Menu
26/03/2009
Holidaymakers 'Too Worried' About Cost To Seek Treatment Abroad
A new survey released today by the Department of Health reveals that while almost 50% of British holidaymakers have become ill on holiday, 35% have delayed medical treatment until they return, even when it was essential.
The main reasons given for not seeking treatment abroad are concerns about the potential cost and lack of travel insurance.
The survey also revealed that many travellers have admitted to buying treatment over the counter that they do not understand due to language barriers and unfamiliar terms.
However, British travellers are putting themselves needlessly at risk as a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will entitle them to reduced cost of free healthcare in most European countries. The research showed that nearly three in five people claim to have an EHIC, but 68% of these don't know when it expires.
Almost 3.3 million EHICs will have expired by the end of March 2009. Travellers with out-of-date EHICs who require medical treatment will have to cover the cost themselves or claim on their travel insurance.
Dr Hilary Jones, GMTV's resident GP advises: "I'm concerned that so many holidaymakers are needlessly putting their health at risk, when a valid EHIC will provide them with access to reduced cost or even free treatment.
"By delaying treatment until you return home, you are potentially allowing a condition to worsen in the meantime.
"Nobody should ever take any medicines, even those sold over the counter in a pharmacy, if they don't understand the labelling, dosing guidance or warnings on side-effects. This is reckless behaviour and could lead to serious harm.
"If you're travelling in Europe, it is vital that you carry a valid EHIC, as well as comprehensive travel insurance.
"The last thing you want to be thinking about when you're on holiday is paying unnecessary medical bills, which could cost thousands of pounds," he said.
"The EHIC card will give you peace of mind that you'll be looked after if something does go wrong - but only if it is in date.
"Check your EHIC now to ensure it has not expired - it's quick and easy to apply for a new card," he urged.
(JM/BMcC)
The main reasons given for not seeking treatment abroad are concerns about the potential cost and lack of travel insurance.
The survey also revealed that many travellers have admitted to buying treatment over the counter that they do not understand due to language barriers and unfamiliar terms.
However, British travellers are putting themselves needlessly at risk as a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will entitle them to reduced cost of free healthcare in most European countries. The research showed that nearly three in five people claim to have an EHIC, but 68% of these don't know when it expires.
Almost 3.3 million EHICs will have expired by the end of March 2009. Travellers with out-of-date EHICs who require medical treatment will have to cover the cost themselves or claim on their travel insurance.
Dr Hilary Jones, GMTV's resident GP advises: "I'm concerned that so many holidaymakers are needlessly putting their health at risk, when a valid EHIC will provide them with access to reduced cost or even free treatment.
"By delaying treatment until you return home, you are potentially allowing a condition to worsen in the meantime.
"Nobody should ever take any medicines, even those sold over the counter in a pharmacy, if they don't understand the labelling, dosing guidance or warnings on side-effects. This is reckless behaviour and could lead to serious harm.
"If you're travelling in Europe, it is vital that you carry a valid EHIC, as well as comprehensive travel insurance.
"The last thing you want to be thinking about when you're on holiday is paying unnecessary medical bills, which could cost thousands of pounds," he said.
"The EHIC card will give you peace of mind that you'll be looked after if something does go wrong - but only if it is in date.
"Check your EHIC now to ensure it has not expired - it's quick and easy to apply for a new card," he urged.
(JM/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 August 2004
New Euro health insurance proposals unveiled
Proposals for the UK-wide introduction of the new European health insurance card have been published today by the Department of Health.
New Euro health insurance proposals unveiled
Proposals for the UK-wide introduction of the new European health insurance card have been published today by the Department of Health.
10 October 2005
Elderly mental health care criticised in new report
Older people suffering from mental health problems are facing a lack of adequate services and age discrimination, a charity report has revealed.
Elderly mental health care criticised in new report
Older people suffering from mental health problems are facing a lack of adequate services and age discrimination, a charity report has revealed.
31 May 2004
Regulations needed to protect health of air travellers
Regulated standards of healthcare and medical advice must be brought in to protect the welfare of the two billion people who travel by air each year, the British Medical Association (BMA) has urged.
Regulations needed to protect health of air travellers
Regulated standards of healthcare and medical advice must be brought in to protect the welfare of the two billion people who travel by air each year, the British Medical Association (BMA) has urged.
30 January 2009
Pandemic Flu Drug Stockpiles Set To Double
The UK today awarded contracts to double emergency supplies of flu drugs to treat everyone who is predicted to fall ill in a pandemic, making the UK one of the most prepared countries in the world. The agreements with Roche and GlaxoSmithKline will double antiviral stockpiles, which are expected to be in place by April 2009.
Pandemic Flu Drug Stockpiles Set To Double
The UK today awarded contracts to double emergency supplies of flu drugs to treat everyone who is predicted to fall ill in a pandemic, making the UK one of the most prepared countries in the world. The agreements with Roche and GlaxoSmithKline will double antiviral stockpiles, which are expected to be in place by April 2009.
21 June 2006
Government announces funding for drug treatment services
Drug treatment services across the country will receive an extra £95.2 million this year, under new plans announced by the government. The Department of Health, supported by £22 million of funding from the Home Office, will provide Drug Action Teams with £394.6 million - an increase of over 30% from last year.
Government announces funding for drug treatment services
Drug treatment services across the country will receive an extra £95.2 million this year, under new plans announced by the government. The Department of Health, supported by £22 million of funding from the Home Office, will provide Drug Action Teams with £394.6 million - an increase of over 30% from last year.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy morning with a few showers at times. Becoming dry in the afternoon and staying mainly cloudy, but some sunshine breaking through particularly in the east. Maximum temperature 16 °C.Tonight:Quite cloudy across all counties at first but clear spells most likely towards Down and Antrim, becoming widespread through the evening and overnight. Minimum temperature 5 °C.
