Getting sick or injured while on holiday is the last thing anybody wants. Unfortunately, it happens – thousands of us Brits end up in hospital while trying to enjoy a break away every year. This can be particularly scary when abroad as you may have to work your way around an unfamiliar healthcare system. In order to protect your health when on holiday, here are just some of the things you can do.
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Research into local dangers beforehand
Everywhere in the world has its own local dangers. By knowing these before you travel, you can take precautions so that you’re less likely to get sick or injured. A few common dangers to consider could include sun exposure, unclean tap water, local diseases, dangerous animals or natural disaster. Precautions could include always wearing sun cream, only buying bottled water, getting vaccinated against diseases and avoiding certain areas.
Bring first aid supplies
It’s worth bringing some first aid supplies with you in case you get sick or injured. A few contents that you may want to pack in your travel first aid kit include bandages, plasters, antiseptic, tweezers and scissors. You can buy travel first aid kits already containing these items.
Don’t forget medication
Remember to bring any prescription medication with you that you may need. This could include insulin for diabetes, inhalers and Epi-Pens for allergies or prescription painkillers. It could also be handy to bring a copy of your prescriptions just in case you need to top up while out there. Other general medication such as anti-diarrhoea pills and over-the-counter painkillers could be useful (not to mention contraceptive medication too).
Take out travel insurance
When travelling abroad, you may have to pay for healthcare in other countries. Travel insurance could help to pay this cost for you if you are unlucky enough to need urgent medical attention. It’s worth shopping around for travel insurance to get the best rates and best coverage. Travel insurance may also cover other eventualities such as lost baggage or cancelled flights.
Find local clinics catered to tourists
It’s worth noting any medical clinics in your area when you arrive. You may find that there are clinics set up specifically for tourists such as this CBD Medical surgery. Be wary that if you’re travelling somewhere more remote, there may not be a medical centre nearby.
Know the local emergency number
Different countries each have their own emergency number for when you need to call the ambulance. Look this up online when you arrive so that you know who to call. If you’re travelling somewhere extreme such as climbing a mountain, you may also want to look into more specific emergency services such as mountain rescue.