Health and Medical for Travel

Health and Medical for Travel

As a parent, you are responsible for the safety of your child and the health and medical for travel of your family. You will have to choose whether to vaccinate or not before your family travel. Regardless of your take on vaccination, I believe that no one wishes sickness on her/his child. So just do what you have to do to keep him/her free from any illness. This is very crucial when it comes to single parent travel as is advised by both medical professionals and experts, including luxury travel experts.  Family travel definitely makes no sense if you fail to prioritize your health and that of your child.

As you decide, please remember that there are countries you simply can’t get in without a vaccination certificate. One of these countries is Brazil. Health and medical for travel is really important.

Vaccinate before you go

It is worth talking this out with your doctor. The vaccines to have will depend on the country you are visiting. One vaccine that I recommend for anyone is a flu vaccine. I suggest you have the child vaccinated first, then yourself. The sight of the needle going into you could put them right off.

Be prepared for a few sadness, and possibly even tears. They can be promised a treat if they are young but brave to go through the process.  Health and medical for travel are really important.

You will have to sort the cost of vaccination. so ensure that it is factored into your budget.  There is no price tag on the health or life of your child, or yourself.

preventing disease

©Exploramum and Explorason – Immunization

Taking Medical items with you

Make sure if you are going to anywhere tropical that you take Malaria tablets, remember to take prior and after, and of course each day. I suggest a general antibiotic script for each person traveling as a child’s immunity is different from that of an adult.

Make sure you enter any allergies on your mobile phone too. You need to carry a Travel Vaccination Certificate with you, plus ensure your child’s general vaccines are up to date, and you have a record of those too.

Refer to my section on First Aid in my Packing To Go Blog.

Remember to always take a small First Aid kit with you every day, and on the planes. I strongly recommend a good dose of multivitamins for both you and the child, 6 months before you go.  Continue these whilst you travel.

Travel Insurance if you become ill

Some countries will not allow you a visa without travel insurance. Cuba required us to either have medical insurance, or they swiped our credit card details.

I know of people that found the medical bills and hospital stays very inexpensive, but not in the USA!

See the reference for free travel insurance with your Commonwealth credit card. Conditions apply.

dentist

©Exploramum and Explorason – Dentist visit

Dentist

Have your child’s teeth checked at the school dental service. Tell them you are planning to go away. They may fit you in for an extra last minute check & clean just before you go too.

And of course, make sure your own teeth are cleaned by a hygienist or dentist, checked and in good order. Any fillings need to be done now.

Don’t stop making an appointment until the last minute.  I have just been on a waitlist for a check-up, then more appointments for a filling, and then another 2 for the hygienist.  So start acting 3 – 6 months before you go.

Make sure the dentist knows you are going overseas so he can attend to any maybes. The alternative is extraction in some countries!

Emergency Plans if you get ill

As a single parent, you cannot take lightly the fact that you are fully responsible for the good health of your child. If something happens to you, what happens to them?

That is why I came up with the engraved ID bracelet with emergency numbers.

We will both wear one of these 24/7. (Mentioned in my packing blog along with a photo too.)

Ensure all emergency contact numbers have prefixes. Make sure the person knows and agrees to be a contact person.  Talk to your child about the plan you have in place if you should get hit by a bus, or go missing.  This may have to be a different plan for different countries.

Have your will up to date, and funds put aside in case you have to pay for a relative or friend to fly in if you should be hospitalized, injured or something just plain horrid occurs we do not even wish to mention!

If an emergency occurs, I suggest you contact your church if you go to one.  They are linked around the world and should find an affiliate church with people who can be trusted to come to your aid.

You do not want your child put into Government care, or taken away – no matter what!

Safety of your child is paramount.
Questions and Comments
  • Have you ever gotten ill due to unfavorable conditions while traveling with no travel insurance covers?
  • What emergency plans do you have while traveling?
  • Please share your comments below.

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