The Doctor Visit Before Your Trip: What to Actually Discuss

Contact your primary care physician as soon as your travel plans begin to take shape — ideally four to six weeks before your departure date. This window gives your doctor time to order lab work if needed, recommend vaccinations that require multiple doses, and make any medication adjustments before you leave. If you see specialists for conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or respiratory issues, ask your primary care doctor whether a brief check-in with those providers is also advisable.

Write out every medication you take — prescription and over-the-counter — along with the dosage and how often you take it. Include vitamins and herbal supplements, which can interact with certain travel medications. Also document any known drug or food allergies. Hand this list to your doctor at the start of the appointment so it can anchor the entire conversation. This is also the time to request sufficient prescription refills to cover your entire trip, plus a small buffer in case of delays.

Don't limit this appointment to a general wellness check. Share exactly where you're going, how you'll get there, and how long you'll be away. Different destinations carry different health considerations: tropical regions may require malaria prophylaxis or additional vaccines; high-altitude destinations can pose cardiovascular or respiratory challenges; cruise itineraries may raise questions about motion sickness management or onboard medical access. Your doctor can only give destination-relevant guidance if they know the specifics of your trip.

Request a review of your current immunization status. Depending on your destination, your doctor may recommend travel-specific vaccines alongside keeping routine immunizations — such as influenza, pneumococcal, and shingles — current. For certain regions, your doctor may also discuss preventive medications for conditions like traveler's diarrhea or malaria. Ask about any potential side effects and how they might interact with your existing health conditions or current medications.

If you manage a chronic condition — such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, or a respiratory condition — ask your doctor directly: What should I do if this condition worsens while I'm traveling? Establish a clear plan that includes how to recognize warning signs, when to seek local medical care, and how to contact your care team from abroad. Ask whether your condition is stable enough for the specific type of travel you're planning. For longer trips, also review the guidance on managing health appointments during extended travel to help you plan around any scheduled follow-ups.

Ask your doctor to provide a brief written summary of your medical history, current conditions, and medications. For international travel, this document — sometimes called a medical summary letter — is invaluable if you need care at a foreign clinic or hospital. If you use medical devices such as a CPAP machine, insulin pump, or hearing aids, ask for letters explaining their medical necessity, which can help at airport security and customs. Store these documents separately from your luggage and carry digital copies on your phone.