A travel clinic is a medical clinic that specializes in travel medicine. Before traveling, it is important to consider the environment you will be traveling to and the diseases or conditions that it could expose you to.
Travel medicine is a branch of medicine that specializes in conditions specific to international travel. Read on to learn more about why you should visit a travel clinic, travel vaccinations and other services they provide, and more.
If you need to consult with a doctor about travel plans or find a travel clinic today, our doctors at PlushCare can help.
What Does a Travel Clinic Do?
A travel clinic helps you prepare for upcoming travel. When traveling to international destinations, it is important to consult with a doctor who specializes in travel medicine so that you are prepared for possible conditions that are related to exposure to a new environment.
Some conditions commonly encountered abroad that a travel clinic can help you prepare for include:
Traveler’s diarrhea
Motion and altitude sickness
Malaria
Tuberculosis
A travel clinic can provide you with travel vaccinations and preventative medications to keep you safe. Travel doctors at the clinic can also advise you on general preventative measures specific to the area you are traveling to. If you have a chronic condition, a travel doctor may advise you on extra precautions you need to take.
There also may be specific entry requirements, such as proof of certain vaccinations, depending on the location you are visiting. A doctor at the travel clinic can advise you on such requirements. Depending on the location you are traveling to and the length of your trip, a travel doctor may even recommend a follow up appointment at the travel clinic when you return.
It is important to book your appointment at a travel clinic well in advance, as there can be long wait times. If you need to speak with a doctor about your travel plans sooner, our board-certified primary care physicians at PlushCare are available online and are here to help you.
What Should I Bring to a Travel Clinic?
When you go to a travel clinic, it’s helpful for the physician to have your medical background as well as a detailed itinerary of your travel plans. Some items that you should make sure to bring to your travel clinic appointment include:
A list of your medical conditions, medications you are taking, and/or any allergies
Immunization records
A detailed travel itinerary including dates, destinations, and activities
What Services Does a Travel Clinic Provide?
A travel clinic often provides services such as vaccinations and medications important for travel, dependent on the location you will be visiting.
The CDC recommends that you visit a travel clinic at least a month before your trip, to make sure you receive the necessary vaccinations and medications, if any, in time. If you are planning to travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to consult with a travel doctor who is up to date on current travel guidelines. It is important to consider whether your destination is COVID-19 safe, as well as identify entry requirements for the country you are traveling to due to the pandemic. Read our detailed article for tips on how to travel safely during COVID-19.
It is helpful to speak with your primary care physician first, since they are up to date with the latest guidelines, can understand your needs, and can recommend you to a travel clinic. Our board-certified primary care doctors at PlushCare are updated with the latest travel guidelines and are available to evaluate you and your travel needs today.
Although our doctors cannot provide travel vaccinations, they can help you find a travel clinic or travel medicine specialist if needed. If you are traveling within the U.S. for an extended period of time, our physicians across 50 states may also be able to help you get a prescription refill while traveling.
Does Insurance Cover Travel Vaccinations?
Although many insurances do not cover travel vaccinations, it is important to check with your provider to see if they can be covered. It may also be possible to submit a claim to your insurance for reimbursement for a travel vaccine.
Sources
Mayo Clinic. Travel Medicine Clinics. Accessed on January 20, 2022 at https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/travel-medicine-clinics/overview/ovc-20457117
International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers. What to expect at your travel clinic appointment. Accessed on January 20, 2022 at https://www.iamat.org/what-to-expect-at-your-travel-clinic-appointment
Passport Health. Travel Vaccinations. Accessed on January 20, 2022 at https://www.passporthealthusa.com/travel-medicine/travel-health-consultation-and-vaccinations/
