-What vaccines do I need for my trip?
Vaccine recommendations are something the clinician will go over with you during your consult. They will review your vaccine history, your specific travel itinerary, and a medical questionnaire we will have you fill out. After reviewing that information, the clinician will be able to give you the best recommendations for you for your trip.
-How much does all of this cost me?
The office visit is currently reduced to $109.99 per person for the first two, $54.99 for each additional. If you choose to get vaccines, there is a $22 vaccine administration fee for the first vaccine, $14 for each additional vaccine, and the cost of the vaccines on the top of that. Click here for a full list our vaccines.
-Can you give me an idea of what will be recommended?
You can visit www.cdc.gov/travel to see some very general vaccine recommendations. You may see a very long list, but it’s not likely that you will need everything listed there. Our clinician will narrow that down to what is right for you and your specific trip.
-What about malaria – what do I need, and how much is it? I heard it has bad side effects.
Malaria medication is a prescription our clinician would write for you, and you would fill it at your pharmacy. Depending on your itinerary, you may not need it at all. During your consult, the practitioner will review all the details of the medication with you, including side effects, etc. There may be several different kinds of medication you can take, and the prices vary widely depending on the medication and the pharmacy where you get it, so it’s difficult to estimate the cost for you.
–Does my insurance cover this?
Because most insurance companies do not fully cover travel vaccines, we do not bill insurance, so your costs at the clinic would be “out of pocket.” However, you will receive an itemized receipt that is coded for insurance, and is easy to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. We do accept Health Savings Account cards that have a credit card symbol on the front (usually Visa or Mastercard).
-What will my insurance reimburse?
Everyone’s insurance plan is different, so we don’t know what they will or won’t cover. However, most often if your insurance covers the cost of the vaccine, they will also cover the administration fee since this is a standard type of fee that most doctors charge.
-So after I come in for a consult, do I have to come back again later for my vaccines?
No, we can vaccinate you the same day with whatever you decide on; the only reason you would need to come back to the clinic is if one of your vaccines requires a booster.
-Is a consultation required if all I need is a vaccine?
A consultation is required for all patients so that we can establish you as a patient. Your provider can then review your health history, assess your travel destination and mission, determine your individualized needs and, and provide vaccine and medication advice tailored to you.
-Do I have to pay $119.99 when I come back in?
If you are coming back just to get a shot, and don’t require anything else, we discount your office visit by 50% (bringing it down to $54.99). However, if you need to discuss changes to your travel itinerary, new vaccines that you did not discuss or chose not to receive during your consult, or you’ve changed your mind about your prescription; the office visit would still be $119.99.
Vacations are the stuff memories are made of. You want to relax, unwind, and enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes all around you. Most destinations, especially exotic locales, pose certain health risks. Let us inform and educate you, and provide you with exactly the care you need – so you can make those memories without interruption or inconvenience.
If you’re pregnant, have pre-existing medical conditions such as a compromised immune system or chronic illness, or are traveling with small children, we’ll help you prepare, minimize the stress and risks of travel, and give you a travel folder with all the information you need for you and your loved ones to stay safe and healthy.
Some tips to consider for traveling with your family:
- Plan for activities during travel time. A plane or train trip can seem long and tedious, so bring along multiple activities to entertain and distract.
- Plan extra time for travel and transfers. Don’t panic! Missing a connecting flight or transfer can feel like the trip is a disaster, but remember – sometimes “going sideways” is part of the journey. Some of these adventures may turn out to be really fun, and if your kids see that you are handling the changes, they will too!
- Keep some cash tucked away in a secure money holder on your person. If your wallet or cards are stolen, this may buy you a cab ride to your hotel or your next meal until replacement cards can be obtained. (When all goes well, this just becomes “fun money.”)
- Eat adventurously, try new things. Have fun as a family trying the local cuisine and new foods. It will be fun stories in the years to come, as you remember the courage it took for that first bite of yak stew or fried bugs!
- Plan a rendezvous location when in a new place. It’s easy to get lost or separated, and if you start the day with a plan, if that were to happen you and your family will know where to go.
Bottom line: plan, plan, plan, and then enjoy!
