Health and Vaccinations
Before you goIt is important to prepare your trip well in advance. Here are some general guidelines for getting ready.
Visit your travel clinic, doctor or practice nurse at least 6-10 weeks before you leave to check on immunisation requirements. If you are travelling for more than a month, see them earlier.
Discuss Malaria requirements and sort out with your travel clinic, GP, practice nurse or pharmacist your required medication.
Sort out your first aid kit and any medication you might need - including enough prescription medication for the trip.
Read up about your chosen destination to learn about the culture, laws and customs.
Check that your passport is valid and does not expire before you return.
Check on visa requirements for your chosen destination.
EHIC - European Health Insurance Card (formerly E111) Replaces E111 paper from 2006 onwards
From 2006, the old paper E111 is no longer valid. If you are travelling to continental Europe, you will now be required to be in possession of an EHIC Card - European Health Insurance Card. Covers basic healthcare on short trips around Europe
The new card allows EU nationals to obtain the same level of healthcare as a local resident in a member country when travelling. The card replaces the old current paper forms and in time, it is hoped they will contain vital personal health information.
The new card scheme covers short-term trips around Europe and Switzerland. It only covers basic national healthcare as received by local residents. This scheme will not cover those living permanently outside the UK. It will cover the cardholder in member countries of the European Economic Area and Switzerland, is valid for 5 years and only available to UK residents. One Card for each Family Member includes non-emergency care for existing/chronic conditions
The new card will no longer cover the whole family as the old paper system did. Each person in the family will need a separate insurance card. The new card also provides the user with essential care needed for the length of stay, which means that in cases of travel with existing/chronic medical conditions non-emergency care will also be provided. Does not cover already planned treatment in home country
The EHIC also covers all aspects of care originally provided under the paper system, along with necessary treatment for travellers with existing conditions. The card will not cover treatment a patient is awaiting for in his or her own country, nor treatment that can wait until return home.
Travellers still need Travel Insurance
While the card will cover emergency treatment and such like, it is essential that all travellers to Europe still obtain travel insurance. The card will not cover any transportation home (repatriation) or expenses for relatives; accommodation costs etc. should an emergency occur. It will not cover loss of luggage or other personal items. It is also important to remember that treatment covered will be the same as that received by locals, which can vary among EU member states.
Travelling with Medication August 2006 – DOH Guidelines
Due to restrictions on many flights across the globe those travelling with existing medical conditions need to be aware of restrictions when travelling with medication.
Some airlines now restrict the amount of hand luggage allowed on flights, it is essential to check with your individual airline prior to flying.
The Chief Medical Officer in the UK has issued a procedure for those taking medication on flights (DOH 2006).
* It states that travellers should be discouraged from taking medication onto flights unless it is for the immediate journey and an allowance of time at the other end to pick up your baggage (allow at least 4 hours).
* It also recommends that all extra supplies of medication for your arrival should be placed in the hold luggage.
* Any powder/inhalers or tablets can be carried in the hand luggage - up to 50 grams
* Any liquids, creams or gel medications which are essential for the flight may also be carried in the hand luggage as long as they are smaller than 50ml (such as a GTN spray)
* If the amount is larger than 50mls you must make sure it can be tested before getting on the flight – in order to test the medication you will be asked to taste it – the airports have been advised to have plastic cups available for this procedure!
* If an adult is travelling with a young child and wants to carry non-prescription medication onto the flight they will need to taste the child’s medication (as long as they are not allergic to it!)
* If any of these regulations don’t fit your medication then further checks will be necessary
These regulations have been issued by the DOH and any updates to the information should be checked on the DOH website.
As well as trying to follow these guidelines it is a good idea to carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating the amounts and types of medication verified for your use, including any essential non-prescription medication. Special Advice for Travel with Insulin
If you are a diabetic you should first try to get an exemption certificate from the airline you are traveling with – for this you will need to get a letter from your doctor stating your need for insulin.
Visit Country Health Directory for information about health issues around the world.