Health and insurance

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Holidays 2008: the guide for lone parents

Check with your GP whether you and your child need vaccinations for the destination you are travelling to or see the health advice for travellers section on the department of health website, www.dh.gov.uk. Do this as early as possible, as some are not effective immediately.
If you are travelling abroad make sure you have adequate travel insurance. Before buying check all the terms and conditions to see what is and is not covered.
Shop around for the best deal on travel insurance but do not buy a policy that does not cover all your needs. It is usually cheaper to buy a policy directly from the insurance company rather than through a travel agent. Buying online is also likely to be cheaper.
If you are travelling within the European Economic Area or Switzerland, get a free European Health Insurance Card online at www.ehic.org.uk or www.dh.gov.uk/travellers, by phone on 0845 606 2030 or at your local post office. It will entitle you to some free or reduced-cost medical treatment (but only in the case of emergency medical treatment so be sure that any insurance you buy includes adequate health cover).
Make a note of basic medical information such as blood types, any allergies you or your child have and medicines you take, and keep a copy of this with you. If you can, get the information translated into the primary language of the country you are visiting - your doctor might be able to suggest how you might do this.
If you do need medical treatment whilst abroad, call the emergency helpline provided by your travel insurer as soon as is practical and take their advice, as they may refuse to pay for any necessary treatment if you do not follow their recommendations.

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