Who needs to visit Travelers' Health Services?
Travelers who journey to a developing country can benefit from preventive medical services, especially those who:
- Enter remote or rural areas
- Have contact with animals
- Provide humanitarian relief or clinical care
Travel health specialists at UMass Memorial Medical Center have expertise in advising those who are planning international adoption, pregnant women, adults accompanied by children or infants, persons with underlying medical conditions or allergies, and individuals leaving the United States to conduct scientific research.
When do I need to go to Travelers' Health Services?
Six to eight weeks before departure is the best time to schedule an initial appointment. An in-depth interview will take place and appropriate vaccinations and medications will be given. This lead time provides sufficient opportunity to complete vaccination regiments, as a course of two or three appointments is necessary for certain immunizations. Travelers with less time usually can be accommodated.
What if I get sick when I am abroad or upon my return?
Pretravel counseling at Travelers' Health Services includes a referral service to outpatient health facilities that provide Western-style medicine in many countries in the developing world. For travelers who have used our service, our physicians and nurse practitioners provide medical consultation via telephone, fax or e-mail.
Travelers who are sick upon their return home can receive state-of-the-art medical care in an academic setting from infectious diseases specialists with expertise in tropical and international medicine.
What countries require immunizations and preventive medicine?
A visit to Travelers' Health Services is strongly recommended when going to most of the countries in the developing world, including countries in the following regions or continents:
- Southeast Asia/Far East/Pacific Rim
- Indian subcontinent
- Central America
- South America
- Russia/Eastern Europe/Southern Europe
- Africa
- Caribbean
- Mexico
How do I make an appointment?
Travelers are seen by appointment in order to gather the appropriate patient information so that we may ensure individualized and comprehensive preventive care. To make an appointment, call 508-334-5481.
What should I do in advance of my visit?
Plan to bring your itinerary and immunization record with you or fax it to our office in advance of your appointment.
Does my health insurance cover the cost?
Because Travelers' Health Services are preventive services, many health insurance plans do not cover the costs.
All patients are asked to pay at the time of the visit. Credit cards (MasterCard and Visa only), personal check and cash are accepted. We provide receipts to support claim reimbursement from a third party (insurance or employer).
If your insurance company covers travel counseling, you need to obtain a referral from your primary care physician to ensure coverage of visit. The traveler requesting that an insurance company be billed may be asked to sign a waiver assuming personal responsibility for uncovered costs. Payment at the time of service can result in a fee adjustment. We do not bill employers. Corporate credit cards are accepted.