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Travel Health & Safety
Whether you're traveling internationally for study abroad, vacation, visiting family, or another reason, planning ahead can help you stay healthy and enjoy your trip.
UHS Travelwell Services provides travel health counseling, vaccine recommendations, and medication guidance based on your destination and health history.
Plan Ahead! We recommend contacting UHS approximately 6-8 weeks before your trip. Some vaccines require multiple doses or time to become effective, so earlier planning may be recommended depending on your destination and travel plans.
Call (617) 287-5660 to Schedule a Travelwell Appointment!
*Travelwell appointments must be scheduled by phone.
Planning Your Trip
Travel health needs vary depending on where you're going, how long you're staying, what you'll be doing, and your individual health history.
Before you travel, consider:
- Where you're traveling and how long you'll be away
- Activities you plan to participate in
- Routine, required, and recommended vaccines
- Medications you may need during your trip
- Food and water safety
- Insect- and mosquito-borne illnesses
- Sun and heat exposure
- Travel insurance and access to medical care
- Any medications or health conditions you already have
For destination-specific recommendations and current travel information:
Travelwell Services at UHS
UHS Travelwell Services help students prepare for international travel with personalized health guidance based on their destination, itinerary, activities, and health history.
Travelwell services may include travel health counseling, vaccine recommendations, and medication evaluation. Your provider will help you understand potential health risks at your destination and identify steps you can take to prepare.
Insurance information:
Before your appointment, check with your health insurance plan to confirm whether travel-related visits and vaccines are covered. Coverage varies by plan, and some insurance plans may require a referral for a Travelwell visit.
Call your insurance company before your appointment if you have questions about coverage, referrals, copayments, or other out-of-pocket costs.
Call (617) 287-5660 to Schedule a Travelwell Appointment!
Travelwell FAQs:
What can I expect during a Travelwell appointment?
Your provider will review your travel plans and health history and discuss health considerations specific to your destination.
Depending on your trip and individual needs, your appointment may include:
- Review of your destination, itinerary, activities, and accommodations
- Discussion of food and water safety
- Guidance about mosquito- and insect-borne illnesses
- Review of recommended or required vaccines
- Travel vaccine administration when available
- Discussion of medications that may be recommended for your trip
- Information about other health and safety considerations related to your destination
Your provider can also answer questions you have about staying healthy while traveling.
When should I contact UHS for a Travelwell appointment?
Ideally, contact UHS about 6-8 weeks before your international trip.
Some vaccines require multiple doses or time to become effective, and some medications may need to be started before you travel.
If your trip is coming up sooner, don't wait to contact us. We can help determine what travel health recommendations may still be appropriate based on your timeline.
Call 617-287-5660 to schedule.
How can I prepare for my appointment?
Before your appointment, be prepared to provide:
- Your destination(s), including specific cities or regions
- Your departure and return dates
- The purpose of your trip
- Planned activities
- Where you'll be staying
- Your vaccination history, if available
- A list of current medications and supplements
- Relevant medical conditions or health concerns
If you're traveling through a study abroad or university program, bring any health requirements or recommendations provided by the program.
What travel vaccines does UHS provide?
Travel vaccine availability can vary depending on the vaccine, your destination, and how much time is available before your trip.
Call 617-287-5660 before your appointment to confirm which travel vaccines UHS can provide or order in time for your trip.
Do I need a Travelwell appointment if I'm traveling within the United States?
Travelwell Services primarily focus on international travel, where destination-specific vaccines, medications, and health recommendations may be needed.
If you have questions about health concerns related to domestic travel, you can still call General Medicine at 617-287-5660 to determine what type of care or guidance may be appropriate.
Beyond Backpacks: Healthy Travel for College Students
Want to learn more before you travel? is a free, self-paced online program designed specifically for college students preparing for international travel.
The 1–2 hour course uses short videos, interactive activities, and questions to cover practical topics such as:
- Travel vaccines and health insurance
- Packing health essentials
- Food, water, and insect-bite prevention
- Mental health while traveling
- Emergency communication and planning
- Identity and safety while abroad
- What to consider when returning home
Use Beyond Backpacks as an additional travel-preparation resource alongside your Travelwell appointment. It provides general education and does not replace individualized medical advice from a healthcare provider.
Stay Healthy While Traveling
A few basic precautions can help reduce your risk of illness and injury while traveling.
Food & Water Safety
Learn about food and water risks at your destination and follow local health recommendations.
- Drink safe water.
- Eat foods that are thoroughly cooked.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Be cautious with raw or undercooked foods.
Mosquito & Insect Prevention
In some destinations, mosquitoes and ticks can spread illness.
Help protect yourself by:
- Using EPA-registered insect repellent.
- Wearing long sleeves and pants when appropriate.
- Sleeping in screened or air-conditioned rooms or under mosquito nets when needed.
Sun & Heat Safety
- Stay hydrated.
- Wear sunscreen and protective clothing.
- Limit prolonged sun exposure during peak hours.
- Know the signs of heat-related illness.
Medications
- Bring enough medication for your trip.
- Keep medications in their original labeled containers when possible.
- Plan ahead for any medications that may require special documentation.
Travel Insurance
Consider whether your health insurance provides coverage where you're traveling and whether additional travel or evacuation insurance may be appropriate.
Safe Transportation
Road traffic injuries are one of the leading causes of travel-related injuries.
- Wear seat belts whenever available.
- Use helmets when riding bicycles, scooters, or motorcycles.
- Follow local transportation safety recommendations.
After You Return
If you become sick during your trip or after returning home—especially if you experience fever, persistent diarrhea, rash, or other unusual symptoms—contact University Health Services or another healthcare provider and let them know where you traveled.
Some travel-related illnesses can develop days or even weeks after returning.
Additional Travel Resources
For current travel health recommendations and destination-specific information:
- : Destination-specific information about recommended vaccines, health notices, food and water safety, insect-borne illnesses, and other travel health considerations.
- Current notices about health risks and outbreaks affecting travelers.
- : Comprehensive travel health guidance for international travelers, including information about vaccines, infectious diseases, environmental risks, and other travel health considerations.
- : A free U.S. Department of State program that allows travelers to receive important safety and security information about their destination and helps the U.S. government reach them in an emergency.
- : Information about traveling with medications, medical devices, and other health-related items.
- : Country-specific travel advisories and safety information.
- World Health Organization: Travel & Health: International travel health information and guidance for travelers.
Need Travel Vaccines or Health Advice?
University Health Services - General Medicine
Quinn Administration Building, Floor 2
Phone: (617) 287-5660
Travelwell appointments must be scheduled by phone.
Call (617) 287-5660 to Schedule a Travelwell Appointment
Before your appointment:
- Contact your insurance company to ask about coverage for travel-related visits and vaccines and whether a referral is required.
- Call UHS to confirm which travel vaccines we can provide or order in time for your appointment.
Travelwell Services are intended to help students prepare for international travel. Recommendations vary based on destination, itinerary, activities, and individual health history.