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What does Baylor Travel Medicine provide that my primary care physician does not?

What vaccines are needed for travel to developing countries?

Will I be seen by a physician during my visit?

Are Travel Medicine services covered by insurance?

How far ahead of my trip do I need to come in for a consultation?

I am traveling to Asia for business and will be staying in 4 star accommodations. Do I still need to have vaccinations?

I have heard about passengers becoming ill on cruises. What precautions should I take?

Do I need travel insurance? What does it cover?

Additional Helpful Links
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) site for World Travelers
Travel Registration site provided by the U.S. Department of State

What does Baylor Travel Medicine provide that my primary care physician does not?

Travel medicine is devoted to the health of travelers who visit foreign countries. It is a multi-faceted specialty concerned with not only preventing infectious diseases during travel but also with the personal safety of travelers and the avoidance of environmental risks. Many primary care physicians cannot take the time to stay abreast of the quickly changing vaccination, health and safety recommendations for travelers. Baylor Travel Medicine providers have received specialized training in this field and stay current on the latest conditions of destinations around the world.

What vaccines are needed for travel to developing countries?

The recommended or required vaccines depend on your destination and your medical history. Your Travel Medicine provider will advise you of recommended vaccinations and other precautions based on your health and your travel plans.

Will I be seen by a physician during my visit?

Physicians serve as medical advisors for our Travel Medicine services. Your consultation will be with a Travel Medicine nurse (RN).

Are Travel Medicine services covered by insurance?

Travel Medicine services are not typically covered by insurance. In addition, prescriptions provided for the prevention of travel-related illnesses may not be covered.

We suggest you review the Schedule of Fees to price for appointment and vaccination costs and contact your insurance company about your coverage to help you plan your travel expenses.

How far ahead of my trip do I need to come in for a consultation?

Ideally you should come in 4 - 6 weeks before your trip. Some vaccinations require multiple doses and/or take several weeks to provide full protection.

I am traveling to Asia for business and will be staying in 4-star accommodations. Do I still need to have vaccinations?

Although the accommodations in many Asian cities are improving, there are still precautions to take in these developing countries. During your consultation, your Travel Medicine provider will review the necessary vaccinations and current conditions for your destination and advise you of any precautions to take.

I have heard about passengers becoming ill on cruises. What precautions should I take?

The number of passengers in close proximity on cruise ships can result in rapidly spread outbreaks. Some additional questions you should answer when planning a cruise:

• Are you traveling to ports with risk of malaria or other insect-borne diseases (repellants and preventive medications)?
• Are you an adventurous eater (traveler’s diarrhea and typhoid prevention and treatment)?
• Do any of your shore excursions take you to altitudes above 5,000 ft (altitude sickness prevention)?
• Are you traveling to the Amazon (yellow fever risk and entry requirements for vaccination)?

Do I need travel insurance? What does it cover?

U.S. health insurance generally does not help you abroad. Baylor Travel Medicine strongly recommends you contact your insurance company to determine your limits of coverage for foreign travel. Before leaving the U.S., be sure you have adequate available credit on your credit card(s) and/or available cash. Some third-world countries still do not accept credit cards.

If you do become ill during your travels, are you going to stay in that country until you fully recover, or will you want to get to more western healthcare – perhaps even back to the U.S.? That could cost you more than $100,000! Always purchase travel insurance, either through the trip sponsor or on your own. Don’t leave the U.S. without it! Baylor Travel Medicine can provide you with a list of providers to keep you covered while traveling abroad.