Preparing before travel means checking insurance, medication and emergency information and setting up the Health4Travel app before departure so it is ready if care is needed abroad.
Most travellers only think about healthcare when something happens. Preparing a few things before your trip can save time, stress and money if care is needed abroad.
Practical preparation checklist
Group what you need into three simple categories.
Travel and insurance
- Travel insurance details
- Policy number and assistance contact
- Documents required for insurance follow-up
Medication and health information
- Regular medication
- Prescription copies where relevant
- Allergies and important medical history
- Vaccination information where relevant
Emergency and practical information
- Local emergency number
- Passport or ID copy
- Accepted payment method
- Destination-specific care information
Travel insurance preparation
Before departure, review your travel or health insurance policy and note:
- the medical care that is covered abroad
- whether private outpatient care is covered
- whether telehealth is covered
- whether dental issues are covered
- whether pre-approval is required
- the documents required for reimbursement
Reimbursement depends on the policy.
Medication and relevant documents
If you take regular medication, plan ahead:
- bring enough for the full trip
- keep medication in original packaging
- carry relevant prescription copies
- keep medication in hand luggage where possible
Medication and documentation requirements vary by destination. If you lose or run out of medication abroad, a local doctor may be needed.
Know where to find care
Before travelling it also helps to know, for your destination:
- the local emergency number
- whether English-friendly care is generally available
- whether private outpatient care is commonly used by travellers
- how payment usually works
Health4Travel can help travellers search and book outpatient care where availability is supported.
Emergency or non-emergency?
Use local emergency services for life-threatening situations. For non-emergency outpatient care, Health4Travel may help you find and book care where available.