By Dr James Knox, Infectious Diseases Specialist
Last updated: September 2025
Planning an overseas trip is exciting. Flights are booked, accommodation is sorted, itineraries are mapped out. But one step that many Australians overlook is their health. It’s easy to assume that if you feel well, you’re ready to go. The reality is different: even short trips can expose you to illnesses and risks that don’t exist in Australia.
So, do you really need to see a travel doctor before heading overseas? The short answer is yes — and here’s why.
1. Vaccinations and Entry Requirements
One of the most important reasons to see a travel doctor is to check your vaccination needs. Australia enjoys strong herd immunity and a low burden of many infectious diseases. But overseas, illnesses such as hepatitis A, typhoid, and meningococcal infection are more common — and yellow fever vaccination is a legal entry requirement in many countries.
Your travel doctor will review your itinerary and recommend the right vaccines. They’ll also check whether you need boosters for routine immunisations like tetanus, polio, or measles. For some destinations, carrying proof of vaccination is as important as carrying your passport.
👉 Learn more in our guides to Hepatitis A and Typhoid.
2. Malaria and Mosquito-Borne Illnesses
Malaria doesn’t exist in Australia south of the Torres Strait, but it’s a major risk in Africa, Asia, South America, and parts of the Pacific. Other mosquito-borne infections like dengue, Japanese encephalitis, and chikungunya are also common in destinations popular with Australians, such as Bali, Thailand, and Fiji.
A travel doctor can prescribe preventive malaria tablets (antimalarials) and explain how to use them effectively. They’ll also advise on insect avoidance — from repellents containing DEET or picaridin to using treated bed nets where needed.
👉 Read more in our guide Do I need to take anti-malarial tablets on my overseas trip?.
3. Travelling with Prescription Medications
If you take regular medicines — for asthma, diabetes, or mental health, for example — travelling can get complicated. Some countries restrict or even ban medications that are legal in Australia. For instance, certain ADHD medicines are prohibited in Indonesia and can cause legal problems if brought in without documentation.
A travel doctor can:
- Make sure you have repeat prescriptions for the duration of your trip.
- Provide a letter for customs confirming your medications are prescribed for personal use.
- Advise on how to store and carry medicines safely in your hand luggage.
👉 See Smartraveller for more information on travelling with medications.
4. Reducing Other Health Risks
Staying healthy abroad isn’t only about vaccines and malaria tablets. Everyday travel risks can disrupt or derail a holiday.
- Food and water hygiene: Traveller’s diarrhoea is the most common travel-related illness. On a two-week trip, up to half of travellers may experience it. A doctor can give you prevention tips and, in some cases, prescribe standby antibiotics.
- Animal contact: Rabies is present in many countries. Avoiding street dogs, monkeys, and other animals is essential.
- Environmental risks: High-altitude destinations, long-haul flights, and extreme heat all come with unique health challenges.
A pre-travel consultation is the best opportunity to get personalised advice for your itinerary — and often includes written guidance you can take with you.
👉 Learn more in our guides to Gastroenteritis and Rabies.
5. Packing the Right Medical Supplies
Another benefit of a pre-travel consultation is knowing what to pack in a simple but effective medical kit. While your destination may have pharmacies, it can be difficult to find reliable medicines or clear advice.
Typical items include:
- Oral rehydration salts for diarrhoea.
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain and fever.
- Hand sanitiser for when soap and water aren’t available.
- Insect repellent for mosquito-prone destinations.
- A small first-aid kit for cuts and scratches.
- Your doctor may also recommend prescription-only standby treatments for specific risks, depending on your trip.
👉 See our Packing Checklist for detailed advice.
Why Glide Makes It Easier
Traditionally, travel medicine clinics were city-based and required in-person visits. Glide Online Travel Clinic was created to make the process more convenient.
- Telehealth consultations: Speak with an experienced Australian travel doctor from the comfort of home.
- Prescriptions and e-scripts: Receive any required medications digitally, ready to collect.
- Pharmacist-vaccinator network: Glide partners with pharmacists across NSW, QLD, SA, ACT, and TAS, so you can get your vaccines safely and locally.
Whether you're in the city or the country, preparing for international travel has never been simpler.
👉 Learn How it works at Glide Online Travel Clinic.
FAQs
Is it recommended to see a travel doctor before travelling?
Health authorities from the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Aging to the Royal Australiasian College of General Practitioners recommend pre-travel medical consultations. The Australiasian College of Tropical Medicine has detailed guidelines advising on all aspects of preventive health care for those leaving Australia.
When should I book a pre-travel consultation?
Ideally 6–8 weeks before departure. This allows time for vaccines and prescriptions to be organised. Even last-minute travellers benefit from advice.
Do children need different vaccines?
Yes. Some vaccines are age-specific, and doses differ for children. A travel doctor can advise on what’s needed for younger travellers.
Final Word
Travel should be about adventure, not illness. A pre-travel consultation helps you avoid preventable problems, meet destination entry requirements, and feel confident about your health.
The five reasons above show the practical benefits of seeing a travel doctor. But there’s another reason that doesn’t fit neatly into a list: peace of mind.
Knowing you’ve done everything you can to protect your health means you can relax and enjoy your trip. Whether it’s avoiding an unexpected border problem, reducing your risk of illness, or being prepared for emergencies, the reassurance is priceless.
Dr James Knox is an Infectious Diseases Specialist with a Diploma of Tropical Medicine. As an experienced Australian doctor who has worked in countries such as Angola and Sudan, Dr Knox founded Glide Online Travel Clinic. Dr Knox saw an opportunity to better inform and educate Australians travelling abroad, providing an innovative way to deliver pre-travel medical consultations.