What is a travel medicine clinic?

A travel medicine clinic is a clinic that specializes in medical conditions, immunizations and other issues related to travel such as malaria precautions, traveler's diarrhea, and water purification.

At the clinic expect to see a physician or nurse with specialized training in diseases and conditions related to travel and tropical medicine.  You will be asked a series of questions about your health and trip. The clinic will provide you with information on the health precautions needed to stay healthy while traveling, what to do if you become ill, any immunizations or medications you will need prior to your trip as well as medications to take in case of illness.  If you are traveling with children, consider contacting your local or regional children's hospital as some have travel clinics that focus on children.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has an excellent website with links to travel clinics. http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/travel-clinics.htm

Typically if your travel is related to business your employer may to pick up the cost of immunizations and medications related to your trip.  

For personal travel, be sure to consult with your insurance company to see if your insurance benefit will cover these services. It is also wise to review your insurance policy and see what coverage is available to you should you become ill abroad including whether transport back home is covered. Medical evacuation and repatriation policies are available at relatively low cost from companies who specialize in this area.  

Your state or local health department may also be a resource. 

Being prepared is the best way to be sure you are safe and healthy while traveling.

 

A travel medicine clinic is a specialized clinic that focuses primarily on individuals in the community who plan to travel overseas.  The healthcare team will review your itinerary (including any layovers), your schedule, your planned activites and excursions, and your health & immunization history.  Then based on recommendations from the local and state health departments, the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, and the World Health Organization in Geneva, recommendations will be made as to what immunizations are required or recommended and any medications you should take as prophylaxis (e.g. antibiotics for infectious diarrhea and pills for malaria prophylaxis).  They will then give you a signed card with all immunizations provided to present to the Customs/Immigration official if requested.

A travel medicine clinic is a clinic that specializes in medical conditions, immunizations and other issues related to travel such as malaria precautions, traveler's diarrhea, and water purification. At the clinic expect to see a physician or nurse who is well versed in determing your needs.  We have found such clinics even in some international airports too!