Family Travel Health: Before You Go

A little health planning before a family holiday saves a lot of worry once you are away. Most of it takes minutes rather than hours, but some steps, such as vaccinations, need to start weeks before you fly. Here is what to check, and when.

Vaccinations: start early

Different destinations carry different health risks, and the vaccines recommended for one country may not apply to its neighbour. The NHS-run fitfortravel website and Travel Health Pro both list country-by-country advice, including any current outbreaks or health alerts.

• Book an appointment in good time. Aim to speak to your GP practice or a travel clinic six to eight weeks before you travel. Some vaccines need time to take effect, and some are given as a course of several doses.
• Check the whole family. Make sure everyone's routine childhood and adult vaccinations are up to date, not just the travel-specific ones.
• Expect some costs. Some travel vaccines are available free on the NHS, while others are only offered privately and are charged for. Your GP practice or a pharmacy travel clinic can tell you which applies.
• Keep the paperwork. A few countries require proof of certain vaccinations, such as yellow fever, before entry. Store any certificates with your passports.

Check the latest travel advice

Health risks change. The GOV.UK foreign travel advice pages cover entry requirements, local laws and safety information for every country, and the health sites above flag outbreaks such as dengue or Zika. If anyone in your party is pregnant or planning a pregnancy, check the advice for your destination particularly carefully and speak to your midwife or GP.

Travelling while pregnant

Many people travel safely during an uncomplicated pregnancy, but airlines and ferry operators set their own limits on how late in pregnancy you can travel, and some ask for a letter from your doctor or midwife after a certain point. Check the rules with your carrier before you book, and talk to your healthcare provider about your plans.

Get a GHIC

The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the EHIC for most UK residents. It gives access to state-provided healthcare in EU countries, and some others, on the same basis as local residents, which can mean reduced-cost or free treatment. A valid EHIC can still be used until it expires.

• Every family member needs their own card, including babies and children.
• The card is free. Apply through the official GOV.UK route and avoid unofficial sites that charge a fee.
• Check expiry dates well before you travel, and allow time for new cards to arrive.

Travel insurance

A GHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance. It will not cover private treatment, mountain rescue or the cost of getting you home if someone is seriously ill. Make sure your policy:

• covers every member of the family, for the full length of the trip;
• includes any activities you are planning, such as skiing, watersports or diving;
• covers any pre-existing medical conditions, which usually have to be declared;
• covers pregnancy-related care if relevant, and whether you need to tell the insurer you are pregnant.

If you already have cover through a bank account or employer, read the small print to check it is sufficient. Buying insurance as soon as you book means you are protected if illness forces you to cancel.

Know the emergency number

Find out how to call an ambulance at your destination before you need to. In EU countries you can dial 112 from any phone to reach the emergency services. Save the number, along with your insurer's 24-hour assistance line, in every adult's phone.

With vaccinations, cards and insurance sorted, the next step is packing a sensible medical kit. See our guide to what to pack for family travel health, then read our advice on staying healthy while you're away.