How To Get Malaria Pills For Travel

Planning an international trip is always exciting—new cultures, landscapes, foods, and memories waiting to happen. But if your travel plans include destinations like parts of Africa, Asia, or South America, there’s something else you need to consider before you zip up your suitcase: malaria prevention.

Malaria is a serious but preventable disease. If you’re heading to a region where malaria is a risk, you’ll need to think about taking antimalarial pills to protect yourself. The process of getting malaria pills for travel can seem confusing—What kind do you need? Where do you get them? When do you start taking them?

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting malaria pills for travel—from where to get them and how much they cost, to what side effects to expect and how TRAVUL.ORG makes the process easier as part of your overall travel planning.

Why Malaria Prevention Is a Must

Malaria is caused by parasites transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. It’s still prevalent in many tropical and subtropical countries and can cause fever, chills, vomiting, and in serious cases, death. There’s no licensed vaccine for broad travelers (although new options are in development), which is why antimalarial pills remain your best line of defense.

Every year, travelers underestimate the risk—either skipping pills altogether or not starting them in time. It’s not worth the risk. A small effort before your trip can save you from serious illness during or after it.

Where You Need Malaria Pills

Not all destinations carry a malaria risk, but many popular travel regions do. You’ll definitely want to check if your destination is on the list. The CDC’s malaria map is a great place to start.

Countries where malaria prevention is usually recommended include:

• Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda (most of sub-Saharan Africa)
• India, Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia (parts of Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent)
• Brazil, Peru, and parts of Central America

Even within countries, risk can vary based on region or altitude. For example, a beach town may have no risk, but a nearby jungle trek might.

Types of Malaria Pills (And Which Is Right For You)

There’s no one-size-fits-all malaria pill. Different medications work better for different travelers based on health history, trip length, and location. Your travel clinic or doctor can help decide, but here’s a quick overview:

1. Atovaquone/Proguanil (Malarone)

• Start: 1–2 days before travel
• Continue: During your trip and for 7 days after
• Pros: Well tolerated, short post-trip dose
• Cons: More expensive

2. Doxycycline

• Start: 1–2 days before travel
• Continue: During your trip and for 4 weeks after
• Pros: Affordable, also protects against other infections
• Cons: Can cause sun sensitivity and stomach upset

3. Mefloquine (Lariam)

• Start: 2 weeks before travel
• Continue: During your trip and for 4 weeks after
• Pros: Weekly dosing
• Cons: Potential psychiatric side effects (not recommended for those with depression or anxiety)

Each has its pros and cons. The right one for you depends on your travel destination, length of stay, and personal medical history.

How Do I Get Malaria Pills For Travel?

Getting malaria pills doesn’t have to be complicated.

Here’s a step-by-step process:

Step 1: See a Travel Health Provider

Visit a travel clinic, your primary care provider, or even a virtual travel medicine provider. They’ll review your itinerary and recommend the best antimalarial for your situation.

TRAVUL.ORG can help connect you to licensed travel health partners, especially if you’re short on time or unsure where to start.

Step 2: Get a Prescription

Malaria pills are prescription-only in most countries. Once your provider has selected the best medication, they’ll send your prescription to a pharmacy.

If you’re using TRAVUL.ORG to plan your trip, you’ll be able to integrate this step directly into your itinerary checklist—no forgetting, no scrambling last minute.

Step 3: Pick Up and Start On Time

Timing is key. Depending on the medication, you may need to start days or even weeks before departure. So don’t wait until the week you fly out.

You’ll also need to continue taking the pills after you return, so make sure you get enough for the full course.

How Much Do Malaria Pills Cost?

Prices vary depending on the drug, your location, insurance coverage, and pharmacy. Here’s a rough breakdown (for a two-week trip):

• Malarone (generic): $60–$120
• Doxycycline: $20–$40
• Mefloquine: $25–$60

Some insurance plans cover travel prescriptions; others don’t. At TRAVUL.ORG, we help you budget for your travel health essentials upfront—including malaria pills—so you’re not hit with surprise costs during your trip planning.

What About Side Effects?

All medications come with potential side effects, but most travelers tolerate malaria pills well. That said, here’s what to keep an eye out for:

• Malarone: Occasional nausea or headache
• Doxycycline: Sun sensitivity, upset stomach
• Mefloquine: Vivid dreams, mood changes (rare but serious)

If you experience any discomfort, let your healthcare provider know. They may be able to switch your prescription.

Can You Buy Malaria Pills Abroad?

While it’s technically possible to buy malaria pills in some countries without a prescription, it’s not recommended. Quality and safety vary widely, and counterfeits are a real risk. Plus, it’s better to start the pills before your trip—not after you land.

How TRAVUL.ORG Makes This Easier

We know how stressful it can be to juggle everything for an international trip—visas, bookings, budgets, vaccinations, insurance, and of course, malaria prevention. That’s exactly why TRAVUL.ORG exists.

Our platform helps you:

• Get personalized travel health checklists based on your destination
• Connect with licensed travel health providers
• Budget for all medical and safety needs as part of your travel financing plan
• Track prescriptions, dates, and reminders from one dashboard
• Ask quick questions or get guidance through our chat support

You won’t need 5 browser tabs open or a spreadsheet to stay organized. Just one place to plan it all—safely, smartly, and with confidence.

FAQs

Do I need malaria pills if I’m only going for a week?

Yes, if your destination is in a malaria-risk zone. Malaria can be contracted from a single mosquito bite.

What happens if I forget to take a dose?

Take it as soon as you remember. If you miss more than one dose or are unsure, contact your doctor for guidance.

Are there alternatives to pills?

Pills are the primary prevention method. While bed nets and repellent help, they’re not substitutes for medication in high-risk areas.

Can children and pregnant women take malaria pills?

Some pills are safe for children and pregnant women, but always consult a healthcare provider.

Final Thoughts

Traveling should be thrilling—not stressful. Taking a few simple steps before you fly can keep you safe and let you focus on the good stuff—exploring, relaxing, and discovering the world. Malaria is preventable, and planning for it is easier than you think.

At TRAVUL.ORG, we’re here to help you travel smarter—from trip planning and health prep to financing and beyond.

So, whether you’re headed on a jungle adventure, a beach getaway, or a cultural deep dive—have you added malaria pills to your pre-travel checklist yet?