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Travel Insurance Tips - Part 2: Staying healthy

Top tips to stay healthy on holiday: What to do if you are ill or injured abroad

Top tips to stay healthy on holiday

When you’re looking forward to a relaxing break the last thing you want to worry about is illness. To make the most of your holiday it is important to stay healthy.

Follow our top tips to help prevent illness or injury spoiling your time away.

1 Week Europe
from £12
(excl. baggage & money)

Annual cover
from £34
(excl. baggage & money)

Top Tip -

Declare medical conditions

It is important that you declare any pre-existing medical conditions when you purchase your travel insurance to ensure that you have the right level of cover for your trip.

If you have a medical condition that you need to cover when you go away call us on 0845 092 0606

Before you leave home . . .

1. Vaccinations

Check which vaccinations are required for your holiday destination. Speak to your doctor or local travel clinic as early as possible to arrange for the relevant vaccinations. More information on vaccination requirements is available at http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home.aspx

2. Don’t forget your EHIC

The EHIC has now replaced the E111 and entitles you to free or reduced cost medical treatment in Europe. For more information or to apply for your free card visit their website. Apply now >>
If you already have a card, ensure it is still valid before you travel.

3. Remember to pack all the medication you may need

If you are taking a prescription medication, take sufficient supplies for your entire trip in your hand luggage. Pack a first aid kit including painkillers, plasters and other over the counter remedies that you might need, such as anti histamines or indigestion tablets.

While you’re away . . .

1. Be safe in the sun

Build up time in the sun gradually. Wear a hat and light clothing to help prevent sunstroke. Ensure that your sunglasses provide UV protection and apply sun lotion with an SPF rating of 15 or above. Check the expiry date of your sunscreen, they don’t last forever.
Stay out of the sun between midday and 3pm. A great excuse for a long lunch or a siesta!

2. Be a fussy eater

Avoid eating undercooked meat or food that has been kept warm. Be careful with fish and shellfish and any fruit or vegetables that are not peeled before eating. Avoid salads unless you can be sure it has been washed in clean water. Avoid tap water and ice in drinks; stick to bottled water even when brushing your teeth.

3. Beware of mosquitoes

Being bitten by a mosquito is always unpleasant, but depending on where you are in the world, mosquitoes can also carry diseases. Keep your arms and legs covered in the morning and evening when mosquitoes are common and wear plenty of repellent.

4. Drink responsibly

Remember, the sun can speed up the effects of alcohol, especially dehydration.

5. Traffic safety

Be extra vigilant; the rules of the road may be different to what you are used to!