Brits Increasingly Embrace Winter Getaways, Highlighting the Need for Comprehensive Travel Health Preparation
6 Reading Time: 3 minutes
More Brits are opting for winter holidays each year, with UK residents making over 28 million trips abroad in Q3 last year – a 13% rise compared to the previous year, according to ONS data.
Planning a winter escape is always exciting, but ensuring you’re fully prepared from a health perspective can feel overwhelming. Grant Winter, compliance officer at specialist travel insurance provider Good to Go, offers a practical guide to simplify your health preparations, ensuring a stress-free trip.
Travel insurance
Grant Winter highlights the importance of 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.”
Winter advises British nationals travelling to Schengen countries, such as France, Germany, and Italy, to secure adequate travel insurance beyond the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which provides public healthcare access. “While GHIC entitles you to public healthcare in these countries, the healthcare isn’t always free and doesn’t include repatriation,” he explained. “To be fully protected for emergency medical expenses, ensure you are covered by your own travel insurance.”
He also mentions that some non-European countries, including Turkey, Thailand, and Cuba, may require proof of travel insurance for entry, particularly for long-term visas.
Winter recommends having the following essentials at hand:
- A copy of your travel insurance policy.
- Emergency contact numbers for your insurer.
Vaccinations
Winter noted: “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.”
For instance, travellers visiting countries in Africa, like Ghana and Kenya, or South America, such as Brazil and Ecuador, must provide proof of yellow fever vaccination. The International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) is used as proof.
Regardless of specific entry requirements, Winter advises researching vaccination needs thoroughly. “It is always strongly recommended to fully research your destination and which vaccinations you may need to ensure you are protected from tropical diseases,” he says, noting that up-to-date information is available through the UK Government’s foreign travel advice or the embassy of your destination.
Travel essentials for vaccinations include:
- An up-to-date ICVP, often called the “yellow card”, lists vaccinations for diseases like yellow fever, typhoid, or hepatitis A/B.
- Any additional immunisation documentation required for the destination.
Prescription medications
Winter adds that travelling with prescription medication may require additional documentation. “Destinations like Japan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have strict regulations regarding certain medications, particularly narcotics and psychotropic drugs. You may need proof that it’s legally prescribed, and, in some cases, an import permit if the medication is controlled.”
In Singapore, for instance, there are restrictions on strong painkillers and medications containing codeine. Winter suggests bringing:
- A doctor’s letter detailing your prescriptions, dosage, and reason for taking them.
- Copies of your prescriptions in case they need refilling while abroad.
- Information on any restrictions for travelling with medications at your destination.
Emergency contacts
Having your emergency contacts readily accessible is crucial. “In the event of an emergency, having your emergency contacts can ensure quicker treatment and better communication, particularly if they possess essential information for your insurance or medical history,” Winter says.
Winter’s recommended essentials include:
- 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 your destination country.
Medical history
For those with ongoing health issues, Winter advises carrying a brief summary of your medical history. “If you need treatment abroad, particularly 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. Local healthcare providers may not always have access to a patient’s full health record, so carrying this information is highly recommended.”
Bring a concise document summarising your medical history, including details of any conditions, allergies, and medications.
Being prepared with the necessary health documentation ensures a safe and worry-free journey, allowing you to fully enjoy your winter holiday.
Images are for reference only.Images and contents gathered automatic from google or 3rd party sources.All rights on the images and contents are with their original owners.
