Going on holiday - useful hints and tips

If you have an accident on holiday call us first!

If you are unfortunate enough to need medical help whilst abroad please call us on +44 (0)208 239 3931.

• Our highly experienced multi-lingual team are available to talk 24 hours a day, to advise you or your travelling companion of what steps to take. Their aim will always be to establish the best treatment available to you in the country you are visiting.
• Payment to hospitals/clinics can be made directly so you are not out of pocket
• Any medical claims that are not reported and authorised may not be covered.

For emergencies:

If you are taken by ambulance to a hospital following an emergency call, you or a companion should call us as soon as possible once you have been admitted to hospital.

For non-emergencies

If you need a GP, or need to go to A&E or a clinic, call us on +44 (0)208 239 3931 before you try to locate help, so we can guide you to the safest and most appropriate source of treatment.

We're here to help

From the backstreets of Goa to the beaches of Marbella, if you need medical help whilst abroad, we're here to guide you to the right treatment.

Before you go:

1. Check the Foreign & Commonwealth Offices website travel advice pages for the country you are visiting.
2. If you are travelling within the European Economic Area get a free European Health Insurance Card for free or reduced cost emergency care. You will still need travel insurance though.
3. Check with your doctor to see if you need any vaccinations for the country you are visiting.
4. Make sure you have got the correct visas for the country you are visiting and that your passport is valid.
5. Save our helpline number +44 (0)208 239 3931 to your mobile phone before you go away.

When you're away:

• Always check that the tap water is drinkable before drinking.
• Avoid raw or under-cooked food.
• Don't leave your personal baggage or valuables unattended at any time, especially at airports and hotels (valuables must be kept in a fixed, locked place). Use safety deposit boxes whenever they're available.
• The sun abroad can be much stronger than you're used to at home. To prevent sunburn and sunstroke always apply protective creams regularly.
• Always retain all receipts for medical expenses.
• Report losses/thefts to the Police immediately and obtain a written report.

*Please note when calling us from a landline abroad call charges will be incurred at the relevant international rate. Calls from mobiles will be considerably higher.

Calls may be recorded and may be monitored for training and/or quality purposes.