The Importance of Obtaining Appropriate Travel Insurance
The recent Foreign & Commonwealth Office report highlights the importance of obtaining appropriate travel insurance irrespective of your age.
The report raises concerns about the frequency they are asked to assist people who are landed with extremely high treatment and repatriation bills, as a result of travellers either not bothering to take out travel insurance, have failed to declare a pre-existing medical condition when arranging travel insurance, or have wrongly assumed that if they are travelling within Europe, their EHIC would fully cover them for all medical and other associated costs.
Over the last 5 years, the cost of medical treatment has increased by over 270%.
The most common illnesses requiring treatment are stomach upsets, ear infections, allergies and heart problems.
Travellers are also involved in a high number of road traffic accidents as well as other injuries in unfamiliar countries.
With so many of the reported incidents being preventable, the FCO is appealing to people travelling or going to live abroad to make some simple preparations before you go.
The FCO recommends contacting you GP as early as possible to find out if any vaccinations or medication are advised.
Be very careful about what you eat and drink and be alert to the hygiene of the establishments where your food is being prepared.
With road accidents continuing to be a significant cause of accidents and deaths, Brits are also reminded to wear protective clothing and helmets, even if the locals don't, and to familiarise themselves with the local rules of the road.
Check with your airline that you can carry any medication in your hand luggage and pack enough supplies for your whole trip and possible delays.
Keep your medication in is original packaging and take any prescription documents with you.
Check with the embassy that the medication will be legal in the country you are visiting.
Some over the counter medicines are illegal in other countries, For example it's illegal to take certain inhalers and allergy medications into Japan.
The report raises concerns about the frequency they are asked to assist people who are landed with extremely high treatment and repatriation bills, as a result of travellers either not bothering to take out travel insurance, have failed to declare a pre-existing medical condition when arranging travel insurance, or have wrongly assumed that if they are travelling within Europe, their EHIC would fully cover them for all medical and other associated costs.
Over the last 5 years, the cost of medical treatment has increased by over 270%.
The most common illnesses requiring treatment are stomach upsets, ear infections, allergies and heart problems.
Travellers are also involved in a high number of road traffic accidents as well as other injuries in unfamiliar countries.
With so many of the reported incidents being preventable, the FCO is appealing to people travelling or going to live abroad to make some simple preparations before you go.
The FCO recommends contacting you GP as early as possible to find out if any vaccinations or medication are advised.
Be very careful about what you eat and drink and be alert to the hygiene of the establishments where your food is being prepared.
With road accidents continuing to be a significant cause of accidents and deaths, Brits are also reminded to wear protective clothing and helmets, even if the locals don't, and to familiarise themselves with the local rules of the road.
Check with your airline that you can carry any medication in your hand luggage and pack enough supplies for your whole trip and possible delays.
Keep your medication in is original packaging and take any prescription documents with you.
Check with the embassy that the medication will be legal in the country you are visiting.
Some over the counter medicines are illegal in other countries, For example it's illegal to take certain inhalers and allergy medications into Japan.
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