Once our tentative itinerary was established, we began doing the research on what immunizations and medications we would need. The Center for Disease Control website is very helpful. Also, going to a travel clinic (as opposed to a regular doctor) makes it easier to get your needs met. (For anyone thinking about a trip like this, figure this stuff out early. There are immunization series that take 6 months to complete. Also, filling a years' worth of anti-malarial medications is best started as far in advance as possible. So if you want to be sure to get all your shots before you hit the road, while you are still covered by medical insurance, get to the doctor asap.) We were both covered by medical insurance through our employers. Fortunately, our insurance covered all our immunizations. By calling the insurance company directly, Dale was able to get authorization for a whole year's supply of malaria pills for one co-payment (however, Dana could only get 6 months worth). Dale also went to the Travel Clinic at MGH which was excellent and had all the answers and medications on hand. Dana, on the other hand, could only go to her regular doctor, who was less experienced in RTW travel and didn't have all vaccines on hand. Over all (including those we already had from previous travel) we got the following immunizations:

There are two main plans in the US that offer both long-term medical protection plus travel insurance. These are the expatriot plan from IMG, and the Atlas series. These run about $600 a year per person. The other option is to go with a cheap "evacuation only" plan (~$400), or a more expensive global major medical policy, which is actually the same price for Dale as the Atlas but twice as much for Dana, mainly because of maternity coverage we think. UK travelers have many more options, as traveling for a long period is more common for Europeans.

Hoorah the perfect plan has been found. The makers of Rough Guides books are brokering health insurance for travelers. It's cheaper and has better coverage than the two plans listed above, and you can be a resident of anywhere in the world (UK plans tend to be better because many Brits do long worldwide travel, but many of them require UK residency). They offer "Backpackers" insurance which is only $300 per year for the minimalist, or more comprehensive plans for $400-500/year. The policy is underwritten by Lloyds, so it seems reasonably solid.