Travel Clinic London - Before you Go

If you're one of the thousands flying from Heathrow or Gatwick, before you go, your first port of call should be a travel clinic – London travellers have been warned!

Ensure you book your appointment at a travel clinic, London travellers are being advised, six to eight weeks before you fly. Apart from the obvious factor that by attending a travel clinic, London travellers are safeguarding themselves from potentially fatal but preventable diseases, it could save you huge medical bills too.

Travel Clinic: London Benefits

The only way you can guarantee you won't be struck down by malaria, cholera, yellow fever or any other infectious but avoidable disease, is by being vaccinated at a travel clinic. London experiences a huge volume of international traffic. The fact it has two of the world's busiest international airports - Gatwick and Heathrow - means there are speedy and accessible travel clinic facilities in London. Compare the efficiency and effectiveness of a travel clinic in London with medical facilities and treatment around the world, and you'd be wise to ensure all preventative steps to safeguard your health are taken. Some countries, especially developing nations, have poor health infrastructures and the fall-out of being ill abroad can be unpleasant and even reduce your survival rates if you are struggling with a fatal infection. Even those countries that offer effective healthcare, may end up costing a small fortune if the traveller hasn't got private health insurance (some health insurance policies will be determined on whether or not you have had the appropriate vaccinations from a travel clinic). London has the benefit of NHS services, but most countries have no healthcare agreement with the UK – which means you will have to pay for any treatments. This includes popular destinations such as America, Canada, the Caribbean, Middle East and most of Asia.

Before you Go: Check list:

• Attend a travel clinic – London has accessible, walk-in clinics so there's no excuse!

• Get medical insurance if you're travelling to a country that has no healthcare agreement with the UK

• Seek advice from your travel agent, doctor and travel clinic

• London travellers can also pop into tourist information offices or even the embassy of the country you plan to visit for more details on medical treatments while you're there.

• Get an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) and carry proof of ID with you, such as your NHS card, any vaccination certificates issued by your travel clinic, and your blood type details.

• Keep contact details for emergencies in your purse or wallet and any details of medication you may be on.

These factors are more important if you are going to a high-risk country or taking high-risk activities in that country.

Choose CityDoc for all your Travel Clinic needs

At CityDoc, you can book over the phone or walk into one of our travel clinics for a same-day appointment. Don't travel abroad without ensuring that you've had the right vaccinations. CityDoc provides a complete travel clinic service, customized to your individual needs. Our pre-travel consultations are with experienced General Practitioners who will assess the impact of any pre-existing chronic medical conditions on your vaccine requirements. We have the full range of travel vaccines in stock including rarer vaccines such as Japanese Encephalitis. CityDoc is a registered yellow fever centre and is able to dispense anti-malarials directly from our in house pharmacy for your added convenience. Choose from our three travel clinic locations in London and Birmingham for ease of access.