Check the CDC Travel Health Map before Your Next Trip

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, has a website focused on traveler’s health. The intent of this site is to provide travelers with information such as disease notices, vaccination requirements and recommendations. Other information on the site helps travelers avoid illness and prevent injuries during international travel. The CDC website also provides post-travel resources which can be helpful for travelers who are experiencing symptoms that manifest upon returning.

The information provided by the CDC can also help travelers better determine their travel insurance requirements for a particular trip.

As you are probably aware, most domestic health insurance programs do not cover individuals outside the U.S. borders.

With the cost of health care rising around the world, U.S. travelers with travel insurance that includes medical care in the event of an accident or illness are better protected than travelers without travel insurance.

Better protected from what?

• Better protected from being refused medical treatment when you really need it.
• Better protected from delayed medical treatment because you’ll get a prompt evacuation.
• Better protected from huge credit card bills because the treating hospital requires some form of payment.

How the CDC’s Travel Site Helps Travelers

The CDC’s Travel Health site helps travelers with these features:

1. Start with the CDC Travel Destinations page. This is where you can review current information about disease and health risks for your target destination. You’ll know what to do before and during your trip, as well as what to watch for when you return (in case you picked up yellow fever, for example).
2. Next, check the CDC Vaccinations page. This section describes the recommended vaccines for specific travel destinations as well as recommendations for travelers with specific conditions like diabetes or suppressed immune systems.
3. If you will need traveler vaccinations, see the travel medical clinics page, which provides links to professional medical organizations that provide travel vaccinations and links to the state health department sites if you can’t find a travel clinic near you.

As a traveler, this means you’ll know what risks you are facing, whether you can get medical care where you are traveling, and what vaccinations you need before you go. This information will help you determine whether you need a higher amount of medical evacuation coverage, for example.

Click the CDC Destination Map

Let’s break down what you can get from the CDC Traveler’s Health Destinations page. You’ll start by selecting your travel destination from the map or using the alphabetized list.

You’ll be shown traveler’s health information for that region, including:

• Travel notices in effect for your destination
• Safety and security risks at your destination
• Tips to prepare for your trip
• Tips for staying healthy at your destination
• What to watch for when you return home
• and more

For example, if you were headed to Santiago, Chile, the health information would look like the following:

Don’t wait until the last minute, however. Many travel insurance plans require that you purchase your plan within 10-14 days of your first trip deposit. Plus, you’ll want to allow plenty of time to see your doctor before you travel if your travel destination requires special preparation like vaccinations or tests.

Check the CDC Destination site as soon as you decide you want to visit a particular location so you’ll have plenty of time.