Are travel vaccinations really too expensive?
When planning a trip to a faraway destination, we often think about airfare, accommodation and excursions. But what about protecting your health? Vaccinations are sometimes seen as 'too expensive', but is this justified? In this blog, we dive into the value and cost of travel vaccinations and explain why this investment is more than worth it.
Why do travel vaccinations cost money?
Vaccines protect against serious diseases that lurk during travel, such as hepatitis A, DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio) and yellow fever. Developing and producing these vaccines is a complex process that requires precision, research and control. As a result, a vaccination quickly costs a few tens of dollars per shot. Yet this investment often provides long-term protection: a full vaccination series against hepatitis A, for example, protects you for as much as 30 years.
Preventing disease is cheaper than curing it
When travelling far away, you are in places with different health risks than at home. contracting a serious infection such as hepatitis A can cause hefty medical costs and inconvenience. The cost of hospitalisation or emergency treatment abroad often runs into thousands of euros, far more than the investment in a vaccination beforehand.
Are travel vaccinations reimbursed?
Although traveller vaccinations are not included in the basic health insurance, many supplementary health insurance policies reimburse (part of) the cost. Here, you often do not have to pay any excess. This means that you may be reimbursed for a large part of your vaccinations, depending on your insurance package. So it pays to check whether your health insurance covers these costs.
Travel vaccinations: Where to get them?
You can visit Vaccinatiepunt, specialised travel clinics and some GPs for your travel vaccinations. The cost of consultation and vaccination varies between providers. Preferably choose an LCR-certified body, such as Vaccination Point. Only certified providers guarantee the quality of vaccinations and the costs are often reimbursed by health insurers with additional packages.
Conclusion
Are travel vaccinations too expensive? It may seem so, but a little research shows that the benefits and protection far outweigh the cost.
Source: Consumer Association
