Travel
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- Health Cover For Longer Periods Away From Home
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- The Essential Checklist For European Travel. Stay Safe Abroad
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Travel
The Importance of Pre Travel Health Checks
Whether it’s the long-awaited two-week holiday in Spain, the gap year that’s been planned for two years previously, or an impromptu visit abroad to see relatives, travel is one of our most popular pastimes.
Furthermore, both the amount of time we spend abroad, and the amount of money we spend when overseas, continues to increase year on year. Whereas once upon a time, travel was a game for the young, these days it is an activity that all ages enjoy. Plus, with specialist travel companies catering for everyone from solo travellers, over 60's, and adrenalin seekers, there’s a holiday that appeals to everyone. So with more and more people travelling abroad, it is more important than ever to ensure pre-travel health checks are carried out in order to enjoy these holidays fully.
The type of pre-travel health check that should be carried out depends largely on the holiday destination of choice, any health conditions you may have, and any worries. Your doctor will be able to advise you on any necessary precautions, injections, and medication that you may require so an appointment with your GP should be your first port of call.
Air Travel
If you have a history of medical conditions and you are planning on travelling by plane, it is important to be as prepared as possible. For instance, if you are suffering (or have recently suffered) from any of the following –
• Stroke
• Angina
• Neurological/psychiatric illness
You may not be able to travel.
An airline can also refuse to allow you to board the aircraft if you are displaying symptoms of communicable diseases such as chicken pox, measles and rubella.
If you are concerned about any of the above, it is advisable to speak to your GP.
Vaccinations
Travelling to certain countries can pose the risk of contracting diseases, so you’ll therefore need to see your doctor for any travel vaccinations. The NHS offers free vaccinations for diseases such as:
1. Cholera
2. Hepatitis A
3. Typhoid
4. Diphtheria, polio and tetanus
Other vaccinations such as rabies, tuberculosis, and Japanese encephalitis are chargeable.
Hearing Checks
If you suffer from hearing loss or a hearing condition such as tinnitus, it’s important to be well prepared before you travel – especially if you are travelling by plane. If you are worried about travelling by plane, it’s advisable to speak to your doctor who will be able to talk you through your concerns.
You can also find extensive information on hearing loss and arrange a hearing check with specialists, which might then require you to be fitted for hearing aids at Hidden Hearing. You can also make sure you’re well prepared for a comfortable flight, by checking the following:
• If you suffer from tinnitus, sit in the front of the plane as engine noise is at its lowest here.
• Do not remove your hearing aids as you won’t be able to hear advice and information from the aeroplane staff. Hearing aids can be worn throughout air travel.
• Suck sweets, yawn, or chew gum to ensure you swallow as much as possible – this helps to equalize air pressure.
• Don’t use earplugs if you have tinnitus as when you remove them you may experience noise levels louder than they actually are.
If you do wear hearing aids, it’s good practice to have them checked over before you fly. After all, if something goes wrong with them while you’re on holiday you won’t be able to enjoy your travel experience to the fullest.
Travelling is a time of adventure, relaxation, and discovery, but it does involve quite a lot of planning. If you take time to ensure you are well prepared for your travel destination and have carried out all necessary pre-travel health checks you should be able to enjoy a happy and healthy time abroad. Bon voyage!
- Top 8 Tips For First Time Cruisers
Cruise holidays have grown in popularity over recent years, with the appeal of visiting a number of countries in one trip and having everything you need in one place giving holidaymakers an experience they’ll never forget. According to the Cruise Lines...
- Going On A Holiday. Have You Packed Your Travel Insurance?
When you think about holiday planning, your thoughts will no doubt run to destinations, bulk buying sun cream and whether last year’s bikini is still looks great. All very important, I’m sure you’ll agree, but you could be missing one very important...
- Arriving At An Unexpected Destination: Self-discovery
It’s that time of the year when most people have a long holiday booked or are planning for their travels. For most people who go travelling, it’s an opportunity to learn more about different cultures, as well as a chance to be involved in new experiences...
- Health Cover For Longer Periods Away From Home
Everyone knows the benefits of having travel insurance for a holiday, whether it is a cheeky weekend city break or a longer jaunt further afield. However, more people than ever are choosing to spend longer periods abroad, sometimes for work reasons and...
- The Essential Checklist For European Travel. Stay Safe Abroad
You might think that staying safe abroad is a doddle. Most people do. After all, what could possibly go wrong on holiday? It’s a time for relaxing and enjoying yourself, not worrying about the unexpected. Right? Unfortunately, as travel insurers, we...