Planning to travel
A little bit of planning before you travel overseas can make a big difference to your health.
Whatever your age and how healthy you feel, before you leave Australia, think about how to protect your health while travelling.
Born after 1965?
Before travelling overseas, get your free measles vaccine. (Consultation fees may apply.)
Travellers are reminded measles is common in many countries outside Australia. It is a highly contagious and potentially life-threatening illness in many holiday destinations where there are currently a number of significant measles outbreaks.
Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease and you need to have had two doses of the measles vaccine to be protected. Recent measles cases in WA were also traced back to people who travelled overseas and had only received one dose of the vaccine.
If you're not vaccinated, you are at risk of getting measles. Don't leave without your measles shot.
Check your immunisations are up-to-date before you travel.
Find out where you can get immunised and book an appointment today.
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See your doctor
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.
Pack a first aid kit
It is useful to pack a small first aid kit containing:
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).
Get travel insurance
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.
Pack appropriate clothing and footwear
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.
More information
Last reviewed: 09-12-2019
Acknowledgements
Public Health
This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.