Av. Defensores de Chaves 73B, Lisbon, Portugal+351 211 608 688

Travel Medicine

Pre-travel consultation and vaccination
Rachel Matos

General Practitioner, Infectious Disease Specialist, Travel Medicine

€ 120
Book an Appointment
Miguel Paiva

Family medicine

€ 120
Book an Appointment

Travel brings new experiences, discoveries, and excitement. However, visiting other countries may also involve certain health risks such as infectious diseases, unfamiliar climates, changes in food and water quality, insect bites, and different sanitary conditions.

At UMC Lisbon, you can receive a comprehensive travel medicine consultation before travelling anywhere in the world.

Our goal is to help you prepare for your journey so you can travel with confidence and peace of mind, regardless of your destination.


When to schedule a travel consultation

Ideally, you should schedule your consultation 4–8 weeks before departure. This allows enough time for vaccinations and the development of protective immunity.

Even if your trip is approaching soon, a consultation can still be very helpful. Your doctor can recommend accelerated vaccination schedules, prescribe preventive medications, and provide essential safety advice.


What the consultation includes
  • Assessment of health risks related to your destination
  • Recommendations for preventing infectious diseases
  • Personalized vaccination plan
  • Prescription of preventive medications (for example malaria prophylaxis)
  • Advice on food and water safety
  • Protection against insect-borne diseases
  • Explanation of symptoms that require medical attention
  • Preparation of a personalized travel medical kit
  • Medical certificates and prescriptions if required

Vaccination before travel

During the consultation, the doctor will create an individual vaccination plan based on your destination, duration of travel, medical history, and previous vaccinations.

Most recommended vaccines are available directly at our clinic.


Vaccines available at UMC
  • Hepatitis A
  • Hepatitis B
  • Meningococcal disease (ACWY, B)
  • Tick-borne encephalitis
  • Rabies
  • Varicella (chickenpox)
  • Pneumococcal infection
  • Rotavirus (for infants)
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Shingles (herpes zoster)
  • Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis

Vaccines available through pharmacies with our prescription

Some vaccines for rare travel-related diseases may not always be available directly at the clinic. We can either order them for you or provide a prescription so they can be administered at a pharmacy.

Examples include:

  • Japanese encephalitis
  • Cholera
  • Dengue fever
  • Chikungunya

Vaccines requiring specialized vaccination centers

Vaccination against yellow fever can only be performed at officially authorized vaccination centers.


In this case, your doctor will refer you to our partner vaccination center located near our clinic and provide the necessary medical documentation. We will also help arrange an appointment with a specific nurse so the vaccination process is smooth and convenient.


Rachel Matos

General Practitioner, Infectious Disease Specialist, Travel Medicine

€ 120
Book an Appointment
Miguel Paiva

Family medicine

€ 120
Book an Appointment
Additional services before travel
  • Laboratory tests before travel
  • Updating routine vaccinations
  • Medical certificates for travel
  • Preparation of a personalized travel medical kit
  • Advice regarding travel health insurance

Who should consider a travel consultation
  • Travel to Africa
  • Travel to Southeast Asia
  • Travel to South America
  • Long-term travel
  • Expeditions and trekking trips
  • Travel with children

Travel with confidence

After your consultation, you will clearly understand the health risks at your destination, which vaccines are recommended, and which preventive measures will help protect your health during your trip.


This allows you to travel safely and confidently, focusing on what truly matters — enjoying your journey.


FAQ — Travel consultations and vaccination

When should I schedule a pre-travel consultation?

The best time is 4–8 weeks before travel so vaccinations can be completed and immunity can develop.


Can I still come if my trip is soon?

Yes. Even a few days before travel, your doctor can prescribe preventive medications and provide important health advice.


Do I need every vaccine before travelling?

No. Your doctor will recommend only those vaccines that are relevant for your destination and personal health situation.


Can vaccines be administered at your clinic?

Most vaccines are available directly at our clinic. If a rare vaccine is required, we will refer you to our partner vaccination center nearby.


Do children need travel consultations?

Yes. Many destinations have specific vaccination and health recommendations for children.

Rachel Matos

General Practitioner, Infectious Disease Specialist, Travel Medicine

€ 120
Book an Appointment
Miguel Paiva

Family medicine

€ 120
Book an Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to book a travel medicine consultation?

Ideally, you should book a consultation 4–8 weeks before your trip. This gives the doctor enough time to assess the health risks, prepare a vaccination plan and arrange any necessary vaccinations in advance.

Can I have a consultation if I only have a few days before my trip?

Yes. A consultation can still be useful even if you have limited time before travelling. The doctor can assess the risks, provide prevention advice and, when appropriate, recommend an accelerated vaccination schedule or preventive medication.

Do I need to get all possible vaccinations before travelling?

No. The doctor will consider your destination, length and conditions of travel, health status and previous vaccinations before preparing an individual vaccination plan.

Can I receive the required vaccinations directly at UMC?

Yes. Most vaccines that may be required before travelling are available directly at the clinic. If a particular vaccine is not available, the doctor can help arrange access to it through a pharmacy or specialised vaccination centre.

Does travelling with a child require any additional preparation?

Yes. Children may have specific vaccination and infection-prevention recommendations. The doctor will take the child's age, destination and travel conditions into account when providing advice.

What should I do if I am travelling to an area where malaria is common?

During the consultation, the doctor will assess the risk of malaria based on your destination and may prescribe preventive medication if necessary. You will also receive advice on protecting yourself from insect bites.

Can I get advice about food and water safety while travelling?

Yes. The doctor can explain which foods and drinks may carry a higher risk depending on your destination and provide recommendations on safe water consumption and infection prevention.

Can I get a prescription or medical certificate before travelling?

Yes. As part of the consultation, the doctor can provide the necessary medical certificates and prescriptions and help you prepare an individual travel medicine kit.

Do I still need a consultation if I have already received all my routine vaccinations?

Yes, a consultation can still be useful. The doctor can check whether your vaccinations are up to date and assess any additional health risks related specifically to your destination, trip duration and travel conditions.

Can I get help preparing for a trip to Africa, Asia or South America?

Yes. A travel medicine consultation is particularly recommended before travelling to regions with increased infectious disease risks, including countries in Africa, Southeast Asia and South America. The doctor can prepare an individual prevention plan for your trip.