Advertorial Health & wellness checklist for international travelers

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For the experienced international traveler, a typical pre-travel checklist would include: packing your bags in advance, getting your documents and essentials in order, and checking out the local language and customs of the destination or country. But a traveler’s pre-travel checklist may be pointless if you haven’t checked on two additional factors: your health and wellness.

 

More often than not, we tend to forget our current health status as we prepare for our international trip. We may not even notice a health problem until we arrive at the destination and/or during the journey itself. This can undoubtedly throw your trip off track and cost you a lot in terms of medical expenses.

 

With this in mind, it’s worth paying attention to your health and wellness by first creating a travel health checklist as a way to prepare your mind and body before the plans ahead. Our friends from Pacific Prime Thailand are here to share their health and wellness checklist for international travelers to consider.

 

Get your oral health checked

It’s been quoted by many that the mouth is the gateway to your overall health. By not brushing your teeth regularly and flossing them effectively, you could be at risk of developing toothaches, inflammation, or even gum disease.

 

Suppose you develop dental problems while away from home; you’ll likely have to pay for any costs incurred. Take note that dental costs vary depending on where you are around the world. A check-up or consultation in Bangkok, Thailand, typically starts at THB ฿1,000. At the same time, dental consultation and/or scaling in the UK starts from GBP £23.80. Although the cost is relatively affordable, an emergency treatment for, say, gum disease can cost you a lot more. Be sure to visit your local dentist at home first before your travels. This way, you can uncover any unexpected oral health problems.

 

Review your allergy risk

If you have an allergy and you are traveling with others, let them know what they are. Whether it’s food allergies like seafood and peanuts, or an allergy to certain medical drugs, you should keep everyone informed. If you are traveling alone, then keep a list of allergies on your mobile phone. Some companies like Apple and Samsung allow users to add personal information and details of their medical issues. Drug allergies are pretty common in people and adding details to your mobile phone for emergencies can be a lifesaver.

    

Furthermore, you should do extensive research on the places you plan to travel to. Without a doubt, international cuisine will differ significantly from your local cuisine. You may find that you can’t touch or even eat due to the ingredients used. While checking the local custom, it’s a good idea to research what the local dishes contain, and if you are already abroad, be sure to ask for what’s included.

 

Reflect on your mental health

Most likely, your trip abroad is a means of escape from the stresses of work. But while doing so isn’t wrong and can help in the short term, it’s not an exact fix for those ongoing mental health issues. A good level of stress can help you stay motivated and focused on everyday activities. However, prolonged stress can lead to anxiety or even depression. In turn, you may have experienced personal issues at home or difficulty performing during work.

 

Both are considered severe forms of mental health problems and should be adequately addressed by a medical expert. If you are suffering from a mental health problem, be sure to inform your local doctor, who will likely refer you for appropriate treatment. Nobody wants to be in a negative, frantic state while sunbathing on a beach in Phuket or taking in the views of the glorious Swiss Alps, right?

 

Check your vaccination status

Did you know that different countries have different recommendations for vaccinations? If you are traveling to Africa or Southeast Asia, the Yellow Fever vaccine may be necessary. Perhaps a hepatitis A or hepatitis B booster is what you need if traveling to a country or location with a lack of safe water and hygiene. Needless to say, you may be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination for the destination you are visiting, such as Thailand.

 

It’s good practice to contact the local embassy or consulate for the latest vaccination requirements, so you know what vaccines you may need to protect your health. Be sure to add this to your “things to check before you go” list to help make life easier and safer abroad.

 

(Note: The above does not constitute medical advice, and you should arrange to speak to your medical practitioner for further details on the types of vaccines required. Raise any drug allergies or medical concerns directly with your doctor for the best advice.)

 

Get a physical health check-up

Have you already pictured reaching the heights of Mont Blanc, France, or diving off the coast of Koh Samui, Thailand? If your travel plans are to come true, it’s a good idea to get your physical health examined before you even think about packing your bags.

 

Just like mental health, your physical health should be checked before you travel internationally. Getting a comprehensive health check from head to toe can help you uncover any underlying health issues you weren’t already aware of before. More so, you can test your physical health and abilities to indicate whether or not you can attempt your planned activities when abroad.

 

Secure health insurance

Last but not least, on the health and wellness checklist, it’s essential to ensure you have the most suitable health insurance plan to cover unexpected health issues wherever you go. Not only will it provide peace of mind, but some countries make it a requirement to have, like Singapore and Thailand.

 

Depending on your destination and the period of your travels, you may want to consider securing travel insurance or international health insurance. Both are different and offer various forms of coverage depending on your needs and requirements. A travel insurance plan will likely provide coverage for delayed flights, loss of baggage, etc., and basic medical coverage. In comparison, a comprehensive medical insurance plan will offer broader options and levels of medical coverage, such as outpatient benefits. To better understand the differences, reach out to a reputable insurer or broker for the best plan before you travel abroad.

 

Pacific Prime Thailand is a leading insurance broker with over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry. With our knowledge and plan comparison tool, we can help you find the best family health insurance in Thailand for your needs and budget. Contact Pacific Prime Thailand for expert advice or a free quote today.