Travel Insurance
Introduction
Before travelling abroad, ensure that you have adequate health insurance to cover the cost of emergency medical treatment, including repatriation, should it be required. Many countries do not provide the same access to medical facilities and treatments as the UK.
Accidents are second only to cardiovascular disease as causes of life threatening illness in travellers.
Reciprocal Healthcare Agreements with UK
For countries that are part of the European Economic Area (EEA) plus Switzerland, visitors may be entitled to reduced cost, sometimes free, medical treatment. To access reciprocal health care, UK residents should produce their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The healthcare covered by the EHIC is the same as that provided by the state for the residents of the country being visited. Private healthcare may require personal medical insurance.
Applications are free and can be made online at: http://www.ehic.org.uk/ or by telephone (0845 606 2030) or by downloading the application form from the website. Online applications normally arrive within seven days and the EHIC is valid for five years. The agreements do not cover the cost of repatriation or routine monitoring of pre-existing conditions therefore additional medical insurance is still strongly recommended. For specific guidance on how to access healthcare or claim refunds during a visit, please go to NHS Choices at: http://www.nhs.uk/.
Many destinations have no reciprocal healthcare agreement with the UK and adequate medical insurance is strongly recommended.
Medical Assistance
Travellers should be aware of what to do if they become ill whilst abroad including how to access emergency medical treatment. Certain travellers, such as those with existing illness, travelling with children, going into remote areas, or the pregnant traveller may wish to try and identify health care facilities prior to departure. Addresses for local services are usually available at larger hotels and from tour company representatives.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) provides details of the nearest British Embassy or Consulate that may be able to help locate health care facilities at the destination. Neither the FCO nor the Embassy will pay for medical care even in an emergency.
A list of Travel Clinics, run by members of the International Society of Travel Medicine, is available on their website at http://www.istm.org/.
Further Information
Further information on travel insurance for those with a medical condition such as asthma, diabetes, HIV or lung conditions can be found on various specialist websites e.g.