Keeping Healthy While Travelling

Keeping Healthy while Travelling

A holiday can quickly lose its appeal when health problems get in the way. Stomach upsets, sunburn and unexpected illness often arrive when you least expect them. A bit of planning before you leave will help you stay well and enjoy your trip.

Vaccinations and Health Preparation

Some destinations require specific vaccinations before entry. Yellow Fever vaccination, for example, is mandatory for travel to certain countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South America. Other vaccines are recommended rather than required, depending on local health risks.

Book an appointment with your GP surgery or a travel health clinic at least six to eight weeks before departure. Certain vaccinations, such as the rabies vaccine, require multiple doses spread over several weeks. Others take time to become fully effective. Leaving this too late may mean you cannot complete the course in time.

Your GP practice may offer travel vaccinations, though some are only available privately. The NHS provides certain vaccines free of charge for travel purposes, while others will cost you. Check the NHS Fit for Travel website or speak to a pharmacist to determine which vaccines are required for your destination.

If you take regular medication, make sure you have enough to last your trip plus a few extra days in case of delays. Carry medicines in your hand luggage in their original packaging, along with a copy of your prescription if possible. Some medications that are legal in the UK are controlled substances elsewhere, so check the rules for your destination before you travel.

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Travel Insurance and Medical Cover

Medical treatment abroad, especially for emergencies, can be significantly more expensive than in the UK. Emergency hospital care in some countries can run into tens of thousands of pounds, and without insurance you will be expected to pay upfront.

Most standard UK health cover does not extend beyond this country. If you are travelling within the European Union or certain other countries, a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) may cover some state healthcare costs. However, this is not a substitute for travel insurance. It will not pay for repatriation flights or private treatment.

Travel insurance policies vary widely. Ensure your policy includes:

  • Medical treatment and hospital stays
  • Emergency repatriation to the UK
  • Ambulance costs
  • Cancellation and curtailment

Some policies pay medical providers directly. Others require you to pay first and claim the money back when you return home. Read the terms before you buy, and keep all receipts and documentation if you do need treatment.

Pre-existing medical conditions can affect your cover. Declare any ongoing health issues when you take out a policy, even if they seem minor. Failing to do so may mean a claim is rejected.

Practical Health Tips While Away

Common travel illnesses are often preventable. Wash your hands regularly, especially before eating. In countries where tap water is not safe to drink, stick to bottled or purified water and avoid ice in drinks.

Sun exposure catches many travellers out. Use sunscreen with adequate SPF, wear a hat during the hottest part of the day and stay hydrated. Sunburn and heat exhaustion can develop quickly, particularly if you are not used to a warmer climate.

Pack a small first aid kit with basics like painkillers, plasters, rehydration sachets and any personal items you might need. Pharmacies abroad may not stock familiar brands of common medications like ibuprofen or antihistamines, and language barriers can make finding the right product difficult.

For up to date health advice on specific destinations, visit the TravelHealthPro website or check GOV.UK travel guidance before you go.