Natural Disasters
Heatwaves across Northern Europe are becoming more frequent. They are often followed by storms and hurricanes. Each natural disaster can cause travel disruption, alter our itineraries, and some of our chosen activities may be cancelled altogether. While we are at risk of suffering from dehydration, heat exhaustion, and cardiovascular stress. If you live with a medical condition already, you may see your symptoms worsen or become aggravated.
It is therefore advisable to take out travel insurance that provides cover for medical conditions and medical emergencies, such as Free Spirit. Also, many policies will include a form of natural disaster or catastrophe cover to pay for cancellation and curtailment costs, plus additional costs and any travel or accommodation costs needed.
Ocean Swimming
We believe everyone should have the freedom to travel without worry but do not be blind to the risks. Being overconfident when swimming in foreign waters can expose you to unseen risks. These include destinations with strong rip currents or coastlines where waves are larger than at home.
Swimming is one of the one hundred activities included within the Free Spirit policy. However, do not take unnecessary risks and know your limits. Whether you are on water or dry land, take safety precautions before and during your trip.
Adventurous Activities
Take care to research the risks associated with any activities you wish to experience on holiday and then ensure you book with an operator who follows strict safety standards – check they can demonstrate their safety processes. Observe all safety advice and use/wear the correct clothing and equipment provided. For assistance, view the FCDO’s activity checklist.
Before taking out a policy, ensure it includes both medical expenses and repatriation cover. This will provide cover for the costs of an air ambulance and transportation home. Useful if you are far from the nearest public hospital and need emergency medical treatment or medication. Find yourself in a medical emergency aboard? Prepare to get help as quickly as possible!
Mental Health-Related Issues
Travelling can boost our mental well-being in many ways. If you are taking medication, ensure you have enough before leaving home, so it is unlikely to run out. On the other hand, travelling solo can have its challenges. Make sure you have a dedicated support network at home, who you can contact should you get into any difficulties.
Either way, if your mental health deteriorates and you face a crisis or manic episode, you may find there is no mental health support available. If you wish to receive help, contact the British Embassy, which works closely with FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) Travel Care Teams, such as Gatwick Travel Care, Heathrow Travel Care, Luton and Manchester.
Often visiting the airport during the week, each team is made up of a group of social workers who collaborate with their colleagues at British Embassies. Their aim is to look after British Nationals overseas who want mental health support. To receive this service abroad (or on your return at the airport), you must have travel insurance in place for them to help you. Each travel care team will then provide solutions after assessing you abroad or upon arrival.
Harassment and Sexual Assault
There is always the worry about the risks of harassment, discrimination, and sexual assault, particularly if you are a solo traveller. It is recommended that you read up on a country’s social and cultural norms before leaving home to become more confident about a country’s culture and beliefs. When travelling, refer to a real-time travel app hosted by a Medical Assistance Provider. This will provide you with further comfort. If you are harassed, assaulted, and require emergency medical care, treatment will be included under emergency medical costs of a travel insurance policy.
Food Allergy Reactions
You may be aware of what foods agree with you and which do not. However, unfamiliar cuisine may include unknown ingredients that may trigger allergic reactions.
Starting to question the cost of your travel insurance policy? It is worth remembering that it will be a relatively low cost when compared to the price of medical treatment abroad. Your premium may even be equal to the cost of your first hour of emergency medical treatment if you do not take out a policy.
We recommend taking out a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC card) to ensure you receive state-provided healthcare in qualifying countries if you cannot wait until you are home for treatment, although your treatment abroad with a GHIC will be at a reduced cost, not free.
