A guide to travel vaccinations

Planning a trip? Let's talk travel vaccines.

Some countries won't let you in without the right jabs, and getting turned away at the border isn't the type of adventure anyone's after.

And if you do get sick from something a vaccine could've stopped? Your travel insurance might wave goodbye to your claim. Not ideal.

The fix? A little prep now = a smoother trip later. Here's what you need to know before you go.

Do I need travel vaccinations?

It depends on where you're off to, how long you're staying and what kind of adventures you've got planned.

Some countries won't let you in without proof of certain jabs. Other just highly recommend them - especially if you're heading somehwere remote or planning to stay a while.

And heads up: if you skip a vaccine and get sick from something it could've prevented, your travel policy might not cover you.

Travelling while pregnant, on meds or have a weaker immune system? Some vaccines might not be suitable for you - so it's best to have a chat with your doctor before you go.

How do I know if I need travel vaccinations for my destination?

It can feel like trying to pack a suitcase with no list - overwhelming. But there's experts to help you figure it out:

•  NHS Fit for Travel
• TravelHealthPro
• Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)

They've got up-to-date, country-specific info on travel vaccinations so you don't have to play any guessing games. 

What travel vaccinations could I need?

Let's kick off with the basics. Before you think about anything destination-specific, make sure you're up to date on the standard jabs most of us get growing up in the UK.

Here's the usual line up:

• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
• Diphtheria
• Tetanus
• Polio
• Meningococcal meningitis

These are usually sorted in childhood, but it's always worth checking in with your GP to make sure everything's current.

Now, depending on where you're off to, you might also be recommended extra protection. These could include:

• Cholera
• Hepatitis A and B
• Japanese encephalitis
• Meningococcal meningitis
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
• Rabies
• Tick-borne encephalitis
• Tuberculosis
• Typhoid
• Yellow fever

Where can I get my travel vaccinations?

You've got a few options:

Your GP surgery

This is a great place to start! Your GP can give you tailored guidance on what you might need - and plenty of vaccines are usually available on the NHS for no cost:

• Typhoid
• Hepatitis A
• Cholera
• Polio
• Tetanus
• Diphtheria

Something to note: Not all GP clinics offer free immunisation services. Contact your local clinic to see what vaccines they offer.

High street pharmacies

Need something your GP doesn't offer? Leading high street pharmacies have travel clinics offering a range of travel vaccines, and you can usually book a consultation online.

Head's up: If you need a yellow fever vaccine, you'll have to visit a specific Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre. Plan ahead if this is a vaccine you'll need!

When should I get my travel vaccinations?

The short answer? Sooner rather than later.

Ideally, you want to get your jabs sorted at least 6 to 8 weeks before you go. That gives your body time to build protection - especially if a vaccine needs more than one dose.

Running a bit late? Don't panic. Some vaccines can be given on a quicker schedule. But you'll still want to check in with your GP or travel clinic ASAP to see what's possible.

Oh, and keep in mind - clinic get busy during peak travel times, and some vaccines can run low. So save yourself the stress and get booked in early. Future you will thank you.

Do you have to pay for travel vaccinations?

Yes, some vaccinations do come with a cost and prices can vary between providers.

Here are some common vaccines, their dosage amounts and how much they could cost:

Source: Boots Pharmacy

Remember, there might be extra consultation fees, too. And, if you need anti-malaria tablets, you'll have to buy those. It's always smart to check with your clinic for a full breakdown of costs. That way, you can budget accordingly.

That might seem like a lot to consider. But, remember - once you're prepared, you'll be ready to enjoy your trip with peace of mind. 

Will travel insurance cover the cost of travel vaccinations?

In most cases? Nope. Standard travel insurance usually don'est cover the cost of your jabs.

That said, if you've got private medical insurance, it might be a different story. It's worth checking with your insurer to see if they'll reimburse some (or all) of the cost.

How can I prove I've had my travel vaccinations?

Most of the time, you won't need to show proof of your vaccinations when travelling.

But, there are exceptions. For example, certain destinations require an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) for yellow fever or polio vaccinations. Think of the ICVP as the official 'proof' that you've received the required vaccinations for entry.

For other travel vaccines, while you might not need official documentation, it's still worth getting an informal record of what you've had. Whether you visit your GP or a private travel clinic, they should provide you with a vaccination booklet or a similar document listing your immunisations.

It's a good idea to keep this record safe, especially if you're planning additional trips in the future. And, if you're given an ICVP, make sure to store it carefully - if it's lost, you'll need to pay to replace it!

Will travel insurance cover the cost of treatment for diseases I'm vaccinated against?

Yes, it can! If you've had the recommended vaccines and still get ill, your policy should still cover you - just one more reason to stay on top of those jabs.

And while we're here - yes, we can help you compare policies.

We'll guide you through the process and do our best to help you find cover that suits you. Just follow these steps:

• Fill in our quote form.
• Select any extra cover you need.
• Compare quotes from up to 43¹ travel insurance providers.

¹Correct as of February 2025

 

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