Staying healthy while traveling to Europe

Staying healthy while traveling to Europe

Access to healthcare

As an Europe Union national, if you are suddenly taken ill or have an accident during a temporary visit to any Europe Union country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, you are entitled to the same public healthcare services as the residents of the country you are visiting. Each country has its own rules for public medical provision. In some, treatment is free, in some you pay part of the cost, in others you have to pay the full cost and then claim a refund. So keep all your bills, prescriptions and receipts. Apply for reimbursement in the country you are visiting or, failing that, when you get home.

A European health insurance card simplifies procedures, cuts red tape and helps to speed up the reimbursement of costs. If you do not yet have a card, get it from your local social security or sickness insurance office. Some countries incorporate the European card on the reverse side of a national card and others issue separate cards.

Travel insurance

The European health insurance card is not a substitute for travel insurance as it may not cover all health costs and it never covers repatriation costs or mountain rescue. So you may want to take out separate travel insurance to cover those risks.

Medicines

Take your prescription with you if you are carrying prescribed medicines. Do not exceed the quantities needed for your personal use during your trip, as large quantities of drugs can create suspicion.

Immunisation

There are, in general, no immunisation requirements when travelling in the Europe Union. However, there are requirements or recommendations for certain of the Europe Union’s overseas territories. Check with your doctor before you go.

                                                                 Bathing water

Strict standards are set for bathing water throughout the Europa Union  and the overall water quality is improving. An annual European Commission report gives useful water quality information for holiday-makers on both coastal and inland waters across the Europe Union.

If you see a Blue Flag on a beach or at a marina, you can be assured that it has reached specific standards on water quality, safety, services, environmental management and information. Over 2 900 beaches and marinas in the Europe Union  were awarded a Blue Flag in 2009/10. This voluntary scheme is run by the Foundation for Environmental Education.

Source :   European Commission