A few sensible precautions will save a lot of anxiety should you fall ill abroad.

Before you go...

- Make sure that you’ve got adequate travel insurance cover

- Remember that on 1 January 2006 the E111 paper certificate was replaced with the plastic European Health Insurance Card – Available online at the Department of Health website https://www.ehic.org.uk or through your Post Office. You may still have to pay for treatment abroad, but you can claim back most of the charges. Of course this scheme won’t cover you if you’re travelling to North Africa

- If you are on medication, make sure you have sufficient supplies to last the trip. Make sure you tell your guide of any health issues. Ask your GP for a letter detailing exactly what medication and dosage are required. Keep your GP’s number handy

- Check with your GP’s surgeries if you need any inoculations. They should have a list of countries and which jabs, if any, are required

- It’s worth asking your doctor to prescribe a course of broad-based antibiotics. (Some GPs will, some won’t) These should deal with any minor infections, such as persistent tummy bugs

- You can now buy antibiotic eye-drops over the counter at your pharmacy. Remember to keep them refrigerated

- Prepare your first aid and medicines kit and make sure it’s accessible in your vehicle



While you're out there...

- Most health problems are caused by poor hygiene. Wash hands regularly. Take a couple of tubs of antiseptic hand wipes and remember to use them

- Drink plenty of fluids. If you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated

- Beware the midday sun. Even in Europe and especially at altitude, the sun’s strength can catch you unaware

- If you feel ill, don’t suffer in silence. Tell your guide so that they can help to nip problems in the bud



First Aid Kit

We reccommend you always keep a First Aid kit onboard your vehicle, and suggest it contains the following:

-Throat lozenges
- Latex Gloves
- Plasters (Various Sizes)
- Antiseptic Cream
- Rehydration Salts
- Imodium
- Antibiotics
- Aspirin/Paracetrmol/Ibuprofen Painkillers
- Antibiotic Eye Drops
- Sun Cream/Block
- Lip Salve
- Antihistamine Cream
- Insect Repellent
- Sting Relief
- Ear Plugs
- Sea Sickness Tablets
- Water Purification Tablets
- Scissors
- Tweezers