It’s 2am in the morning on your first day on holiday in Greece and your 3-year-old is shouting the place down with unbearable earache – what to do? Talking Nurses from Direct Travel Insurance (DTI) have the answers with their unique helpline service which provides guidance on health problems, information on foreign hospitals and clinics, details of foreign brand names and even information on what prescription medication is called in different languages. This unique service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at no extra cost for all DTI policyholders.
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DTI’s Terrie Ryan said: "We’ve noticed an increase in calls about stomach upsets abroad over the last few weeks. Also with our wet and cold summer, problems with dehydration could be more common owing to the sudden increase in temperature experienced on arrival in hot destinations such as southern Europe, or north Africa, so it is important to increase the amount of fluids consumed.
“We spend a lot of time reassuring holidaymakers about how the hospital care system works abroad. For example in Italy, Spain, Turkey and Greece nurses don’t provide basic care, so a family member will have to buy food for their loved one and help with basic care such as trips to the toilet, changing bed linen or getting them dressed.
“In fact, a bed is often provided for the relative to stay alongside the patient to provide that care. The language barrier can create extra concern if you are taken ill abroad. At DTI Talking Nurses we can provide a translator to help with explanations on medical conditions and treatment,” added Terrie.
DTI Travel Health Tips
1. Carry any essential medicine in your hand luggage for easy access. Take your repeat prescription slip with you in case, for example, you need replacement medicine owing to lost baggage.
2. If travelling by plane you won’t be able to take liquid medicines that exceed 100ml limits, so if you have children it may be worth stocking up on some children’s paracetamol at a supermarket or pharmacy when you arrive at the resort.
3. Food must be piping hot, whether you are in your hotel restaurant or at a fast food stall, so avoid buffets and follow the golden rules of eating abroad: ‘cook it, peel it, or forget it’.
4. Children’s ear and throat infections are often caught from swimming pools abroad, so always get the kids to shower off when they come out of the pool
5. If you are travelling far afield always seek medical advice, ideally several months before travelling. The website Fit for Travel: www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home is an excellent source of advice.
DTI Summer promotion
A 20% discount is currently on offer for all new DTI travel insurance policies bought before 31st July 2012, to celebrate the company’s 20th Anniversary this year.