Evercare How your GP can help you to travel safely this holiday season
As the festive season approaches, many of us are eagerly planning our holiday getaways. Whether you’re escaping to a tropical paradise overseas, exploring new cultures or staying in Australia, it’s essential to think about your health before you travel. Now is a good time to visit your GP and make sure you’re organised for your trip.
Things to see your GP about before your holidays
Your doctor can help you in a few ways to make sure you are prepared in advance for your holidays. Make sure you book in for an appointment before your holiday to discuss the following things:
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Plan your medication
If you take regular medication, make sure you have enough for your holidays and get your scripts from your GP now so you can fill them before you go. If you are travelling overseas the Therapeutic Goods Administration recommends that you carry a letter from your doctor detailing any prescription medications you are taking with you. Your GP at Evercare can provide this for you.
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Telehealth in your pocket
No one wants to get sick or injured when on holiday, but the situation occasionally comes up where it would be useful to speak to your doctor when you are travelling. With Evercare this is easy, members can simply book a telehealth call or use the in app messaging to get advice from our medical team, no matter where in the world you are! As long as you have seen one of the doctors at Evercare in person within the last 12 months (either at Evercare or at a previous practice) then you are eligible for Medicare rebates for telehealth, meaning Evercare members can access no gap fees for telehealth consultations while on holiday too. Evercare members can travel with peace of mind knowing medical help is just a few phone taps away.
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Consider travel vaccines for overseas travel
Travelling exposes you to different environments and potential health risks. Vaccines protect against diseases prevalent in specific regions, ensuring a healthier and safer journey. Enjoy your holiday worry free by safeguarding yourself against common travel-related illnesses. Vaccines provide an extra layer of protection, allowing you to focus on making memories and to come home without having to worry about spreading infectious diseases.
The recommendations for travel vaccines vary depending on a number of factors such as your age, underlying medical conditions, birthplace, vaccination history and of course where and when you are travelling. It is recommended that if you’re travelling overseas you schedule a consultation with your doctor to discuss your travel plans and receive personalised vaccine recommendations 6-12 weeks before you leave Australia. We offer a range of vaccines to cover various destinations, ensuring you receive the necessary protection for your specific travel itinerary.
It is often recommended that childhood vaccinations and boosters for things like measles-mumps-rubella, whooping cough, polio, chickenpox and influenza are up to date before travel. Other diseases to be aware of include Cholera, Hepatitis A, Japanese encephalitis, meningococcal, rabies, tuberculosis, typhoid and yellow fever. Read more about them on the Australian Health website.
When you speak to your GP, you’ll discuss the recommended vaccines, and likely be given a script for the vaccine to buy from the pharmacy and then return to the clinic to be given the vaccination by your GP. Your membership to Evercare will provide you with no gap fees for appointments, but there will be an additional cost (to either the chemist or to Evercare for the actual vaccination).
If you’re travelling to areas like Asia, the Western Pacific region, Africa, Europe, Saudi Arabia or South America it is recommended you discuss vaccinations prior to going.
Make an appointment today
Don’t wait until the last minute! Call us at Evercare on 07 3608 1400 or make an appointment through our Evercare app to schedule your travel planning appointment. Ensure a healthy and happy holiday season with the right protection for your upcoming adventures.
Handy resources for overseas travel:
- Smart Traveller vaccinations and preventative health
- Travel advice for your destination
- World Health Organisation advice on infectious disease risks for travellers
- Vaccination for international travellers from the Australian Government
