Health Centres - Travel - before you leave
It's the same every time. You'd planned it all so carefully with a list as long as a telephone directory. Then halfway through your holiday you find you've forgotten the diarrhoea tablets or some other vital detail.
If this sounds like you, here's the list you need to help you plan the perfect trip.
Vaccinations
Certain types of vaccination and preventive medicine have to be administered well in advance of your departure, so check our vaccination information to make sure you have your injections in good time.
Both vaccinations and antimalarial medication depend on which countries you intend to visit and how long you will be away. And don't forget to tell your doctor where you will be staying: there is a world of difference between a remote village and a five-star hotel.
You should also ask your doctor about any side-effects and how long the protection will last. Other guidelines apply in case of pregnancy.
For mandatory vaccinations, you will need to get an international vaccination card signed and stamped, and take it with you on your holiday.
For yellow fever vaccine, you need to go to a World Health Organisation approved centre. You can get details of your nearest centre from your local health authority. Usually it is a local GP surgery.
Travel medicine chest
While you can't insure against misfortune and accidents, you can foresee the minor surprises with some degree of probability.
It's always good to have something handy to relieve headache, diarrhoea and insect bites, so include such items in a first aid kit for travelling abroad.
HIV and sexually transmitted diseases are something you always have to guard against. Make sure you pack the necessary barrier contraception, ie condoms.
For more exotic journeys, you may need to add items such as antimalarial tablets and water sterilisation tablets to the medicine chest.
The usual illnesses most holidaymakers get are not serious. But they can cause problems if you are a long way from medical help or you don't speak the local language.
These 'just-in-case' prescriptions need to be bought privately - they can't be issued on NHS prescriptions.
Daily medicine
You must make sure that you have enough of your usual medication for the whole trip.
You should also take the name of your medicine and your doctor's instructions with you.
Look into the medicine's side-effects and whether factors like the sun provoke them.
Always keep vital medication in your hand luggage, particularly if you have diabetes and use insulin.
Some medicines such as morphine products and stimulant medication have special restrictions if you want to take them abroad. For advice on your particular medicine, talk to your GP.
You may need to get your doctor to write an explanation in English, French or Spanish, stating that the relevant medication is for personal use. For further information, read Crossing borders with medicines.
Sunblock cream
However lovely it may be to feel the warm rays of the sun on your body, close encounters can be deadly.
It isn't that difficult to enjoy the sun in a safe, healthy way. The rule is simple: always use a sunscreen with a high protection factor (SPF).
Follow these guidelines, and you can enjoy the sun with a clear conscience.
Insurance
UK residents are entitled to free or subsidised healthcare when visiting countries in the EU, as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You need to have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to be covered. You can get these free of charge by:
-
applying online through the EHIC website http://www.ehic.org.uk
- calling 0845 606 2030
- picking up an application form from the Post Office.
Each member of your family needs a card. You can also apply for a card for your partner and children up to the age of 16 (or 19 if they are in full-time education) at the same time. You will need to provide a name, date of birth and national insurance number for each person.
The EHIC replaces the old E111 forms, which are no longer be valid.
Always take out private medical travel insurance too, which pays for treatment in all countries and repatriates you if necessary.
Your travel check list
Here's a list to help you remember essential items for a stress-free holiday.
- Travel insurance and proof of health insurance.
- Vaccines and updated international vaccination card.
- Travel medicine chest: painkillers plus products for diarrhoea, insect bites, travel sickness, sunburn and infection.
- First aid kit: plasters, bandages, tweezers and scissors.
- Insect spray or other mosquito repellent.
- Sunblock cream.
- Your daily medicine.
- Contraception.
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