FAQs
What is ISTM?
The International Society of Travel Medicine (ISTM) is an international society of physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and other medical professionals focused on travel health initiatives. Founded as an organization in 1991, ISTM has built a global network that is committed to the advancement of travel medicine – currently the largest organization of this type. The ISTM fosters research, facilitates the rapid exchange of information, and provides educational programming to serve the travel medicine community. Promoting the development and evaluation of safe, effective, preventive and curative interventions for patients prior to travel, during travel and post travel is an important aspect of supporting the travel medicine community. Our Medical Director who oversees all of our practitioners has their Certificate in Travel Health from the International Society of Travel Medicine.
How do I know if a clinic is certified or experienced in travel health?
We recommend checking for ISTM certification. Beyond this, you can ask what clinical tools or resources the practitioners use. Look out for clinics or pharmacies that offer travel consultations, but do not use appropriate travel health resources for their consultations. The risks of not seeking out trained travel health practitioners include: overprescribing, receiving incorrect or incomplete travel advice, and being prescribed or advised based on out-of-date information.
Why do I have to pay to see a Travel Health Now expert? Why can't I just see my doctor?
Travel health consults are not covered by provincial insurance plans. Therefore, even if your doctor will see you, they may charge a fee. Whether they do or not, consider that our experts do not "dabble" in travel health. Our Medical Director is a member of the International Society of Travel Medicine (ISTM), and both they and our practitioners use all available resources to stay up to date on travel health.
How much does a travel consultation cost?
Pricing varies based on the number of people attending a consultation. Our appointments start at $80. Travel consult packages available include:
A. Individual Adventure Package $80.00. Includes travel advice via video consult for an individual.
B. Group Adventure Package $140.00 (additional $60 per traveller thereafter). Includes travel advice via video consult for two travellers on the same itinerary and an additional $60 per traveller thereafter.
C. Family Adventure Package $250.00 (additional $60 per traveller thereafter). Includes travel advice via video consult for up to 5 family members on the same itinerary and an additional $60 per traveller thereafter.
Will I get my prescriptions during my appointment?
If your practitioner determines that you need a prescription medication or vaccine for travel, they will prescribe what is required and send your prescriptions to your local THN Vaccination Centre.
Where do I get my vaccines?
Once you have completed a travel consultation, your practitioner will send your prescriptions to your nearest THN Vaccination Centre. You can then contact the THN Vaccination Centre to setup an appointment for vaccine administration.
What if I need the Yellow Fever Vaccine?
All of our THN Vaccination Centres are designated to administer the Yellow Fever vaccine. If your practitioner deems it necessary for you to receive this particular vaccine, it will be prescribed by them.
Will the consultation work on my tablet or smartphone?
Our virtual care platform is web based and is compatible with almost any device with an internet connection.
There is a group of us travelling together. Can we see the nurse all at once?
Yes! You can book a group or family consultation.
I just have some general questions about travel, and I want to know if I really need vaccines before I book an appointment. Can I contact your experts without an appointment?
We recommend booking a travel consultation regardless of whether you need vaccines or not. You can never be too prepared to stay healthy on your trip!
I have another question that isn't on here. How can I contact you?
Feel free to email us at hello@travelhealthnow.ca.