15/10/2025
📢 Real Talk: Don't skip this essential pre-travel preparation ⬇️
There’s a lot to think about when planning an overseas trip. Are the kids’ passports still valid? Do you need visas? Which jacket do you pack? Do you even need a jacket?
Amid all the logistics, the thought of getting sick or injured overseas can be an added stressor. As well as navigating language barriers and different standards of healthcare in other countries, there’s the prospect of a huge medical bill and loss of prepaid costs like flights and accommodation.
It’s impossible to prepare for all these potential risks when travelling, but there are steps you can take before you leave to make sure your trip is memorable for all the right reasons.
🌏 Research the destinations
Thoroughly researching your destination is a great first step. Do your own research but also try and get firsthand advice from people who have been there already so you’re aware of local diseases, healthcare standards and laws. A stress-free holiday begins with having safety top of mind when planning your itinerary.
📝 Purchase adequate travel insurance
Taking out adequate travel insurance to cover unforeseen medical expenses is essential. Make sure your policy covers all of your intended (and potential) travel destinations, as well as any additional activities you may have planned, like winter sports.
🫶 Have a pre-travel health consult
Finally, consulting with a healthcare professional for tailored advice specific to your health needs and travel plans is a great way to get extra peace of mind before you head off.
They can check that you’re up to date with routine vaccinations like measles-mumps-rubella, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio and influenza, as well as any required and recommended vaccinations specific to your destination.
You can also discuss how to best manage your medications while overseas, including storage, local regulations, required documentation and any travel-specific medications you might need, as well as what you should stock in your first-aid kit based on your destination and activities.
Your local TerryWhite Pharmacist can do all this in a 30-minute consultation (including administering certain vaccinations on the spot) so you can get on with planning the fun stuff.
Remember, unlike packing sandals instead of thongs, this is not preparation that can be left to the last minute. You should look to book a pre-travel consultation at least 6 weeks prior to departure to make sure you’re all set.
Speak with your Pharmacist or head to our website to book your pre-travel consultation to get your vaccinations, medications and first-aid sorted in just 30 minutes to set yourself up for a relaxing and incident-free getaway.
Gemma Dunkley
TerryWhite Chemmart Noraville, NSW
