Travel Health

The European Health Insurance Card

For travel to the EU it is essential to hold a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This entitles you to reduced-cost, sometimes free, medical treatment that may become necessary while you are in a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland. Application forms for a free EHIC can be obtained at Post Offices or you can apply online for a free card at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk. You can also apply by telephone on 0845 606 2030. Although an EHIC is no substitute for effective travel insurance, many insurers require that you use your EHIC where appropriate.

Please remember that you must apply for a new EHIC if you change your address and that you should check the expiry date of any card that you have before you travel.

You may find it useful to read the leaflet Access to Healthcare Abroad which is available from GP surgeries.

 Health hazards abroad - safety on holiday

You should be aware of potential hazards on holiday as walking amongst mountains, hills and even in cities does involve an element of risk. For example, weather can deteriorate unexpectedly and may cause paths to become slippery. Terrain underfoot can also vary and be different from what you’re used to. Walking poles can be a great aid to mobility over uneven ground, and they take some strain off the knees.
As the tour leader is responsible for the safety of all group members, he or she may adopt a more cautious approach than would be considered reasonable by an individual party member.
When travelling overseas it’s wise  to take extra care. Temperatures, humidity or altitude may be higher than you are used to, changes in diet may affect you, and unpleasant insects may be encountered. There is useful information on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s Travel Advice Unit at www.fco.gov.uk .

Vaccinations

If your holiday has a mandatory requirement for any vaccination, we will advise you with your Confirmation of Booking. Unfortunately, apart from clarifying whether a health risk, however minor, has been identified in a destination we are unable to provide medical advice. Known hazards are identified in our General Information Booklet (issued with your Confirmation of Booking), but please contact your own GP for medical advice. We regret that our staff are not qualified to give medical advice relating to inoculations or other health matters.

Deep Vein Thrombosis

You may be aware of press reports concerning deep vein thrombosis, which can be caused by immobility. One of the recommended measures for reducing the risk whilst flying is to wear compression hosiery. Flight socks are available from most chemists and are proven to help with blood circulation and reducing the build-up of fluid that can cause this condition.

Exercise during the flight and limiting your consumption of dehydrating drinks, such as alcohol and coffee, may also help reduce any risk.

Some people are more susceptible to DVT, including those having undergone recent surgery, those with a family history of DVT, people undergoing hormone treatment, suffering from varicose veins or with blood-clotting abnormalities. If you are concerned, or feel that you might fall into a higher risk group, we recommend that you discuss your travel plans with your doctor. Information on travel-related DVT can be found on the Department of Health website by clicking on this link.

Most insurance policies include DVT cover, provided that you are not travelling against medical advice and have disclosed any pre-existing condition. Please check your policy documents for details.

What to take

It is advisable to take a small first aid kit with you including a remedy for stomach upsets. If you are diabetic, or suffer from vertigo, heart problems, asthma, epilepsy or some other illness or disability which you think we or your leader should know about, then please advise us in writing. If you have not done so already, please include such details when sending us your final payment so we can ensure that your leader is made aware of your condition. Your insurance company must also be made aware.

Helpful links

www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk Ideal for any questions you have about keeping healthy before and during your holiday.

www.fco.gov.uk The Foreign Office Travel Advice website for in depth worldwide travel advice.

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