Research desk
Use primary sources first
A compact library of official travel-health, insurance and health-claims starting points.
Substantially reviewed August 30, 2026Educational planning guide
ScopeFocused guides
ApproachQuestions before claims
Verify before booking
Official starting points
CareAtlas links to official starting points rather than treating retreat marketing as evidence. Rules, advisories and provider status can change; check them again for your dates and exact location.
- CDC Travelers’ HealthOfficial reference · checked August 30, 2026
- CDC medical tourism guidanceOfficial reference · checked August 30, 2026
- CDC travel insurance guidanceOfficial reference · checked August 30, 2026
- U.S. State Department: medicine and health abroadOfficial reference · checked August 30, 2026
- U.S. State Department country informationOfficial reference · checked August 30, 2026
- NCCIH: detoxes and cleansesOfficial reference · checked August 30, 2026
- NCCIH: meditation and mindfulnessOfficial reference · checked August 30, 2026
- NCCIH: yogaOfficial reference · checked August 30, 2026
- WHO international travel and healthOfficial reference · checked August 30, 2026
- FTC health claims guidanceOfficial reference · checked August 30, 2026
How to use them
A four-step source check
- Open the official source.Do not rely on a retreat’s summary of rules or risks.
- Match the exact service.A hotel stay, spa treatment and medical procedure have different implications.
- Check the date and jurisdiction.Licensing and travel conditions are local and time-sensitive.
- Save written provider answers.Use them alongside the official information before payment.