Win $10k holiday! T&Cs apply
Win $10k holiday! T&Cs apply
It’s important to be safe when you’re travelling and getting the right vaccinations is one of the most important pre-travel things you can do. Additionally, if something happens to you overseas and it’s because you didn’t get the appropriate vaccinations, this could reduce or invalidate your claim.
Every year many Kiwis die overseas - and illness is a leading cause.
While travelling is an incredible experience, in also means exposure to different physical and environmental conditions, including limited access to clean water, medical care and lower sanitation levels. Due to these different conditions, travellers are more susceptible to various infectious diseases.
Luckily, many of these diseases can be vaccinated against, and if you’re vaccinated, and you take due care, your overseas holiday is much more likely to be a safe and pleasant one.
Keep reading to find out what you need to know about travel insurance and vaccinations.
*Please note, that this general advice only. Please consult a medical professional for up to date and accurate information.
Below is a table with common diseases and some information about the vaccinations associated with them. This is general only and is not intended as medical advice. Consult your doctor or medical professional for the most accurate, up to date information.
| Disease | Vaccination |
|---|---|
|
Hepatitis B |
A serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus.There are several hepatitis B vaccines. There is also a combination vaccine that provides protection for both hepatitis B and hepatitis A. Studies show that the hepatitis B vaccination lasts a lifetime. |
|
Influenza/flu |
A very contagious, viral infection that spreads easily between people. The vaccine is administered by injection, and new versions are constantly developed as the influenza virus is always changing. The flu vaccination can last up to a year. |
|
Malaria |
A life-threatening blood disease that is spread to people through mosquitoes. Currently there is no vaccine available for malaria, but if you speak to your doctor, they may have advice on malaria prevention drugs and drugs for treatment if malaria develops. |
|
Rabies |
A deadly virus that attacks the brain and nervous system, transmitted by rabies-infected animals. The vaccine is injected and is given in three doses. Booster doses of the vaccine may be needed. |
|
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) |
An illness caused by a virus spread through tick bites. It occurs in Europe and you can get it by consuming unpasteurized dairy products. The vaccine is not available on a general script, but is available through specialised travel medicine clinics. Two injections can protect you for about a year. |
|
Typhoid |
An infectious bacterial fever that might result in red spots on the chest and abdomen, and can also cause severe intestinal irritation.The vaccination could be given as an injection, or as three capsules to be taken on alternate days. The injection vaccinate you for up to 3 years whereas the capsules may differ. |
|
Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis/Whooping cough |
Tetanus causes painful muscle tightening and stiffness, usually all over the body. Diptheria can cause a thick coating to form in the back of the throat and ead to breathing problems and death.Pertussis is a severe cough that can cause trouble breathing. The vaccine for all three is called the dTpa vaccine. It’s given once, but booster shots may be necessary. |
|
Pneumococcal and Meningococcal meningitis |
Both pneumococcal meningitis and meningococcal meningitis cause inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord. Vaccines could last three to five years. |
|
Poliomyelitis/Polio |
A virus that destroys nerve cells in the spinal cord and can cause paralysis. The polio vaccine is common in New Zealand and most people were vaccinated as children. Booster shots may be required. |
|
Cholera |
A deadly bacterial infection causing severe diarrhoea, vomiting and dehydration. |
|
Japanese Encephalitis |
An infection found in Asia and the west Pacific that can cause brain swelling.The vaccine is injected and people generally need two doses. The duration of protection isn’t known. |
|
Tuberculosis |
A bacterial disease that’s infectious and mainly affects the lungs. Studies show the vaccine lasts around 15 years. |
|
Yellow fever |
A viral infection spread by a particular species of mosquito. Vaccination is strongly recommended for travellers who intend to travel to countries where you could get yellow-fever. Generally the vaccine is only needed once, although booster shots might be necessary. |
The following is a brief guide on some common destinations for 1Cover travellers and some information on vaccinations for for each of them. This is not an exhaustive list, and it’s important that you thoroughly research all the countries you’re travelling to.
| Country | Vaccinations required |
|---|---|
|
Recommended vaccines include Hepatitis A and B, influenza and typhoid. For certain areas, you may need other vaccinations, so please consult your doctor. Find out about travel insurance for Bali. |
|
|
Brazil |
For certain parts of Brazil, you may need a yellow fever vaccine. Malaria vaccination is generally not necessary but check with your doctor. |
|
Cambodia |
Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and influenza vaccines are recommended, but Japanese encephalitis could also be a risk. Consult your doctor. |
|
Hepatitis A, influenza and possibly typhoid vaccinations are recommended but your doctor could also recommend rabies, Japanese and tick-borne encephalitis and cholera. You can also find out about travel insurance for China. |
|
|
Hepatitis A & B and influenza are recommended and your doctor may recommend typhoid vaccinations for certain areas. Find out about travel insurance for Fiji. |
|
|
India |
Anti-malaria drugs are often recommended, and your doctor may recommend other diseases like rabies and Japanese encephalitis. |
|
Nepal |
Tetanus, Hepatitis A, and typhoid are generally recommended |
|
Hepatitis A and B as well as typhoid and influenza vaccinations could be recommended for Thailand, even though the country is generally lower risk. Speak to your doctor for more information. Find out about travel insurance for Thailand. |
|
|
Vietnam |
Hepatitis A and B, typhoid and influenza vaccinations may be recommended for Vietnam. |
Getting a jab before a holiday is usually last on your to-do list. But if you don’t, it could make things difficult when you arrive. Here’s a list of things to remember:
NOTE: This is general information only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for specific, up to date, and accurate advice.
It’s always a good idea to go see your doctor regarding vaccinations once you’ve finalised your travel plans. Some vaccinations can be administered at any time before your trip, whereas others may need to be done at a specific time before you depart. Ideally you want to know well in advance so you don’t miss your opportunity for optimum vaccination. Having the optimum vaccination means you don’t jeopardise your health or your travel insurance.
Generally, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re up to date on your general vaccinations/immunisations, and your doctor can advise you on this. You don’t have to be vaccinated before you purchase your travel insurance, but it is recommended that you have the appropriate vaccinations, because if you become sick and it's because you didn't get vaccinated, we may reduce the amount of your claim or it could invalidate your claim.
If you did not get the recommended vaccinations for your destinations and your sickness is related to this, it could potentially reduce the amount of your claim or it could invalidate your claim.
Vaccinations are not compulsory but are highly recommend to help reduce the risk of known disease in the countries you are travelling to. If you do not have the appropriate recommended vaccinations and become sick we may reduce the amount of your claim or it could invalidate your claim.
You do not need to tell us about your vaccinations at the time of purchasing your policy, but you may need to provide evidence that you had the relevant vaccination if you contract a disease that required a vaccination.
The World Health Organisation has a wealth of information on health and travel. Find out all the latest reports and scientific information on vaccines.
If you’re not sure what vaccines your child have received, you can request an immunisation history statement from the national registers.immunisation history
Be informed. Be prepared. Visit the New Zealand Government's Safe Travel website, where you'll have all the latest vaccination information for your next trip.
IAMAT are a non-profit organization who help travellers plan a healthy trip, and connect travellers with reputable English -speaking doctors. They are a useful point of contact if you haven any complications arise on your trip.
A pre-existing medical condition is something that must be disclosed when you’re purchasing travel insurance. Find out what they are and how they affect your travel insurance.
Repatriation is the process of returning a person home after a medical emergency or at worst case death. Being covered for repatriation is important find out the ins and outs.
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