Getting a health checkup and vaccines

1. Prescriptions and contraception

If you take medication for an ongoing health condition, go see your doctor to find out the generic and trade names of your medicine abroad or to get a prescription covering some of your stay. Don’t forget to check the expiry date when you collect your supply from the pharmacy!

Check the rules for importing prescription medicines to your destination and only bring as many prescription medications with you as your WHV country allows.

If you’re wearing contact lenses, note that you may need a prescription to buy new pairs. You will have to pay to see an optometrist for a prescription abroad, as insurance companies don’t cover contact lens renewal.

Note that WHV travel insurance does not cover health problems that occurred before your trip.

If you take the pill, you may be able to get a prescription covering your time abroad. Read this article about contraceptions for more info.

2. Checkups

Before you leave, make sure to get a complete checkup—and don’t forget to see your dentist, because travel insurance isn’t very generous for dental treatment. Take care of this small cavity now while you’re still covered by your national healthcare system to avoid a bigger problem and bill later on during your trip.

3. Vaccines

Regardless of your destination, it’s important to leave home with your routine immunisations up to date (e.g. tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough (pertussis), polio, measles, mumps and rubella). Your GP can confirm what you need.

You may need to go to a travel vaccination centre for additional vaccinations if any are required for your WHV destination. Don’t forget to consider countries you may explore on side trips during your year abroad.