Blue skies, white sand and total relaxation. These are the things that a holiday to a tropical country should consist of. If you have planned a trip to paradise, the last thing you want to add to that list is contracting a life-threatening disease. This is a real risk in certain countries and could ruin more than your trip. Here are our tips on how to make sure both your health, and your bank, are protected…
Before you travel
Inoculations
As much of a pain as they might seem, they are absolutely vital not only to your well-being but also in respect of your travel insurance.
It is a condition of most travel insurance policies that you have received the relevant inoculations prior to your trip, and taken the precautions advised by medical practitioners. If you contract a tropical disease or illness and have not done this, then Insurers could refuse to pay out any expenses.
Not only is it a condition of your travel insurance policy to have these inoculations, but it is also an entry requirement of some countries. For example, if you are travelling to Asia it is highly recommended that you have received preventative treatment against the following diseases:
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Rabies
- Typhoid
So, if you have booked, or are considering booking a trip to a tropical country, make sure you visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home for more information on disease prevention.
Travel insurance
According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), Insurers are now helping over 3,000 travellers a week who need emergency medical care while travelling abroad. When it comes to complications following insect bites, there have been many occasions where British tourists have required extensive medical treatment.
In one case, Insurers had to pay out £40,000 to cover the medical costs in treating a traveller in Indonesia who was bitten by a mosquito and contracted Dengue fever. This is just one example of why it is so crucial to have appropriate travel insurance cover, and we are certain that this traveller was relieved that he did not have to pay for these medical costs himself!
Whilst you travel
The best and most obvious way to avoid the need for medical attention is to not put yourself in the unnecessary position of needing it.
For example;
- Avoid areas of stagnant or standing water, where mosquitoes are likely to breed.
- Use insect repellent e.g. DEET.
- Pack a first aid kit.
- Drink only bottled water.
- Use antibacterial hand gel.
- Sleep under mosquito nets where possible.
Getting travel insurance
If you haven’t arranged your travel insurance policy yet and have a trip booked, you can apply online for travel insurance using our online quotation tool, which allows you to manually add all your medical conditions yourself.
Alternatively, you can contact us today on 01243 784000 and we will guide you through the entire process of making sure you are fully covered at the most competitive price.
