It is important to realise that travel medicine is a continuum. We undertake a pre-travel consultation with the traveller, particularly in terms of health education, immunisations and prophylaxis, however we must also undertake contingency planning in case something happens to the traveller while they are abroad. Contingency planning might include advice on travel insurance, finding medical assistance abroad, encouraging first aid training in a family group, provision of a travellers’ first aid medical kit, or simply a doctor’s letter detailing medications to facilitate their replacement should their medications be lost. There is also a need to be concerned about their health post-travel in case the traveller has had an exposure, condition or injury that needs further treatment or rehabilitation.

Superimposed upon this are travellers from other parts of the World who may have had exposure, condition or injury that needs further treatment or rehabilitation during travel and they may also need a further pre-travel health consultation for those who may have changed or modified their itinerary.