It is important to prepare your trip well in advance. Here are some general
guidelines for getting ready.
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Visit your travel clinic, doctor or practice nurse at least 6-10 weeks before
you leave to check on immunisation requirements. If you are traveling for more
than a month, see them earlier.
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Discuss Malaria requirements and sort out with your travel clinic, GP, practice
nurse or pharmacist your required medication.
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Sort out your first aid kit and any medication you might need - including
enough prescription medication for the trip.
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Read up about your chosen destination to learn about the culture, laws and
customs.
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Check that your passport is valid and does not expire before
you return.
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Check on visa requirements for your chosen destination.
Insurance Cover
Good medical insurance is important wherever you go in the world and for
however long you are away.
EHIC
Introduction of a new e-card for Europe – UK must wait until 2006
This info is written from a UK perspective but will affect all EU members.
As from 1 June 2004, many European countries, including Ireland, will start to
use a new EHIC card to enable them to obtain healthcare in all European Union
(EU) member states. It is hoped that all EU countries, including the UK will be
using the cards by 2006.
The new card will allow EU nationals to obtain the same level of healthcare as
a local resident in a member country when traveling. The card will replace the
current paper forms and, in time, it is hoped they will contain vital personal
health information.
The new card scheme will cover short-term trips around Europe, only covering
basic national healthcare as received by local residents. Those UK residents
choosing to live permanently in other European countries will not be covered by
this scheme.
One Card for each Family Member
The new card will no longer cover the whole family as the current paper system
does. Each person in the family will need a separate insurance card. The new
card will also provide the user with essential care needed for the length of
stay, which means that in cases of travel with existing medical conditions
non-emergency care will also be provided.
The EHIC will cover all aspects of care currently provided under the paper
system, along with necessary treatment for travelers with existing conditions.
The card will not cover treatment that a patient is on a waiting list for in
his or her own country, nor treatment that can wait until return home.
While the card will cover emergency treatment and such like, it is essential
that all travelers 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.
Introduction of cards to UK by 2006
These cards are to be introduced in 12 EU countries in June 2004 – with
remaining countries including the UK introducing them by 2006. Those traveling
from the UK should still obtain the paper form from a local post office until
these cards are issued or via the DOH website.
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