HealthLink360: The importance of a pre-travel health check

Look after your health in 2025: The importance of a pre-travel health check

Written by Dr Katrina Catton, Medical Team Coordinator at HealthLink360 for Global Connections in December 2024

We all know the importance of taking our vehicles for an annual MOT, with many of us ensuring that it is fit for purpose ahead of a long journey. So, why don’t we prioritise our health in the same way before embarking on a trip overseas?

When planning a trip abroad, vaccinations are often the first thing we think of to protect ourselves. Whilst these are highly recommended by our travel health nurse specialists – and crucial for gaining entry to certain countries – what can be often overlooked is the importance of ensuring our own health is in good condition before we set off.

Studies have shown that health issues such as heart attacks and strokes are more likely to cause serious illness in travellers than infections they may have picked up whilst abroad[1].

At HealthLink360, our medical services include health screenings and pre-deployment medicals, the purpose of which is to identify health issues relevant to the individual and chosen destination and to optimise health through screening and early intervention. Our clinicians can also follow up and address any health issues that have arisen during and/or after the trip.

Some common health conditions that can be picked up through a pre-travel screening test with HealthLink360 include:

• High Blood pressure (BP) – High blood pressure increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Unless you get it checked you may not know you have it as you may not experience any symptoms. For those with high blood pressure, starting on treatment before you travel will reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke happening abroad.
• High cholesterol – High cholesterol also increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Cholesterol levels can be checked on a blood test. Depending on your level of risk a doctor may give lifestyle advice or prescribe medication. The British Heart Foundation website has helpful information on things you can do at home to reduce your cholesterol levels.
• Diabetes – a simple blood test can check not only if you have diabetes but also if you are at risk of developing it in the future (a condition called pre-diabetes). Travellers are at higher risk of developing diabetes or pre-diabetes if they are[2]:
  • >40 years old
  • Overweight or obese
  • African-Caribbean, Black African or South Asian
  • Have family members who have been diagnosed with diabetes
  • Have had high blood pressure in the past

Our clinicians also provide tailored advice on a range of health topics and conditions. Here is an example of some of the most common considerations when preparing for travel abroad:

• For travellers who already know they have a long-term health condition, such as asthma, it is a good idea to make sure you have completed any recommended check-ups before you depart (e.g. booking an annual asthma check).
• For longer-stay travellers, make sure you have completed any dental and eye checks you might require before you depart.
• Check you have adequate supplies of medication for the duration of your trip, including those you only use occasionally (e.g. hay fever medication). You may need to ask your doctor as some healthcare providers have a limit on the maximum amount of medication they will supply.

As with a car, a robust pre-departure health check can help prevent unexpected emergencies giving you greater confidence as you travel.

At HealthLink360, we believe it is important to look after all aspects of a travellers physical and mental health. That’s why alongside our medical offering we also have a dedicated travel health and psychological services team. To find out more, please visit www.healthlink360.org.

If you, your team or organisation would like to discuss your medical and/or travel health needs before travelling overseas, please get in touch with our team on 0131 653 6767 or email admin@healthlink360.org

I see a lot of people from various walks of life, but those who are international workers do require “that something else” ...now I know where to send them. - GP, Edinburgh

About HealthLink360

HealthLink360 is a unique charity, based in Scotland, UK. Founded in 1983, we are dedicated to providing 360-degree, whole-person, medical, psychological and travel health care to individuals and organisations who are seeking to make a positive difference around the world.

With over 40 years’ experience, we understand that our clients need the support that we can provide as they are working, ministering or volunteering in demanding or challenging roles across the third sector, and often overseas.

[1] Redman CA, MacLennan A, Walker E. Causes of death abroad: analysis of data on bodies returned for cremation to Scotland. J Travel Med. 2011 Mar-Apr;18(2):96-101. doi: 10.1111/j.1708-8305.2010.00486.x. Epub 2011 Feb 7. PMID: 21366792.

[2] https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-diabetes/type-2-diabetes/prediabetes