Consider checking in with your primary care provider (or a travel clinic) 2 months prior to and may be even 2 weeks prior to travel.
The 2 month visit is the best time to get updated on vaccines. If you are going to a more exotic location then you may want to schedule this visit at a travel clinic. You would also want to discuss taking medications for Malaria if needed, travelers diarrhea and your routine chronic health concerns that may be a problem.
If you have chronic medications then also schedule a visit 2 weeks prior to leaving to get all of your prescriptions renewed. If you are not needing vaccines then this visit should be all you need. Please make sure you have plenty of medication. Some insurance companies will only pay for 3 months of medication at a time. You may want to contact your insurance company to see if you can more if you will be traveling longer. As long as your medical conditions are well controlled and not high risk most providers should be ok with giving you an extended script (up to a year). I would much rather my patient’s stay on their current medications then try to switch to an alternative in a different country.
Also make sure you’re medical supplies (ex c-pap machine, insulin syringes, glucose monitor) are working and you do not need supplies. Please see the first aid kit section for additional medications that I recommend taking with you. Always make sure if you carry an Epipen or Albuterol that it is not expired and you have at least 2.
I also like to schedule well child visits close to launch time (if possible). Since we will be gone about 1 year they will all be due again when we get back.
