Travel vaccinations and health insurance

What Vaccinations Will You Need?

The vaccinations you need depend entirely on your trip and your health. Key factors include:

• Where you are going: High-risk areas include parts of Asia, South America, and Africa.
• Your itinerary: Are you staying in a resort or backpacking in rural areas?
• Season of travel: Some diseases, like Japanese Encephalitis, are more common in certain seasons.
• Your age and health: Pre-existing conditions can increase your risk.

For Australians, most of the concern is around Asian travel, as it's right on our doorstep. For example, cases of dengue fever in Bali travellers have been increasing in recent years. However, every country is unique, and you should be speaking to a GP before every overseas trip.

Common Travel-Related Diseases

Many vaccine-preventable diseases are spread through contaminated food and water or by insects. Your doctor will assess your personal risk.

This table is a guide only. Always consult a medical professional for advice tailored to your trip.

Popular Destinations and Recommended Vaccinations for Australians

Travel Vaccinations for Bali

For most Australian holidaymakers heading to Bali, essential vaccinations include Hepatitis A and Typhoid, which protect against common food and waterborne illnesses. Ensure your routine immunisations like your Tetanus booster are also up-to-date.

A Rabies vaccine is a serious consideration, especially if visiting rural areas or places like the Ubud Monkey Forest, as bites from animals can be fatal if untreated. For longer stays or trips involving extensive outdoor activity, your doctor may also recommend Japanese Encephalitis (mosquito-borne).

While there is no vaccine for Dengue Fever or 'Bali Belly', taking precautions is key. Use strong insect repellent, drink only bottled water, and ask your doctor about a travel first-aid kit. It's crucial to see a travel doctor 6-8 weeks before you fly to get personalised advice and allow enough time for the vaccines to become effective.

Travel Vaccinations for Thailand

For a typical trip to Thai tourist hubs like Phuket, Koh Samui, or Bangkok, your doctor will almost certainly recommend vaccinations for Hepatitis A and Typhoid. These diseases are present throughout the country and are spread through contaminated food and water. It's also a good time to check that your routine shots, particularly your 10-year Tetanus booster, are current.

Depending on your itinerary, further vaccines may be advised. If you're travelling to rural or northern areas, especially during the rainy season, Japanese Encephalitis is a risk. A Rabies vaccine is also recommended for those who might be in close contact with animals. Malaria is a low risk in main tourist areas, but you should discuss preventative measures with your doctor if venturing to border regions. Always prioritise mosquito bite prevention to protect against Dengue Fever.

Does Medicare cover travel vaccinations?

Medicare will generally cover the appointment fee to see your GP to discuss your travel health needs. However, it does not cover the cost of the vaccines themselves for travel purposes.

While Medicare covers some vaccinations, there are lots of examples where you'll need to pay out of pocket. Alas, travel vaccinations are one of those examples.

Does private health insurance cover travel vaccinations?

An extras private health insurance policy may be able to cover the cost of travel vaccinations. If you travel often, a policy that includes vaccinations can save you a significant amount of money.

How to check your policy:

1. Look for "Vaccinations" or "Immunisations": Log into your health fund's member portal or check your policy document (PDS). This benefit is often listed under "Pharmacy" or "Preventative Health".
2. Check the Limits: Your cover will have limits. Look for:
   • Annual Limit: The total amount you can claim per person, per year (e.g., "$300 per year").
   • Sub-limit: A specific limit just for vaccinations.
   • Percentage Back: You might get 60%, 80%, or 100% of the cost back, up to your annual limit.
3. Waiting Periods: If you're taking out a new policy or upgrading, you will have to serve a waiting period (usually 2 months) before you can claim. Plan ahead!

Not covered for travel vaccinations? It might be time to switch. Compare extras policies from over 40 funds to find one that suits your travel plans.

Your Pre-Travel Health Checklist

1. 6-8 Weeks Before You Go: See a Doctor. Book an appointment with a GP or a specialised travel doctor. This is the most critical step. They will provide a personalised vaccination plan.
2. Review Your Insurance. Check your current extras policy to understand what you can claim back.
3. Get Vaccinated. Follow the schedule your doctor provides. Remember to keep your receipts to make a claim with your health fund.
4. Consider Other Health Needs. Discuss Malaria prevention (there is no vaccine) or other travel medications with your doctor.

Written by

Tim Bennett

Insurance expert

A seasoned journalist with over 10 years of experience in news, politics and finance reporting, Tim has previously held roles at the ABC, SBS and Fairfax Media. Tim’s expert insights have been quoted in The Australian, The Daily Telegraph, The Courier Mail and more. He regularly appears on TV and radio, and has been interviewed on 7 News, Sunrise, SBS News, ABC Local, 3AW and 5AA. Tim is passionate about simplifying complex insurance topics for Australian consumers. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Politics) from Macquarie University and a Tier 1 General Insurance (General Advice) certification, which meets the requirements of ASIC Regulatory Guide 146 (RG146). If you’re interested in a media interview with Tim, please reach out to our PR team at aupr@finder.com. See full bio

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