Travel Health - Keeping Healthy Whilst on Holiday

This section offers information and useful links about how to stay healthy during your holiday, how to get medical treatment abroad and information on the European Health Insurance card, or EHIC - the replacement for the E111.

European Health Insurance Card

The European Health Insurance Card is a replacement for the old E111 form.

An EHIC is free. To get an EHIC apply online at www.dh.gov.uk/travellers or by telephone on 0845 6062030.  You should always leave a photocopy with a friend or relative.

The EHIC entitles British nationals to free or discounted medical care in 28 European Countries.  On January 1st 2006 the EHIC replaced the E111.

Essentially, the EHIC entitles you to the same state-provided healthcare that is generally offered to the locals of the country you’re visiting.  This doesn’t mean you’ll be entitled to the same standard of medical care offered by the NHS in Britain.  Private treatment is not covered.

EHIC is no substitute for travel insurance as you will not necessarily be covered for all medical costs or for any emergency flights home.

Apply for An EHIC

Getting Medical Treatment Abroad

In most countries around the world you will have to pay for treatment so travellers are strongly advised to take out private health insurance. The UK has reciprocal healthcare agreements with some countries, which enables travellers to receive free or low cost emergency care.

Getting medical treatment around the world

Latest health updates
Regularly updated alerts on outbreaks all over the world, together with advice for travellers about staying safe. Latest health updates

Useful contacts
Contact details for queries about European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs) and other entitlements and benefits information. Useful contacts

Essential information on major diseases
Information on how to protect yourself from malaria, rabies, HIV/AIDS and hepatitis by planning ahead and taking some simple precautions while you’re away. Essential information on major diseases

Staying healthy
Information on planning ahead (including information on health insurance and benefits), some general advice on staying healthy while you’re away and what to do when you get home. Staying healthy

Getting Medical Treatment in Australia - Medicare

Medicare is the Australian reciprocal health care agreement which allows UK citizens access to limited subsidised health services for immediately necessary treatment while visiting Australia.

More details about Medicare

Vaccinations

Six weeks before you are due to travel visit your GP’s surgery to check out if you need any jabs or anti-malaria treatment for your chosen destination.  You should also visit your dentist and optician when going on longer trips. 

Check what vaccinations you might need
Vaccination Chart
www.fco.gov.uk/travel will provide you with vaccination advice.  

Medication

Ensure you pack enough of your medication for the duration of your trip in to your hand luggage.  Take medication in its original packaging and take any prescription documents with you.  You should always check with the London Embassy of the country you are visiting that your medication will be legal in the country you are visiting and if you need to take a doctor’s letter with you.

Your Health & Flying

Dehydration is the most common discomfort you will experience whilst flying but there are more serious problems associated with sitting still for long periods of time such as DVT (Deep Vain Thrombosis).  To combat DVT drink plenty of water, avoid too much alcohol and undertake some simple exercises in your seat or move about the aircraft intermittently.

NB. The information on these pages is provided for guidance only and is no substitute for professional advice or training. No responsibility is accepted by Drakefield Insurance Services Limited.