Good health preparation transforms your India trip from anxious to confident. The country's medical facilities range from world-class private hospitals in the cities to very limited rural clinics — so arriving prepared matters. Start this process at least 8 weeks before departure.
See a Travel Health Clinic First
In the UK, visit your GP or a specialist travel clinic (Nomad, Trailfinders, and MASTA all offer these). In the US, check the CDC travel health advisories and visit a travel medicine clinic. Both UK and US health authorities publish regularly updated India-specific guidance. A consultation takes 30 minutes and may save you weeks of illness.
Required vs Recommended Vaccinations
Required: No vaccines are legally required to enter India from the UK or US unless you are arriving from a yellow fever endemic country. In that case, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory.
Strongly recommended for most travellers:
- Hepatitis A — transmitted through contaminated food and water; highly relevant for India
- Typhoid — particularly important if you plan to eat street food or travel outside major cities
- Tetanus/Diphtheria/Polio — ensure your routine UK/US boosters are current
- Hepatitis B — recommended for longer stays or adventurous travel
Consider depending on itinerary:
- Rabies — recommended if you are trekking, cycling, or visiting rural areas; dog bites are not uncommon
- Japanese Encephalitis — relevant for rural stays during and after monsoon season
- Cholera — lower priority for most tourist itineraries but ask your clinician
Malaria
Malaria risk varies significantly by region and season. Most major tourist cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Agoa, Jaipur) carry low risk, but rural Rajasthan, Goa's hinterland, Odisha, and parts of Madhya Pradesh and Northeast India carry higher risk. Your travel clinician will recommend the appropriate antimalarial based on your specific itinerary — typically Atovaquone/Proguanil (Malarone), Doxycycline, or Mefloquine. Take mosquito repellent (DEET-based, 50%) and consider a mosquito net for rural accommodation.
Delhi Belly Prevention
Travellers' diarrhoea affects a significant proportion of India visitors. The best prevention is discipline: drink only bottled or purified water (including for brushing teeth in budget accommodation), avoid ice in drinks unless you are certain of the water source, eat at busy stalls where food turns over rapidly, and peel your own fruit. Probiotics started a few days before departure may help. Pack oral rehydration salts, loperamide (Imodium), and a course of antibiotics prescribed by your doctor for self-treatment if needed.
Travel Insurance
Do not travel to India without comprehensive travel insurance that explicitly covers medical evacuation. India's private hospitals can be excellent, but bills can be very large without insurance. Check that your policy covers adventure activities if you plan trekking, rafting, or motorbike hire.
Pharmacies in India
India has excellent pharmacies in all cities. Many medications available only by prescription in the UK and US are available over the counter. However, bring all your prescription medications from home as brand names differ and availability in rural areas cannot be guaranteed.