Thailand Pre-Departure Health

In your passport, write the names of any people you wish to be contacted in case of a medical emergency and list any allergies or medical conditions. Matching a prescription to a foreign equivalent is not always easy, safe, or possible, so, if you take prescription drugs, consider carrying up-to-date prescriptions or a statement from your doctor stating the medication’s trade name, manufacturer, chemical name, and dosage. While traveling, be sure to keep all medication with you in your carry-on luggage. For tips on how to pack a first-aid kit and other health essentials,

In Thailand, it is helpful to know the chemical names of drugs (ie: Acetaminophen for Tylenol), as brand names you are used to may not be available.

Travelers over two years old should make sure that the following vaccines are up to date: MMR (for measles, mumps, and rubella); DTaP or Td (for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis); IPV (for polio); Hib (for haemophilus influenza B); and HepB (for Hepatitis B). Adults traveling to the developing world on trips longer than four weeks should consider the following additional immunizations: Hepatitis A vaccine, immune globulin (IG), typhoid and cholera vaccines, particularly if traveling off the beaten paths. The Japanese encephalitis vaccine is recommended for anyone traveling in rural regions for longer than one month, particularly in the Northeastern parts of Thailand. The vaccine consists of a series of three shots, which can occasionally have severe side-effects. Additionally, the rabies vaccine and yearly influenza vaccines are recommended. While yellow fever is only endemic to parts of South America and sub-Saharan Africa, Thailand may deny entrance to travelers arriving from these zones without a certificate of vaccination. For recommendations on immunizations and prophylaxis, consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC; see Useful Organizations and Publications, ) in the US or the equivalent in your home country, and check with a doctor for guidance.

Malaria is prevalent in most of Thailand. Strains resistant to certain prophylactics are common, so ask your doctor to recommend the best preventative drug for your region of travel. There are many schools of thought about malarial medication. It is not generally recommended for travelers staying in major cities such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya. However, anyone traveling in rural areas along Thailand’s borders should talk to a doctor about buying medication. Be aware certain drugs are unavailable in some parts of Thailand, so, stock up before you go. For more information,

Inoculation Requirements And Recommendations. Inoculations needed for travel in Thailand vary with the length of your trip and the activities you plan to pursue. Visit your doctor at least 4-6 weeks prior to your departure to allow time for the shots to take effect. Be sure to keep your inoculation records with you as you travel: you may be required to show them to border officials.
Diphtheria and tetanus, measles, and polio: regular boosters recommended.
Typhoid: strongly recommended.
Hepatitis A or Immune Globulin (IG): recommended.
Hepatitis B: if traveling for 6 months or more, or if exposure to blood, needle-sharing, or sexual contact is likely. Important for health care workers and those who might seek medical treatment abroad.
Japanese encephalitis: only if traveling in rural areas for 4 weeks or more, or if there are outbreaks in regions you plan to visit. Elevated risk May-Oct.
Rabies: if you might be exposed to animals while you travel.
Yellow Fever: if traveling from South America, sub-Saharan Africa or other infected areas, a certificate of vaccination may be required to enter Thailand.

Insurance

Travel insurance covers four basic areas: medical/health problems, property loss, trip cancellation/interruption, and emergency evacuation. Though regular insurance policies may well extend to travel-related accidents, you may consider purchasing separate travel insurance if the cost of potential trip cancellation, interruption, or emergency medical evacuation is greater than you can absorb. Prices for travel insurance generally run about US$50 per week for full coverage, while trip cancellation/interruption may be purchased separately at a rate of US$3-5 per day, depending on length of stay.

Medical insurance (especially university policies) often covers costs incurred abroad; check with your provider. Homeowners’ insurance (or your family’s coverage) often covers theft during travel and loss of travel documents (passport, plane ticket, railpass, etc.) up to US$500.

In partnership with WorldNomads, Let's Go is happy to bring you Travel Insurance for all your coverage needs. Click here to get a quote based on your home country and trip duration.

Useful Organizations And Publications

The American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC; ☎+1-877-FYI-TRIP; www.cdc.gov/travel) maintains an international travelers’ hotline and an informative website. Consult the appropriate government agency of your home country for consular information sheets on health, entry requirements, and other issues for various countries (see the listings in the box on Travel Advisories). For quick information on health and other travel warnings, call the Overseas Citizens Services (M-F 8am-8pm from overseas ☎+1-202-501-4444, from US +1-888-407-4747; line open M-F 8am-8pm EST), or contact a passport agency, embassy, or consulate abroad. For information on medical evacuation services and travel insurance firms, see the US government website at http://travel.state.gov/travel/abroad_health.html or the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.fco.gov.uk). For general health information, contact the American Red Cross (☎+1-202-303-4498; www.redcross.org).