Medical consultation before your trip: think about it!
Although it may seem superfluous to many of us, a pre-travel consultation helps to prepare you for any health problems that may arise during your trip. You'll be able to leave with greater peace of mind once you've had a little check-up.
This consultation is a key element in the planning of your trip, so if you wish to have one, be sure to book it well in advance, between 4 and 8 weeks before your departure.
You're just a few days away from departure and you want to have this travel consultation? Even if it's at the last minute, try to find a professional or a centre that will book you in for a quick appointment.
It's not really possible to cover every aspect during the consultation. It is therefore advisable to look for information yourself on reliable websites, which your doctor will be able to provide you with at the end of the consultation.
Vaccinations before you travel
During your pre-travel medical consultation, your doctor will first check that your compulsory vaccinations are up to date. He or she may also advise you to have additional vaccinations to ensure that you are protected against certain diseases and do not bring them home with you. Depending on your mode of travel, destination, itinerary and length of stay, several vaccinations may be recommended. Some countries even make them compulsory for entry into their territory. For example, the yellow fever vaccine is compulsory in most countries. Other vaccinations may also be recommended, depending on the traveller's health risks.
Travel medical kit
Every time you go on a trip, you are advised to prepare your health kit. The composition of this kit may differ from one person to another, of course. We list all the items you need in our article Checklist: The well-prepared traveller's health kit.
Other medicines
If you have a chronic illness, you should consult your doctor before leaving on your trip, especially if it will last more than 15 days. In this case, your doctor will prescribe enough medication for an extra 1 to 6 months, depending on the length of your stay. Don't forget that luggage can get lost when you're travelling by plane, train or even bus: so always carry a supply of your medicines with you, just to be on the safe side. As far as possible, carry your prescription in English too, in case you need to show it at customs.
