Swimsuits, sunscreen, passport, books… Everything has been carefully prepared for a good holiday. But have you thought about the most important health issues?
Vacations will be spent abroad. According to a barometer published in 2023 by assistance provider Europ Assistance, 78% of French people plan to go on vacation in 2023of which 40% of them plan to stay abroad. For the latter, certain steps are to be taken.
1. The European health insurance card, a precious sesame
For a trip to Europe, specifically the European Union, the European Economic Area, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) should not be overlooked. It allows anyone attached to the Health Insurance to benefit from care under the same conditions than residents of the country of stay, on simple presentation of the card but only in public establishments. She is to be requested free of charge on the Ameli.fr website, where it may be used dematerialized. What reassurance in case of medical emergency.
2. Insurance: check your level of coverage
Outside Europe, and in cases not covered by the European health insurance card (such as when repatriation is necessary), insurance comes into play. Before leaving France, it is important to “check coverage and warranty levelsto make sure they meet our needs, to inquire and find out if there is a need to show proof of coverage at our resort.e”, according to Francine Abgrall, Travel Business Line Director at Europ Assistance France. To the expert to add: “Since Covid-19, around 40 countries require proof of insurance coverage showing the limits of coverage for medical care.”
3. Yellow fever, hepatitis A, diphtheria… Check the vaccines to be done
Depending on the country of destination, there are vaccines that absolutely must be taken Daniel Boulanger, medical director at Europ Assistance France, mentions, for example, the yellow fever vaccinewithout which “you can’t go to some countries“. The vast majority of people who have contracted this virus, transmitted by a mosquito bite, are in Africa. There are also cases in South America. It is therefore compulsory to make this injection before going to an intertropical endemic zone from Africa or South America. Among the vaccines recommended for travelers, there are also those against diphtheria, as well as hepatitis A and B. I’Pastor Institute offers an interactive map on its site, where the mandatory and recommended vaccines are listed for each destination. The institution also warns when preventive treatment must be taken before a trip. It’s the case for malaria, a parasitic infection transmitted by a mosquito bite, the preventive treatment is not reimbursed and must be prescribed by his doctor.
4. Provide enough medication for the entire stay
Daniel Boulanger warns of another problem encountered by travellers. If they take treatment and don’t plan enough medication for the entire length of stay, they may find themselves in a bind. It is therefore important to plan the necessary stock before leaving French territory. And of take your prescription with youin case.
5. Put a first aid kit in your suitcase
More generally, prepare a first aid kit with commonly used drugs is highly recommended without forgetting high protection sunscreen. The doctor advises to bring anti-diarrheals, anti-emetics, anti-fevers, painkillers (such as paracetamol), antihistamines, dressings and disinfectants. He also recommends taking melatonin to avoid jet lag, and to bring mosquito repellents before staying”in countries that require taking antimalarials and vaccination against yellow fever“. If the medication does not work and if the symptoms persist, do not hesitate to consult a local doctor quickly.
Thanks to Daniel Boulanger and Francine Abgrall, respectively medical director and travel business line director at Europ Assistance France.