Passport Health FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

How do services at Passport Health differ from services at my family doctor?

Unlike a primary physician, Passport Health is a one-stop destination for the international traveller. Our Travel Medicine Specialists administer and recommend vaccines and medications, specialty travel health products, safety tips & security information, e-travel alerts, international cell phones and medical evacuation insurance. Each traveller receives a comprehensive destination-specific consultation that covers everything from food and water precautions to how to properly guard against mosquitoes that carry deadly diseases like malaria and dengue fever. top

What can I expect?

Our personalized consultations typically last about 45 minutes and include a comprehensive itinerary and specific topics about your travels. Our Travel Medicine Specialists will discuss health recommendations (from the CDC, WHO and other sources) and requirements. Our consultation rooms are private and comfortable. You can usually schedule an appointment on short notice and we will do our best to accommodate you after hours.top

Is an appointment necessary?

How soon before I travel should I be seen? Yes an appointment is necessary. In order to accommodate each traveller’s needs, ideally, you should schedule your appointment with a Passport Health Travel Medicine Specialist four to six weeks prior (minimally two weeks) to your departure date, though earlier is acceptable. We will always do our best to accommodate last minute travellers.top

What do I bring to my appointment and are there special preparations?

Bring your medical history records if you have them, including your International Certificate of Vaccination (ICV). If you do not have an ICV one will be filled out properly and given to you at your appointment. There are no special preparations required before coming to an appointment.top

How much can I expect my appointment to cost?

Prices vary from state to state and the cost of your visit will depend directly upon the vaccinations you choose to receive. For more information call Passport Health at to be directed to your nearest Passport Health office or view the locations page. top

I don’t think I need any immunizations before my trip. Should I still make an appointment?

NO MATTER where you are travelling, you should know that you will be exposed to certain organisms that could make you severely ill; perhaps even kill you! Passport Health has the most up-to-date travel health information. We are in direct contact with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and world health surveillance sources who constantly monitor outbreaks and other health hazards. With Passport Health, you get the latest developments in travel medicine.top

What if I am travelling with a child and/or young adult?

Passport Health provides travel vaccinations and medication for children and young adults. Children may require immunizations in addition to their routine childhood immunizations. Bring your child’s immunization record and a Travel Medicine Specialist will review it at the time of your consultation. Children under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian present.top

What does a vaccine (immunization) do?

Immunizations works by tricking the body into believing it is experiencing a full-scale invasion by an infectious agent so that the immune system can fortify its defenses. During vaccination, a harmless pharmaceutical bio-engineered product that cannot cause the actual disease is introduced to the body and the immune system responds by producing antibodies to attack the intruder. Thereafter, a memory of this “invasion” remains so that the immune system can quickly recognize and neutralize disease-causing agents if they enter the body during your travels.top

What shots do I need to go to …?

You shouldn’t leave without Hep. A & B and an updated Typhoid at the very least. Immunization and medication recommendations depend on many variables like: length of stay, type of travel—back packing vs. 5 star accommodations, time of year—rainy vs. dry season, altitude vs. sea level, prior immunization history, medical history, rural vs. urban, any current outbreaks reported, etc. It is best to speak with a Travel Medicine Specialist to be sure you get the most up-to-date travel information.top

I was born in the country I am visiting. Do I still need vaccines?

Yes. People born in foreign countries lose most of their antibodies or natural protection shortly after they leave their country of origin. Most foreign countries’ immunization standards differ from that of Canada’s; therefore, visiting your native country can put your health at risk, making it imperative to receive the proper vaccinations to prevent disease.top

Does my insurance cover vaccines and medicines for foreign travel?

Most health insurance plans don’t cover travel vaccines and medicines. Check with your insurance company to determine what is covered by your policy. Passport Health does not accept any medical insurance plans. We do, however, provide you with a receipt that has all the information needed to submit your claim. If immunizations for foreign travel are covered under your plan, your insurance company may reimburse you for some of the cost. Medicare does not cover any vaccines or medicines for foreign travel.top

What are the scheduling guidelines for appointments?

Call Passport Health to schedule your appointment. It is important to be at least five to ten minutes early for your appointment. We suggest you complete the Patient Travel Health Information Form prior to an appointment.top