroke, sunburn and travellers' diarrhoea.

In which areas am I at a greater risk of malaria?

Areas that are considered to be high risk for malaria are Southeast Asia, South Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, South American and Central America.

What health risks should I prepare for?

Risks associated with travelling abroad include, but are not limited to, travellers' diarrhoea, heat stroke, sunburn, infectious diseases and malaria. You can avoid or reduce the risk of developing these illnesses by taking appropriate measures before you travel, such as taking antimalarial treatments if you are travelling to a particular area.

Is travel insurance necessary?

It is strongly recommended that you take out relevant travel insurance when you travel abroad. This is for your own safety and security. There are many different options available to suit your needs, from long-term to short-term options. Whatever policy you take out, make sure you read the details carefully so you are aware of what is covered. Take all your insurance documents with you in the event that you need them.

What should I do to reduce the risk of travellers' diarrhoea?

There are things you can do to reduce the risk of you experiencing travellers' diarrhoea. Avoid drinking tap water and eating seafood, fresh fruit, uncooked meat and fresh vegetables. Make sure all your food is properly and hygienically prepared.

Is there any problem with taking medications abroad?

In this case, it is best to do some thorough research before travelling to your destination, as in some cases you may encounter difficulty in transporting medication. Usually, restrictions that are in place do not apply to antimalarial medications or travellers' diarrhoea packs, though you should confirm this before you travel. It is also worth verifying with your airline whether it is acceptable to carry medications in your hand luggage.

Are vaccinations necessary?

For some destinations, it is necessary to receive certain vaccinations before you travel to protect against certain conditions including cholera, polio, yellow fever and typhoid, to name a few. You should discuss this with your doctor who will be able to tell you if you need to receive any vaccinations before you travel.

What do I need to do to prevent malaria?

In addition to antimalarial treatments, you should also take certain precautions to lower your risk of contracting malaria. To avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes, use insect repellents and mosquito nets. Try and keep windows and doors closed if they are not fitted with screens. It is better to wear clothes that are loose but cover your body rather than a t shirt and shorts, for example, as this means there is less exposed skin available to mosquitoes.

If I get ill on holiday, what should I do?

Even if you take all available precautions, it is still possible that you could become ill while on holiday. It is a good idea to research clinics and hospitals in the area you will be travelling to in the event that you will require their services. You can find such information on the website of the International Society of Travel Medicine. Make sure you have your documents, such as details of your travel insurance, on your person. Make sure you have with you the telephone numbers of relevant authorities, such as the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, in case you need them.

What should I do if I get ill after I come back?

Some illnesses, such as malaria, only become apparent after you return from travelling. Symptoms can take between six and eight weeks, or even as long as a year, to become apparent. You should seek medical treatment if you are feeling ill after you return from travelling abroad and inform your doctor where you went while travelling.