General Information

On 31 December 2005, your E111 ceased to be valid. From 1 January 2006, you will need a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to receive healthcare that becomes necessary during your visit to an EEA country or Switzerland.

If you have not received your EHIC ring the EHIC Enquiries Line on 0845 605 0707.

If you did not tick the box, you can apply for an EHIC:

· online by clicking the link below. Your card will be delivered within 7 days.

· by calling the EHIC Applications Line on 0845 606 2030. Your card will be delivered within 10 days.

· by post - pick up an EHIC application pack from your local Post Office branch. Your card will be delivered within 21 days

Application For European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

Would everybody please note that EHIC is NOT valid in Andorra as it is NOT an EU Nation.

Health Advice

We want you to enjoy your holiday, so take a few moments to think about how to stay healthy.

First Aid Travel Kit It's always a good idea to be prepared when travelling abroad. Consider taking a small bag containing basic first aid items such as: Antiseptic cream Bandage Calamine lotion Insect repellent Medication for an upset stomach Painkillers Plasters Scissors Visiting a French Doctor Having read many of our client’s letters on this subject, it was felt that we should give you an insight into what you may expect and hopefully some advice. Other than the usual language barriers, our local GP's are a well-mannered, well-respected members of the community, none more so than in the rural areas. As has been said communication is not always straightforward, so our doctors are now attending courses on how to treat thousands of British holidaymakers and Brits that have moved here. The difficulties faced by most are more cultural than linguistic: on the linguistic front our Medical Training Associations are issuing leaflets that assist our doctors in their work. These should reduce the social gulf between doctor and patient. For example: Our associations are issuing lists of English Medical terms and how to avoid mistakes: confusing the French groin (Pig’s Snout) with a groin strain or pile (battery) with piles. This we have had to bring in as many Brits are openly posting on websites for English-speaking doctors, it’s as if they feel the need to create an enclave!! Unlike in England, here consultations take a lot longer as we take time to talk to our patients and treat the whole person not the ailment. From talking to our local doctor, the feeling we get is that our British neighbours seem to enjoy their relationship with him. Again, unlike the British, who only visit a doctor when it is something serious, we French will visit our doctor for the most trivial of ailments. For example: 75% of us will visit the doctor if we have flu-like symptoms whereas in England it is only 25%. There is also, because of this social gulf, a phenomenon we call la pruderie Anglais. This comes under many headings, our doctors very rarely prescribe suppositories to British patients albeit that it is a common form of medicine here. Another is, asking a lady to undress on her first visit, so that she may be examined. This we find very normal, ladies you should not be perturbed, it is the normal course of events and there is a nurse present! So don’t worry our doctors are performing their vocation with great diligence and skill.

Diarrhoea & Stomach Upsets Diarrhoea is a problem encountered by many holidaymakers, often resulting from contact with contaminated food or water. It can last between 2 and 4 days, longer if more severe. If suffering, one of the most important things is to avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids. Drink bottled water, flat soft drinks and squash diluted with clean water, weak black tea with sugar and soda water. Eat a bland diet such as bread, rice and biscuits. Keeping Safe in the Sun It is very important not to underestimate the effects of over-exposure to the sun. Follow a few simple tips: • Try to avoid the sun when it is at its strongest, between 11am and 3pm. Gradual exposure to the sun is the safest way to tan. • Always use sun cream starting with a high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) and apply regularly. • Reflection from water increases the chances of burning. Use waterproof sunscreen and apply again after swimming. • If you’re out in the sun, wear cotton clothing or clothing made of tightly woven fabric, a sun hat and sunglasses. Drink lots of water or other non-alcoholic drinks to prevent dehydration. Travel Sickness Travel sickness is considered to be caused by repeated changes in the balance of the inner ear. If you are prone to travel sickness try to eat a light carbohydrate meal before travelling, avoid greasy food and alcohol and take anti-motion sickness remedies before travelling according to the instructions. There are a number of natural remedies available such as ginger, either in capsules or crystallised ginger, and peppermint including peppermint flavoured sweets. Certain seating areas on ships can help to lessen the effects of travel motion. Try to sit in these areas: • Coach/Bus - the centre or front avoiding the wheels if possible • Boat - a mid-ship/mid-deck position If possible, ensure there is plenty of fresh air around you.