Question 1

Why Should I Visit a Travel Clinic Instead of My Family Doctor?

Accepted Answer

Unlike primary care physicians,  travel clinics maintain a large inventory of hard-to-find travel vaccines to prevent yellow fever, typhoid fever, hepatitis A and other diseases endemic in countries around the globe. In fact, family doctors refer their own patients to travel clinics every year because we offer a very high level of care in a specialized medical field

Question 2

Does My Insurance Cover Vaccines and Medicines for Foreign Travel?

Accepted Answer

While plans vary, many insurance providers do not cover travel vaccines under standard policies – even if administered by a family doctor. It is best to verify coverage with your provider. We do not accept insurance or submit a claim to your insurance provider. We will provide you with a receipt that has all the information needed for you to submit your claim. Medicare does not cover any vaccines or medicines for foreign travel.

Question 3

What about Travel Insurance?

Accepted Answer

We are not insurance agents and we do not sell insurance. We do however strongly recommend that you explore your options and coverage. To this end, we do recommend using Insure My Trip to compare multiple insurance carriers, plans and costs to pick whatever fits your needs and budget best.  This quote is free and lets you see the top insurance companies best offers side by side in one place.

Question 4

What about Passports?

Accepted Answer

Every country issues passports to its citizens, and this document serves as the ultimate proof of citizenship. US passports are issued by the Department of State, and they are required to exit and re-enter the US and to enter all other countries in the world.
 
Your passport will be your primary form of identification overseas, and it is your responsibility to carry this document overseas.
 
 All US citizens, even infants, who are traveling abroad must have their own US passport. As a parent, you cannot represent other members of your family, even minor children, within your passport. However, we can assist you with obtaining a child passport for each of your children. 
 
If your passport was issued when you were aged 16 years or older, the document is valid for 10 years. If you received your passport as a child, meaning you were 15 years old or younger, it is valid for five years from the date of issuance.

Question 5

What Does a Vaccine (Immunization) Do?

Accepted Answer

Immunizations work by tricking the body into believing it is experiencing a full-scale invasion by an infectious agent so that the immune system can fortify its defenses. During vaccination, a harmless pharmaceutical, bio-engineered product that cannot cause the actual disease is introduced to the body, and the immune system responds by producing antibodies to attack the intruder. Thereafter, a memory of this “invasion” remains so that the immune system can quickly recognize and neutralize disease-causing agents if they enter the body during your travels.

Question 6

Do My Kids Need Vaccines Before Traveling?

Accepted Answer

Yes, children also need travel vaccines. To ensure a high level of care, bring your child’s immunization record to your appointment and a Travel Medicine Specialist will review it at the time of your consultation. Children under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian present.

Question 7

Do I Still Need Vaccines If I’m From the Country I’m Visiting?

Accepted Answer

Yes. People traveling to their home country after living abroad should visit one of our travel clinics because most antibodies or natural protection from disease is lost after leaving the country of origin. Additionally, immunization standards and schedules differ from those of the United States, making it imperative to receive the proper vaccinations before traveling abroad.

Question 8

Traveling with persons with Autism spectrum disorders (ASD)?

Accepted Answer

For individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), traveling brings a host of unique challenges. New sights and sounds paired with the disruption of their usual daily routine can make it difficult to navigate the unpredictable nature of a trip.
Here is some helpful information to help navigate these challenges:
https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/car/traveling-with-asd/

Frequently asked questions