The Most Important Medical Information to Know Before Traveling Internationally

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Posted: Jul 15th, 2025 at 12:00AM - by Ashlee Arnold/Vice President

Traveling internationally can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life—new cultures, unforgettable sights, and the thrill of adventure. But whether you’re heading to a bustling city or a remote village, proper preparation goes far beyond packing a suitcase. Understanding your medical needs and risks before departure is essential to staying safe and healthy abroad.

At e7 Health, we specialize in providing comprehensive travel medicine services that empower travelers with the protection and knowledge they need. In this blog, we cover the most important medical information to know before traveling internationally, including the benefits of getting vaccines and prescriptions ahead of time.

1. Know Your Destination’s Health Risks

Every country poses unique health challenges. Some may have disease outbreaks, others may require proof of vaccination for entry, and still others may lack modern medical facilities. Begin by researching your destination through credible sources such as the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) or WHO (World Health Organization).

Key information to gather:

• Required or recommended vaccinations

• Common diseases or illnesses (e.g., malaria, typhoid, cholera)

• Food and water safety

• Climate-related risks (e.g., heat stroke, altitude sickness)

• Local healthcare infrastructure

e7 Health’s travel clinicians stay current on global health alerts and can provide a tailored health plan for your specific itinerary.

2. Understand Vaccine Requirements and Recommendations

Vaccines are one of the most powerful tools for protecting your health while traveling. Some countries require proof of certain vaccinations for entry (e.g., Yellow Fever), while others may have ongoing health risks that vaccines can prevent.

Common travel vaccines include:

• Yellow Fever

• Typhoid

• Hepatitis A & B

• Japanese Encephalitis

• Rabies

• Cholera

• Meningitis

• Routine immunizations (MMR, Tdap, polio, etc.)

Benefits of getting vaccinated before your trip:

• Prevents illness from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases

• Avoids being denied entry or paying fines at borders due to lack of proper vaccine documentation

• Reduces the chance of spreading disease to others upon return

• Provides peace of mind so you can enjoy your trip worry-free

At e7 Health, we offer all CDC-recommended and destination-specific vaccines under one roof, often available for same-day or next-day appointments. We also provide official documentation, such as the WHO Yellow Card, for countries that require it.

3. Prepare with Travel-Specific Prescriptions

In many cases, having the right prescriptions before traveling can mean the difference between a smooth trip and a medical emergency. Some areas have high risks for infectious diseases that require preventative or standby medications.

Examples of important travel prescriptions:

• Antimalarials for regions with malaria risk

• Antibiotics for traveler’s diarrhea (a common issue affecting up to 70% of travelers to developing countries)

• Altitude sickness prevention for high-altitude destinations

• Motion sickness medication for cruises or long bus rides

• Jet lag relief for long-haul travelers

e7 Health’s clinicians can assess your needs and provide travel prescriptions tailored to your destination, health status, and travel activities.

4. Consider Personal Medical History and Special Conditions

Traveling with pre-existing conditions requires extra care. If you have asthma, diabetes, heart conditions, or are immunocompromised, it’s essential to plan for medication access and emergency care.

Important considerations:

• Bring enough medication for your entire trip (plus a few extra days)

• Carry prescriptions in their original packaging

• Pack a copy of your prescriptions and a letter from your physician

• Know the generic names of your medications in case local substitutions are needed

• Consider travel insurance that covers your condition

e7 Health offers pre-travel consultations that take your full medical history into account. We help you develop a plan to manage chronic conditions while overseas.

5. Plan for Food, Water, and Environmental Safety

Foodborne and waterborne illnesses are among the most common risks for international travelers. Even something as simple as brushing your teeth with tap water can result in days of discomfort if you're not careful.

Tips to stay safe:

• Drink only bottled or purified water

• Avoid ice unless made with purified water

• Eat foods that are made to order, thoroughly cooked and served hot

• Avoid garnishes, raw fruits and vegetables unless you peel them yourself

• Carry hand sanitizer for use when soap and water are not available

During your travel health consultation, e7 Health will provide region-specific guidance on what to eat, drink, and avoid based on your destination.

6. Pack a Travel Health Kit

A well-stocked health kit is essential for dealing with minor health issues on the go. Customizing your kit based on your destination, activities, and personal medical needs is a must.

Essentials to include:

• Personal prescriptions and backup doses

• Over-the-counter medications (pain relievers, antihistamines, anti-diarrheal)

• Basic first-aid supplies (bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze)

• Insect repellent and sunscreen

• Electrolyte packets

• Digital thermometer

e7 Health clinicians can recommend exactly what to include based on your trip details.

7. Know When and Where to Get Care Abroad

Even with the best planning, medical issues can arise during your travels. Research ahead of time to identify trusted clinics or hospitals near your travel areas. Also, make sure your travel insurance includes coverage for international medical care.

Tips for emergency preparedness:

• Have a list of nearby hospitals and clinics

• Keep a copy of your passport and insurance info handy

• Know emergency numbers in the countries you’re visiting

• Consider enrolling in the U.S. STEP Program (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) for alerts and embassy support

How e7 Health Makes It Simple

e7 Health provides one-stop travel medicine services that make it easy to prepare for your trip, no matter the destination. Here’s what makes our services stand out:

• Comprehensive travel consultations tailored to your specific destination and health profile

• All travel vaccines in stock daily, often without additional administration fees

• In-house prescriptions and same-day or next-day appointments

• Official documentation (like Yellow Cards and vaccine records) provided on-site

• Expert guidance based on the latest CDC and WHO data

We help you travel smart—and return healthy.

Traveling internationally is exciting, but your health should never take a back seat to your itinerary. By taking proactive steps like getting the right vaccines, securing needed prescriptions, and consulting with a travel medicine expert, you dramatically reduce your risk of illness abroad.

e7 Health is here to guide you every step of the way. With comprehensive services, expert clinicians, and a patient-first approach, we help ensure your next international journey is memorable for all the right reasons.

Schedule your travel consultation today and explore the world with confidence.

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