Traveling overseas? Here are five things you need to prepare for your health
More and more Brits are opting for winter holidays each year, with UK residents making over 28 million trips abroad in Q3 of last year, a 13% rise compared to the previous, according to ONS data.
While preparing for a holiday abroad is an exciting time, ensuring you’re fully covered from a health perspective can often feel overwhelming.
To make life easier, Grant Winter, compliance officer at specialist travel insurance provider, Good to go, shares an easy-to-follow guide to streamline your health preparations before you jet off on your next adventure.
From crucial travel documents to emergency information, Grant details everything you need to be covered for a safe and stress-free holiday.
1) Travel insurance
Travel insurance ensures that you have access to medical treatment whilst abroad to avoid any unexpected costs, whether it’s travel insurance for medical conditions or for minor injuries or serious emergencies.
British nationals travelling to Schengen countries in Europe (for example, France, Germany, Italy) should ensure they have adequate travel insurance. While the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) entitles you to public healthcare in these countries, the healthcare isn’t always free and doesn’t include repatriation.
To ensure you’re fully protected for emergency medical expenses in the event of a travel insurance claim, ensure you are covered by your own travel insurance on top of the protection afforded by your GHIC.
Some countries outside Europe, such as Turkey, Thailand, and Cuba, may also require proof of travel insurance as part of their entry requirements, especially if applying for long-term visas.
Grant’s travel essentials:
- A copy of your travel insurance policy.
- Emergency contact numbers for your insurer.
2) Vaccinations
Many countries require proof of certain vaccinations before entry to prevent the spread of diseases. Failure to provide these certificates could result in being denied entry or facing quarantine.
British travellers visiting certain countries in Africa (such as Ghana and Kenya) or South America (for example, Brazil, Ecuador) must provide proof of yellow fever vaccination and The International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) is used as proof.
Regardless of the rules your destination has in place, it is always strongly recommended to fully research your destination and which vaccinations you may need, to ensure you are protected from tropical diseases. You can find up to date information through the UK Government’s foreign travel advice, or the embassy of your destination.
Grant’s travel essentials:
- An up-to-date International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), often called the Yellow Card, which lists vaccinations for diseases like yellow fever, typhoid, or hepatitis A/B.
- Any additional immunisation documentation specific to the destination (e.g. proof of polio vaccination for certain countries like Madagascar).
3) Prescription medications
If you’re travelling with prescription medication, you may need proof that it’s legally prescribed to you, particularly if the medication is controlled in the destination country.
Destinations like Japan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have strict regulations regarding certain medications, particularly narcotics and psychotropic drugs. Additionally, you may need to apply for an import permit if the medication is controlled.
In other countries, like Singapore, there are further restrictions on bringing in some prescription drugs, especially strong painkillers or medications that contain codeine.
Grant’s travel essentials:
- A doctor’s letter outlining your prescriptions, dosage, and the reason for taking them.
- Copies of your prescriptions in case you need to refill them while abroad.
- Information on any restrictions for travelling with medications at your destination.
4) Emergency contacts
Grant says: In the event of an emergency, having your emergency contacts readily accessible can ensure quicker treatment and better communication, particularly if they possess essential information you will need for your insurance or medical history.
Grant’s travel essentials:
- A written list of emergency contacts, including family members, your GP, and your travel insurer’s emergency assistance line.
- Local emergency numbers for medical services in the destination country.
5) Medical history
If you have ongoing health issues, carrying a brief summary of your medical history can provide critical information to healthcare providers if you need treatment abroad.
In countries like Thailand, India and Vietnam, where access to advanced healthcare can be limited in rural areas, having a medical history summary can be helpful in the event of an emergency. Local healthcare providers may not always have access to a patient’s comprehensive health record, so carrying this information is highly recommended.
Grant’s travel essentials:
- A short document outlining your medical history, including any conditions, allergies, and medications.
