So 6 weeks to go when I get a major wake-up call. It’s JUST 6 weeks left! Close to nothing is done, apart from the biggest first step- buying a one way ticket to India. Good news is its’ going to take me to the other side of the world, however, will not pay for medical treatment if something unplanned happens. Good thing is that I’m brilliant at multitasking and hitting the ground quickly (and sometimes being a big head:), so by next day ‘to do list’ is ready and triples in size the day after… So little time and yet so much to do! Two most important things turned out to be travel insurance and vaccinations. I spent days and nights on message boards, travel forums and reading other peoples blogs before I found what works best for me. To save you all time lets get straight down to business.
Vaccinations
It took me freaking while to figure out what vaccinations I actually need instead of what travel clinics try to sell me. Apparently NHS doesn’t cover any kind of vaccination if it’s for travelling purpose. Simply speaking because it is elective. I know…It makes sense!
Thankfully, I’m a responsible birdie and paid from my pocket to get those jabs so that i won’t come back and infect people with Dangue Fever. You’re welcome!
After a long research on prices in London travel clinics I finally chose Nomad Travel which was cheapest on most vaccinations (yet still expensive) and have 3 very convenient locations in London.
For Southeast Asia, I got Tetanus/Diphteria/Polio booster (needed every 10years) and Hepatitis A two shots, which NHS covered but paid £8 for every prescription; Typhoid (every 3 years) £24 and hepatitis B, three vaccines needed over a period of two months at the cost of £30/each. Also got 2×12 tablets packs of Malarone anti-malarian tablets.
Some are suggesting getting rabies vaccination but Im still thinking about it, as it runs at £165 for all three shots. It also doesn’t prevent you from getting it, it just buys you more time if you’re in rural areas. But if you get bitten you still need post-exposure treatment.
Travel Insurance
I ended up getting a 4-month cover from World Nomads with an easy option to extend it while on the road. And because I don’t really know how long I’ll be ‘out there’, this looks like a perfect option. Also it gives you an option to add on gadgets for some extra cost which is helpful, considering that other gadget insurers cover up to 120days per trip. Ideally, I never need to file the claim but if unplanned happens at least I’m covered.
Have some knowledge or experience to share regarding vaccinations and insurance? Please share!
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