Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
Q. Why do I need a consult?
A. Consultation is necessary to establish your medical and vaccination history as well as your specific destinations and type of travel. The Travel Nurses need this information to tailor your consult to your individual needs. During consultation you will receive information based on your itinerary as well as advice on how to stay safe and healthy while travelling and any travel advisories that may be in effect.
Q. I am going abroad to visit friends and family. Do I still need a consult?
A. Even though you may have lived abroad in the past, you may no longer be immune to regional diseases such as malaria. It is recommended that you receive expert travel advice prior to leaving.
Q. What is the cost for a consultation?
A. The cost for consultation varies depending on how many people will be attending. For more information regarding costs, please click Fees.
Q. Will my provincial health plan cover the cost of the consult?
A. No. BC Medical no longer covers the cost of consultation. Most travel clinics are private.
Q. Will my extended health plan cover my costs?
A. Most extended health plans cover between 60 and 80% of your vaccination costs. You should contact your extended health provider to find out if your plan covers travel vaccinations prior to your appointment. A detailed receipt is provided if you need to claim.
Q. How far ahead should I book my appointment?
A. It is recommended that you book your consultation at least 4-6 weeks prior to your departure date. If you are leaving sooner than 4 weeks, we will do our best to accommodate you.
Q. What should I bring to my appointment?
A. You will need to bring your previous vaccination record, a list of your medications (if any), and your Care Card.
Q. Can my family doctor give me a consultation?
A. Most family doctors do not have access to detailed travel information. General practitioners may give prescriptions for certain vaccines that are available from pharmacies. Some vaccines can not be obtained from pharmacies and are not carried by your family doctor. Some vaccines, such as Yellow Fever, may only be given by a clinic that has been certified by the Public Health Agency of Canada as a designated Yellow Fever provider.
Q. Can I have the consultation over the phone?
A. Nova Travel Clinic does not provide consultation over the phone. All consultations are booked in advance and may take up to an hour depending on the complexity of the itinerary and the number of people attending.
Q. I have a cold. Can I still have vaccines?
A. You can still have vaccines if you have a minor cold. If your illness is serious, or accompanied by fever, you should wait until you are healthy to receive vaccines. Always inform the Travel Nurse if you are feeling unwell.
Q. I am pregnant or planning to get pregnant. Can I still have vaccines?
A. Travelling while pregnant carries certain risks, so a pre-travel consultation is highly recommended. Always inform the Travel Nurse if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. For more information, please see Pregnant Travellers.
Q. What are your hours?
A. Nova Travel Clinic is open from Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 4:00. We are not open between 12:00 and 1:00 or on weekends.
Q. I have lost my vaccination record. What should I do?
A. Nova travel clinic keeps your records on file and will replace your vaccination record for a small fee. Some records, such as your Yellow FeverCertificate, are required for entry into certain countries so you should always keep your records in a safe place.
Q. I am feeling unwell on return from travel. What should I do?
A. If you feel unwell after travelling you should immediately consult with your general practitioner. Inform your doctor that you have recently been travelling and where you travelled to.