Anyone who’s planning a trip outside the country can benefit from checking in with a travel medicine specialist. Together, you can review if where you’re heading (and for how long) is likely to cause any concerns. If your specialist decides there may be risks, we’ll make sure you’re prepared.

We work with people of all ages and backgrounds. In particular, we always suggest the following people come see us before international travel:

• Families with children
• First-time travelers
• Immunocompromised travelers
• Pregnant women
• Senior citizens
• Travelers engaging in disaster relief or mission trips
• Travelers staying abroad for a long time, like students
• Travelers visiting friends and relatives
• Travelers with chronic illnesses

Health situations around the world are always changing, so it’s never a bad idea to schedule a consultation to be sure you have up-to-date information for your trip. Your specialist will be familiar with the latest guidelines and advisories for the countries you plan to visit. Even if you’re a frequent traveler, our specialists can give you expert perspectives so you can travel with confidence.

Generally, we recommend you come in around six to eight weeks before you leave. This will allow us to make sure you receive both a comprehensive consultation and any necessary immunizations. Depending on where you’re going, you may need medications or vaccinations that must be given over an extended period of time.

If you’re heading out sooner than six to eight weeks, we often have appointments available to help accommodate short-notice travelers. Call today to schedule your appointment for destination-specific health advice, recommended immunizations and strategies for avoiding many frequent travel ailments.

Your travel medicine specialist will sit down with you and your family to review your medical history and travel destinations. Together, we’ll discuss your unique needs, covering everything from recent local health issues and safety considerations to medical networks where you’re visiting and what to eat and drink. If you need travel vaccinations or medication, we’ll complete those or get them scheduled.

When you come in, please bring:

• Your itinerary
• Prior vaccination records
• A list of medications you’re currently taking
• Your health insurance ID card

No, we can see everyone in your family at once, so you only need to make one appointment. When scheduling your visit, just let us know the number of people who will be accompanying you.

Your primary care doctor will be able to provide basic information on how to stay healthy while you’re traveling. But for more in-depth advice on travel care for the specific countries you’re visiting, your doctor will likely connect you with a travel medicine expert for the best preparation.

If you’re feeling sick after you come back from traveling, your primary care doctor or urgent care will likely direct you to one of our travel medicine specialists. Oftentimes, conditions present in foreign countries may not be common here. Seeing a travel medicine specialist is the best way to ensure a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

No, you do not need a referral to see a travel medicine specialist. Call any of our five travel and tropical medicine clinics today to set up an appointment directly.

You can help stay healthy while traveling by:

• Washing your hands thoroughly several times a day, especially before eating, after handling animals or after using the restroom.
• Wearing appropriate clothing for the locations you’re traveling to.
• Sleeping in enclosed spaces.
• Taking time to acclimate to high-altitude destinations.
• Staying hydrated throughout the day.
• Eating and sleeping according to your local time zone’s schedule.

When eating and drinking, know the origins of what you’re consuming. Especially in developing countries, try to stick to cooked food, packaged food and bottled or boiled drinks. Raw meat, produce and tap water are riskier.

Your travel care specialist will provide specific recommendations for the countries you’re visiting.

Know your medical options before you go, including what your insurance plan will and won’t cover when you’re out of the country. You can supplement your plan with traveler’s insurance that will include coverage for things like emergency services. Check with your insurance provider for options.

If you do get sick while traveling and need medical care, the local U.S. Embassy can often help you find doctors and clinics.

We accept most health insurance plans, including Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, CIGNA, HealthPartners, Medica, Medicare, PreferredOne and many others.

Not sure what your insurance covers? Call the number on the back of your card for help looking at your options.

Don’t have your card in front of you? Here are member services numbers to help you get started:

HealthPartners: 800-883-2177

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota: 800-382-2000

CIGNA: 800-244-6224 (insurance through work); 866-494-2111 (insurance directly or through the Exchange)

Medica: 800-952-3455

Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)

PreferredOne: 763-847-4477 (in the Twin Cities); 800-997-1750 (outside the metro area)

United Healthcare: 877-842-3210