8 Precautions to Take for Safe and Healthy Travel

Posted on: Feb 19, 2019 | | Written by: None

8 Precautions to Take for Safe and Healthy Travel

As the famous Ibn Battuta once said, “Travel, it leaves you speechless, and then turns you into a storyteller.” Indeed, travel is truly a ‘food for the soul’. However, if you ask a traveller, his tales may not be as rosy as you think. What we are referring to here is travel-related health woes and other unwanted issues.

Most travellers, at some point, face health issues. This could be attributed to a change of environment, weather, and sometimes even infections that are prevalent in and around the place. A few of these commonly noted issues are:

• Motion sickness

• Jet lag

• Muscle aches and pains

• Respiratory problems, especially if you are travelling at high altitudes

• Diarrhoea

• Air-borne infections

• Water-borne infections

• Viral flu

This blog discusses eight safety precautions to take while travelling to ensure a safe, healthy, and enjoyable trip.

Here we go:

1. Stay wary of what you drink

Each place has a different standard of hygiene. In some areas, the water may contain bacteria and other viruses that can cause digestive problems and diarrhoea. Therefore, the best thing to do while travelling would be to drink bottled or treated water if you have that option.

2. Eat wisely

In order to avoid the bug, make sure you eat from places that are hygienic. Consume a variety of fruits and vegetables, and opt for cooked meals. Avoid street food, especially if you have a sensitive digestive system. Also, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before eating.

3. Protect yourself from insect bites

You could do this by applying an insect repellent cream. A great idea to combat mosquitoes is to add a few drops of citronella (a natural mosquito repellent) oil to your moisturiser.

4. Get vaccinated

Getting vaccinated is important, especially if you’re travelling to places where chikungunya, malaria, dengue fever, encephalitis, and other diseases are common.

5. Avoid public toilets

This is especially true for women. Avoid sitting on a public toilet in order to spare yourself from infections.

6. Carry a first aid kit

No one knows what uncertainties they might have to face during their travel. Therefore, having a well-equipped first aid kit that contains common tablets and disinfectants, among other essentials, is important.

7. Get medical help

If you feel any health complications or discomfort, make sure to visit a doctor at the earliest. You wouldn’t want anything going wrong, especially in a foreign land.

8. Get yourself insured

Getting health insurance for travel is an important aspect of any trip. Although travel health insurance doesn’t prevent a disease or medical condition, it certainly protects your finances if you get ill during your travel and have to incur heavy medical expenses.

Remember to compare various plans and invest in the best insurance plan in India that caters to your requirements and budget. A good insurance plan offers you better financial protection in case of sickness, loss of luggage, cancelled flights and other covered issues during your travel.

You can use a health insurance calculator to get an approximate idea of the premiums you have to pay for your plans.

If you are travelling with your parents, it is a wise idea to invest in a good health insurance for senior citizens plan. This way, you can ensure they are covered against various risks during travel.

Conclusion

Besides taking the necessary precautions, health insurance for overseas travel is particularly useful while travelling abroad, as any medical expenses incurred may quickly deplete your funds. Nothing is worse than dealing with worrisome medical issues when on holiday. So, the next time you plan to travel, don’t forget to buy yourself health insurance for foreign travel.

Today, several insurance companies, such as HDFC Ergo, offer comprehensive health insurance for overseas travel from India. Choose a policy that fits your needs and budget.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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