Travel insurance – why it’s needed

Health & Leisure
Thursday, 17 January 2019

Many of us spend most of the year looking forward to a trip away, whether it’s picking a destination or finally setting off. 

The unfortunate side of any holiday is becoming ill.

Medical travel insurance company GetGoing has studied the different ailments that can affect tourists and the countries that pose the biggest threat to travellers. Their study focuses on the most dangerous destinations and what to look out for, as well as some handy tips on staying safe throughout your stay.   

The Riskiest Nations Across the Globe

  • India - The second most populous country in the world, India is notorious for travellers’ diarrhoea. Other diseases to be wary of include typhoid and hepatitis A, due to poor sanitation.
  • Kenya -  This East African nation is on the danger list for as many as five travel-related illnesses, malaria, dengue, typhoid, hepatitis A and traveller’s diarrhoea.
  • Thailand - The average value of an insurance claim in this part of Southeast Asia is high, with travellers diarrhoea the most common ailment.
  • Peru - Peru is a hotbed for dengue and typhoid.
  • Indonesia - The average cost of a claim in Indonesia is low but the region poses a threat in terms of illnesses such as Hepatitis A.

 

How are bugs transmitted?

  • Contaminated food - While no one wants to be discouraged from sampling new cuisines, food is one of the main sources of illnesses such as travellers diarrhoea which affects 20-40 per cent of travellers. Whether it’s unclean, undercooked or unwashed, be wary of what your eating when abroad.
  • Poor sanitation - Locations where there is a lack of clean water, open sewers and toilets are hotbeds for bacteria and parasites to thrive. Steer clear of tap water and ice in your drinks to avoid disease in the risky nations.
  • Insect bites - The WHO estimates that the mosquito is the deadliest animal alive, resulting in over one million deaths every year. Travellers can equip themselves with maps showing danger zones for malaria and dengue to stay safe.

Top tips to stay safe

  • Prior to travel, be sure to visit your doctor to ensure you’re up to date with vaccinations and also find out if you need any others or medication before going to a specific country.
  • Take stock of include DEET repellents which can be sprayed in your room or applied to the skin before going outdoors.
  • Carry travel sickness or altitude sickness relief tablets if you have been prescribed to use these by your doctor or you have experienced these illnesses in the past.
  • Be sure to source sealed water sources, and steer clear of ice to avoid water-borne illnesses on your travels.

Travel insurance – why it’s needed

Health & Leisure
Thursday, 17 January 2019

Many of us spend most of the year looking forward to a trip away, whether it’s picking a destination or finally setting off. 

The unfortunate side of any holiday is becoming ill.

Medical travel insurance company GetGoing has studied the different ailments that can affect tourists and the countries that pose the biggest threat to travellers. Their study focuses on the most dangerous destinations and what to look out for, as well as some handy tips on staying safe throughout your stay.   

The Riskiest Nations Across the Globe

  • India - The second most populous country in the world, India is notorious for travellers’ diarrhoea. Other diseases to be wary of include typhoid and hepatitis A, due to poor sanitation.
  • Kenya -  This East African nation is on the danger list for as many as five travel-related illnesses, malaria, dengue, typhoid, hepatitis A and traveller’s diarrhoea.
  • Thailand - The average value of an insurance claim in this part of Southeast Asia is high, with travellers diarrhoea the most common ailment.
  • Peru - Peru is a hotbed for dengue and typhoid.
  • Indonesia - The average cost of a claim in Indonesia is low but the region poses a threat in terms of illnesses such as Hepatitis A.

 

How are bugs transmitted?

  • Contaminated food - While no one wants to be discouraged from sampling new cuisines, food is one of the main sources of illnesses such as travellers diarrhoea which affects 20-40 per cent of travellers. Whether it’s unclean, undercooked or unwashed, be wary of what your eating when abroad.
  • Poor sanitation - Locations where there is a lack of clean water, open sewers and toilets are hotbeds for bacteria and parasites to thrive. Steer clear of tap water and ice in your drinks to avoid disease in the risky nations.
  • Insect bites - The WHO estimates that the mosquito is the deadliest animal alive, resulting in over one million deaths every year. Travellers can equip themselves with maps showing danger zones for malaria and dengue to stay safe.

Top tips to stay safe

  • Prior to travel, be sure to visit your doctor to ensure you’re up to date with vaccinations and also find out if you need any others or medication before going to a specific country.
  • Take stock of include DEET repellents which can be sprayed in your room or applied to the skin before going outdoors.
  • Carry travel sickness or altitude sickness relief tablets if you have been prescribed to use these by your doctor or you have experienced these illnesses in the past.
  • Be sure to source sealed water sources, and steer clear of ice to avoid water-borne illnesses on your travels.