Travel Medical Tips for India
Here are some travel medical tips which will help make sure you’re prepared for anything. But I'm not a medical professional, this is just information I've picked up along the way. If you are a professional or you've got a tip to share from your experience, please share it here. There's space at the bottom of the page to add your own tip. You might save someone else's life. Or at least their sense of humour! Travel Medical Tip #1: Blood TypesYou should know your blood type and that of your friends/family who you’re traveling with. India doesn’t have a blood bank, so if you need blood, you need someone who’s willing to donate it for you. I had to do this once, when a friend of a friend was admitted to hospital. Hopefully, this will never happen to you, but if it does, you’ll be prepared.
Travel Medical Tip #2: Travel InsuranceYes, of course have travel insurance, you should never go anywhere without it, but that goes doubly for India! However, if you do need to get medical attention in India, it’s not the end of the world. At least in the major cities, the hospitals are generally completely fine, though service in rural areas is less comprehensive. If anything happens which could be covered by your insurance, make sure you call your Insurance company right away, and let them direct you. They will know where you can get the best help.Travel Medical Tip #3: PharmaceuticalsA lot of the regular pharmaceuticals are available in India. Actually, one of the benefits is you can buy such items generally in individual units, rather than whole packets, so you can just buy what you need. The tip though, is that you should note down the names of the active ingredients of any pharmaceuticals you regularly use, as they are usually sold by that name rather than by brand names you might know. For example, if you had a headache, you can just buy 2 paracetamol tablets if that’s what you need, as long as you know to ask for paracetamol and not by the brand name.
Travel Medical Tip #4: Malaria TabletsThese are available in India at much cheaper rates than where I live, something like 1/10 the price. So what I do is buy only 1 week’s worth of malaria tablets from my doctor at home and then buy the rest when I get there. Again remember to ask for the active ingredient, not the brand name. But don’t forget to buy them!
Travel Medical Tip #5: Immunization
While we’re talking about preventative medication, make sure you check with your doctor for what immunization you will need before you go. Please don’t leave this until the last minute, because some shots are a course of three, which you have to have some time apart. Ideally, go to the doctor approximately 6-8 weeks out from your departure. Many of the immunizations are valid for some years, so while it may cost a little for your first trip, you may only need boosters of one or another drug each time you go, depending how frequently.
There are some interesting diseases in India, none of which you want to go home with. For instance, I know someone who had to be sent home with Japanese Encephalitis, some years ago, so I definitely get immunized for that. Also Hepatitis shots are normal to get, but get the full recommendation from your doctor. If you can't get an Immunisation Log like mine from your doctor, get a small notebook that you can have them write the details in--there's nothing like DIY! Travel Medical Tip #6: LavenderThis is a packing essential. Lavender is a calming herb, so you can put a little daub on each temple if you have a headache or are feeling stressed. It’s also good for cuts and scratches etc as it’s antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral.Travel Medical Tip #7: First Aid KitI usually travel with a very small first aid kit, just in case. But here’s the funny thing, I usually end up leaving it in my backpack while I’m out and about, so frankly it’s not much use. If you’re traveling on a tour, you can check with your tour company whether they will have a first aid kit with them. I usually only need small items like bandaids for blisters or paracetamol for a headache, so I usually just pick these up from a local pharmacy.
Have A Great Travel Medical Tip?Do you have a tip that would help other travellers? Or a product or service that helps in this area? Then please share it here for everyone's benefit... Back from 'Travel Medical Tips' to 'Travel Tips for India'Back to 'India Travel Secrets' home
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