handy hints when travelling - fish insurance...beware of talk and data roaming charges; to avoid...

Information Guides

HANDY HINTSWHEN

TRAVELLING

INTRODUCTION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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8BEFORE YOUESCAPE

13ON YOURTRAVELS

7MEDICATIONS, INOCULATIONS AND HEALTH PRECAUTIONS

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10

14 19YOUR TRAVELCHECKLIST

AIRPORTEXTRAS

4ACCESSIBLEHOLIDAYS

LUGGAGEAND MONEY

11

USEFUL LINKS

12GETTING AROUND

6PASSPORTSAND VISAS

We travel to enjoy, to experience, to explore. We don’t travel to be stressed or to worry. Here are some tips from us to help you reduce the risk of accident, illness or simple inconvenience whilst away from home.

To make the most of your holiday we’ve prepared this

handy booklet for people living with pre-existing medical conditions or disabilities, as a reminder of the things to do before travelling and tips for whilst on holiday.

We've gathered lots of information from a number of different sources to help us write this guide.

INSURANCE FLYING AND DIFFERENT TRAVEL METHODS

Arranging a trip takes a lot of planning and organisation.Here at Fish we want to help you sort the little things that can make or break your holiday.

BEFORE YOU ESCAPE

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ACCESSIBLE HOLIDAYS

AIRPORT EXTRAS

PASSPORTS AND VISAS

MEDICATIONS, INOCULATIONS AND HEALTH PRECAUTIONS

Call our team on 0333 331 3807

When making holiday plans, make sure you consider any assistance or specialist requirements that you may need. It’s important to check that any airports, hotels, car rental companies, restaurants and so on can meet your requirements. Think of everything you might need on your trip such as an accessible hire car, or meals that meet any dietary requirements.

These are just some accessible and disabled travel specialists that review accommodation and o�er advice:

ACCESSIBLE HOLIDAYS

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ACCOMMODATION, SERVICES AND SPECIALIST TOUR OPERATORS

ACCESS AT LAST: Includes directory of accessible UK, European and US accommodation and late offers.

ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL & LEISURE: Established specialist operator featuring holidays in the UK, Europe, Canary Islands, Africa and America, including skiing breaks and sea and river cruises.

DISABLED HOLIDAYS: One of the UK's largest accessible holiday specialists that enables you to travel without limits.

ENABLE HOLIDAYS: Specialist tour operator serving European beach and city destinations, Egypt and Florida.

HOLIDAYS FOR ALL: Directory of accessible holiday options in the UK and overseas, including safaris, sailing and canal boat breaks.

REVITALISE: UK short breaks and holidays at centres in Essex, Southampton and Southport.

www.accessibletravel.co.uk

www.disabledholidays.com

www.enableholidays.com

www.holidaysforall.org

www.accessatlast.com

www.vitalise.org.uk

AIRPORT EXTRAS

REMEMBER: If you book flights and accommodation separately, it's important to check whether you will be covered by the Air Transport Organisers Licence (ATOL) scheme should your airline fail. It's also important to check whether you will get a refund on you accommodation or to be repatriated at no extra cost should this happen.

To see what we can o�er and take the hassle out of your trip, visit www.holidayextras.co.uk or call 0800 093 5478, quoting reference WA364

At Fish, we believe nothing should stop you having a great time on your holiday, which is why we’ve teamed up with the UK’s leading provider of airport essentials, Holiday Extras, to help you have a stress-free trip. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, or just find travelling a little more di�icult, our convenient range of airport hotels, car parks and lounges are there to ensure you get the help you need, while also enjoying the freedom you deserve.

5Call our team on 0333 331 3807

Take note of and safely store your passport number in case it is lost or stolen and you need to apply for an emergency replacement via the British embassy (whose location you’ve also noted before departing!).

It’s also worth letting someone you trust in the UK have your contact and insurance details in case of emergency.

If you’re web savvy, consider storing all such useful information on a cloud-based secure site which can then be accessed wherever you can get an internet connection.

Take another means of identification with you preferably with a photograph.

Write the full details of your next of kin in your passport.

For more information visit www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/passportsPASSPORT

PASSPORTSAND VISASSome countries require you to have at least six months le� on your passport before you can enter and, of course, visa requirements vary widely. If you need to apply for a passport for the first time allow plenty of time as you’ll be required to attend a passport o�ice for interview – the process can now take up to six weeks.

Make sure that everyone in your party is aware of any entry requirements and that they have a valid passport: the last thing you want is for you to gain entry but someone who you perhaps rely on is denied.

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Check what’s allowed – Different countries have different rules and regulations regarding the types of medication they allow into the country. You can check the rules of each country you’re travelling to by contacting the foreign embassies.A full list is available on the GOV.uk website) www.gov.uk/government/publications/foreign-embassies-in-the-uk

NHS (2015)

All above information is based on www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/1074.aspx?CategoryID=70

“If you need prescribed medication for your health condition, talk to your GP or practice nurse about your travel plans at least two months before your departure date. They can tell you if you need to make any special arrangements.”

MEDICATIONS, INOCULATIONS AND HEALTH PRECAUTIONS

The NHS advises that you should carry your medicine in its original, correctly labelled packaging along with a copy of your prescription.

As suggested by the NHS, you should carry your medication in your hand luggage, but check your airline’s regulations before travelling. It has also been advised that you should pack a spare supply of your medication in your hold luggage, in case you lose your hand luggage.

If you’re travelling to a warm country, you can get advice from your pharmacist about how you should store your medicine to keep it at the right temperature.

“If you’re planning to travel outside of the UK, you may need to be vaccinated against some of the serious diseases found in other parts of the world.” – NHS (2015)

The NHS provides a handy destination-by-destination health guide which includes inoculation advice; www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations.aspx


SPECIALISTTRAVEL INSURANCE

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REMEMBER:

If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, then you may have found it di�icult to find a�ordable travel insurance – or even get insured. Thankfully Fish o�ers a specially designed travel health insurance policy which covers most medical conditions such as a stroke, epilepsy, cancers, high blood pressure, diabetes, angina and other heart complaints.

When applying for insurance you need to disclose any pre-existing medical conditions to make sure that you are fully covered.

Consider looking to cover the whole travelling party so that in the event the holiday needed to be cancelled, they can claim under the policy too.

You should always take a copy of your travel insurance documentation away with you.

IMPORTANT: You should never travel without appropriate travel insurance.

of us travelledwithout insurance*

24%of travellers visited a hospital or doctor whilst abroad*

*Research by the Association of British Travel Agents (2013)

20%

Our policy has been created specifically to serve people with pre-existing medical conditions, providing comprehensive travel insurance as well as o�ering specific benefits, such as emergency replacement of your vital prescription medicines or carer. Whether European or worldwide, annual or single trip, we provide travel insurance cover for a wide range of pre-existing medical conditions and what’s more, there is no upper age limit.

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WHY CHOOSE FISH?

For more information on travel insurance or to get a quote, call us on 0333 331 3807 or visit www.fishinsurance.co.uk/products/travel-insurance

Covers a wide-range of pre-existing medical conditions.

No age limit.

Covers emergency replacement of prescription medicines.

KEY BENEFITSProvides for a replacement carer.

Protects mobility and disabilityequipment. Friendly UK-based claims service and specialist medical assistance.

15 %ONLINE

DISCOUNT

Limitations and exclusions apply to Fish Insurance policies.†15% discount applies to Travel Insurance policies purchased online only.

Terms and conditions apply. These offers are not to be used in conjunction with any other promotion or discount. Offer valid until 31.12.2017.


†

LUGGAGE AND MONEY

For more information on travel money, visit www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/categories/cars-and-travel

You can’t take more than 100ml of liquid on an aircra� (except prescribed medication) and this must be carried in a container placed inside a transparent resealable bag.

MONEYLUGGAGE

To read the restrictions, visit www.gov.uk/hand-luggage-restrictions

Weigh your hand and hold luggage to check you’re not exceeding allowances or to calculate any excess charges you may need to pay.

Use locks on your suitcases and bags.

Use easily identifiable, personalised tags/stickers so you can spot your luggage on the carousel.

Find out which currency is used in the country/countries you are travelling to.

It's a good idea to find out whether cash, cards or traveller's cheques are the best options for your travel money.

The Money Advice Service suggests that it's a good idea to take some travel money in the local currency to pay for essentials. However, they also advise that you should avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

Check the expiry date on your debit/credit cards.

Shop around for the best exchange rate to get more for your money.

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MOBILE PHONESIf you’re planning on using your mobile phone, check with your provider that you’ll have network access in the countries you are visiting.

Beware of talk and data roaming charges; to avoid hefty bills go into your phones settings and switch off data roaming or set a data limit.

Make sure your phone is password protected.

If you need/want to access the internet check if your accommodation has free Wi-Fi and its availability elsewhere. Open Wi-Fi hotspots aren't as secure as private ones so be wary of entering sensitive information when connected.

PASSPORT

FLYING & DIFFERENTTRAVEL METHODS

DURING YOUR JOUNEYTry and move around, particularly important when on a long journey.

Drink plenty of water.

Wear comfortable clothes.

Stretch often during the journey.

Try and relax.

PREPARING TO TRAVELTry and ensure you reserve a good seat. Even within the same class and fare some seats are much better than others.

Consider an aisle or exit row seat to provide more leg room, or a window seat if you want to sleep.

Try and avoid seats near toilets as other passengers will be using these and may bump or knock you.

Consider bringing your own food if you have special dietary requirements.

Prepare a first aid kit and take it with you – include rehydration sachets.

You should tell the airline about your disability at least 48 hours before departure.


GETTING AROUNDIf you use a manual or powered wheelchair, rather than taking yours abroad, consider hiring locally. Airlines and airports will offer wheelchair assistance to get you to the gate and on an aircraft, as will many rail companies and stations: but check, book and confirm before you travel.

At the back of the booklet, see our handy checklist of things to do and pack.

LAST MINUTE REMINDERSIf you have milk or newspapers delivered don’t forget to cancel them.

If possible ask a neighbour to check that no post, leaflets or free newspapers are left hanging out of your letter box.

Use a timer(s) to set a light(s) on – and perhaps a talk radio station to come on whilst you’re away.

Turn off anything that doesn’t need to be left on.

Empty your fridge of any perishable foods.

Turn down your heating - although in winter in particular it’s advisable to set your timer so it comes on once a day.

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ON YOUR TRAVELS

A RESPECT AGENDA

DRESS SENSE

To enjoy your holidays and make the most of your experience, you should remain vigilant and take extra care to protect yourself and your belongings. If possible, keep your passport in a room or hotel safe.

TIPPLE TIPSAn obvious point we know, but be careful with alcohol. Drink can lower your defences, impair your reactions, skew your thinking and can lead to awkward situations. At home this can be a problem, abroad ten times more so. Excessive alcohol consumption can also invalidate your insurance.

On the flipside if you’re in hot or humid countries, or engaging in physical activity, keep yourself well hydrated by drinking plenty of water from a safe supply; if in any doubt, use bottled.

Pack clothes to suit the climate, culture and social occasions.

Consider what to wear when travelling bearing in mind the local weather conditions and any difficulties you may have should you need to change clothes on arrival.

Don’t forget that you’ll need something to wear for the journey home when you get back to the UK.

Roll rather than fold clothes to prevent creases.

Respect local laws, customs and the people: dress and behave in a manner appropriate to your hosts.

Ask before taking pictures of people or their property and make sure you are permitted to use your camera when photographing buildings which may be sensitive such as military or security facilities.

Try learning a few simple phrases in the local language: it’s often really appreciated and, who knows, might mean you enjoy better service!


ITEM NOTES

Accessibility Consider every aspect of your journey and stay: getting to and across airports, airline seating, transport at your destination, wheelchair hire, accommodation. If possible, book with a disabled travel specialist.

Inoculations Check if vaccinations are required or recommended. You can usually arrange these through your surgery, otherwise a specialist travel clinic. Some countries may require an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) before allowing you entry.

Passport Confirm validity. Allow plenty of time for renewal and up to 6 weeks for new passports.

Visas Check requirements and apply well in advance. Some countries may require you to attend an embassy interview.

Currency/travellers cheques

Check which currency is used and whether travellers cheques are appropriate for your destination.

Insurance Buy appropriate cover; read your policy documents and store the policy reference securely.

Mobile phone Check network coverage and data roaming.

Medications Order enough to cover your period of travel and a little bit more. If possible, take a repeat prescription with you.

Research Read a decent travel guide so you know what to expect, the dos and don’ts and likely accessibility issues.

Here's our ultimate list of things to consider before you travel. We've used the many sources from this guide, along with our own personal experiences, to help you prepare for your trip.

EARLY DOORS

TRAVEL CHECKLIST

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Cancel newspapers/milk

Pay any urgent bills

Plan your route to the airport

If you’re driving, make sure you can access appropriate parking – pre-booking is advisable. Note down airport/airline/taxi/parking contact details in case you are delayed.

Insurance Give policy details to a trusted friend or family member along with your travel itinerary.

Tickets and documents

Check all your tickets, visas, passports etc. have arrived.

Baggage allowance Check hold and hand luggage allowances with your airline(s).

Luggage Decide what you’ll need to put in your hand luggage (e.g. medications, travel documents). Remember the restrictions on liquids. Pack and weigh the day before travel.

Re-confirm your flight

Do this the day before you travel.

Home security If you have a response alarm service, advise your provider that you'll be away. Fitting timers for lights and a radio are a good way to make it look like someone's home and it's a good idea to keep the build up of post out of sight. You could also give a set of keys to a trusted friend or family member.

IN THE IMMEDIATE RUN-UP

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FUNDAMENTALS HAND / HOLD

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO PACK?

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Passport and visas (if required) – and copies

Flight tickets and itinerary

Insurance documents

Currency/travellers cheques

Credit/debit cards

Prescription medication

Airline/airport approval to carry liquid medicines

Prescription copy/GP’s note

Feminine hygiene products

Accommodation booking reference, details and directions

Driving licence

Airport parking ticket

Mobility/hearing aids (with spare battery)

Dentures

Glasses/contact lenses and fluid (hold luggage)

Camera + memory cards (or film if non digital)

Mobile phone and accessories

Travel adaptor

Destination appropriate clothing/accessories (sunglasses, hat)

Appropriate return journey clothing

Compression stockings (flight socks)

Suncream and after-sun lotion

Spare underwear

Toothbrush and paste

Shaving equipment

Deodorant

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LESS ESSENTIALS & LITTLE LUXURIES HAND / HOLD

Travel iron

Travel kettle

Travel hairdryer

Travel pillow

Hair straighteners

Wet wipes

Translation dictionary/phrase book/electronic translator

Travel guide(s)/map(s)

MP3 player/iPod

Tablet/laptop

Internet radio/bluetooth speakers

Headphones

Books/E-reader

Currency converter

Ear plugs

Eye mask

Cosmetics, hair grips, comb, brush, nail file, compact mirror

Sewing kit

Insect repellent and bite cream

Headache pills

Plasters/antiseptic cream

Hand sanitiser

Binoculars

Compass

Tea bags

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PASSPORT

ITEM NOTES

ON THE DAY

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Secure your home Lock all windows and doors, set light timers and if possible keep any cars in a garage.

Switch off what you don’t need to leave on.

Set heating on low and on a timer or switch off water to prevent burst pipes in winter.

Stow these somewhere safe yet accessible, such as a money belt.

Switch off appliances

Empty fridge of perishables

Set heating or turn off water

Check for flight delays

Tickets, documents, passport and money

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HANDY HINTS WHEN

TRAVELLING

USEFUL LINKS

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TRAVEL ADVICEFOREIGN & COMMONWEALTH OFFICE: Extensive general and country specific travel advice.

GOV.UK: Offers advice and tips on air travel for people with disabilities.

TOURISM FOR ALL: Charity site offering advice and information on accessible UK holidays.

www.gov.uk/travelaware

www.gov.uk/transport-disabled/planes

www.tourismforall.org.uk

FOR ACCOMMODATION, SERVICES AND SPECIALIST TOUR OPERATORS SEE PAGE 4.


Fish Insurance is a trading style of Fish Administration Ltd. Company Registration no: 4214119 England & Wales.Fish Administration Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, under firm reference number 310172. You can check this on the Financial Services Register by visiting the FCA’s website at www.fca.org.uk or by contacting them on 0800 111 6768.

^Calls to 0333 numbers are usually chargeable at a local rate from both UK landlines and mobile phones. These calls are usually included within network providers’ “free minutes” packages. †15% discount applies to Travel Insurance policies purchased online.

Last updated January 2017 1610-1038

FISHINSURANCE.CO.UK/PRODUCTS/TRAVEL-INSURANCE/CALL OUR TEAM ON 0333 331 3807

handy hints when travelling - fish insurance...beware of talk and data roaming charges; to avoid...

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