Malaria Meds for Travel: Which Options Exist, When to Start, and How Canadians Should Choose

Malaria is preventable, but it’s also not something to “wing.” The goal is simple: avoid mosquito bites + take the right meds for your itinerary.

Quick answer

The most common malaria prevention meds recommended for travellers (depending on destination and resistance patterns) include:

• Atovaquone–proguanil

• Doxycycline

• Mefloquine

• Chloroquine (only where parasites are still chloroquine-sensitive)

They are highly effective but not 100%, so you still need bite protection, and you should seek medical care urgently if you develop fever during or after travel.

1) Do you actually need malaria meds?

This depends on:

• Country + region (sometimes risk is “none” in cities, higher in rural areas)

• Season

• Trip style (resort vs backpacking vs safari/field work)

• Length of stay

• Medical factors (pregnancy, certain medications/conditions)

2) The most common malaria prevention options (plain-English comparison)

Atovaquone–proguanil (daily)

Often chosen because it’s straightforward for short trips, but it isn’t for everyone (e.g., certain kidney issues; pregnancy/breastfeeding considerations).

Doxycycline (daily)

A common option, including for longer trips. It can be effective, but may cause sun sensitivity and isn’t typically used in pregnancy.

Mefloquine (weekly)

Convenient dosing, but not ideal for all travellers (and is not recommended in some regions with mefloquine resistance; it also has important mental health/side effect considerations).

Chloroquine (weekly, limited regions)

Only used in places where malaria remains chloroquine-sensitive (many destinations are not).

Key takeaway: the “best” malaria med is the one that matches your destination’s resistance patterns + your health history + your ability to take it correctly. Don’t worry, our travel team will be able to recommend the best one for you.

3) When do you start malaria meds, and how long do you keep taking them?

Different meds have different start/stop timing (some start 1–2 days before, some 1–2 weeks before, and some continue 7 days or 4 weeks after leaving the risk area).

This is one of the biggest reasons travelers get tripped up  and why a quick travel health consult helps.

4) Meds aren’t enough: bite protection still matters

The WHO’s “ABCDE” malaria prevention principles include:

• Be Aware of risk and symptoms

• Avoid being Bitten (especially dusk → dawn)

• Chemoprophylaxis when appropriate
  …and more (diagnosis early if sick).

Practical bite protection:

• Repellent that works (not just “nice smelling”)

• Long sleeves/pants at dusk/dawn

• Screens/AC/bed nets where needed

5) If you get a fever during or after travel, don’t wait

Even with prevention meds, malaria can still happen. The CDC advises travellers to seek medical care immediately if fever develops and to tell clinicians where they travelled.

How Virtual Travel Clinic helps (Canada)

In a virtual consult, we’ll:

• Confirm whether your route truly has malaria risk

• Choose the most appropriate option based on your health history and look at any current medications you are on.

• Choose the most appropriate option based on destination guidance

• Give you a simple plan for meds + bite prevention

• Send prescriptions to a community pharmacy near you in Canada, when appropriate

You’ll travel prepared, without overdoing it.

FAQ 

Are malaria meds safe?
They’re generally well tolerated, but side effects can happen,  and it’s critical you make the right choice based on your health profile, activities and destination.

Do I still need repellant if I’m taking malaria meds?
Yes. Meds reduce risk but don’t eliminate it, and bite avoidance is a core part of prevention.

Is malaria risk only in rural areas?
Often it’s higher in rural/forested areas, but risk varies by country and sometimes by region within a country.C