Managing patients travelling with a complex medical history

Although travel abroad can be relaxing and rewarding, the physical demands of travel can be stressful, particularly for travellers with complex underlying conditions. With adequate preparation, these travellers can usually experience safe and enjoyable trips. Travellers should arrange to see their established health care provider or hospital specialist well in advance of their trip. This is to discuss their travel plans to ensure that all their conditions are well controlled, with management optimised before travel. Clinicians should encourage patients to seek a pre-travel consultation before paying for non-refundable trips, ideally at least four to six weeks before departure. This ensures adequate time to respond to vaccinations, try new medications before travel (if recommended) or redefine the itinerary based upon pre-travel consultation recommendations.¹