Claire Shoesmith looks at what provision you should make to protect your health while abroad
There's nothing like a good burst of sunshine to put you in the mood for the summer and, for many, last week's display will be the sign they haven't long to go until they depart for even sunnier climes.
While Irish sun is nice when it lasts, it isn't really known for sticking around long, so who can blame people for packing their bags and heading off?
However, with holiday destinations becoming fancier and further afield, ensuring you have an adequate insurance policy before you leave home has never been more important.
According to a recent survey from Vhi Healthcare, almost half of the population travel overseas without adequate insurance.
"When you consider the sorts of difficulties people can find themselves in, it seems a serious risk versus the cost involved in purchasing a policy," says Declan Moran, director of marketing and business development at Vhi, adding that last year one customer alone made a claim of as much as €93,000 for medical treatment received while on holiday in the US.
"When you compare that huge cost with the small one of taking out a policy, it simply doesn't stack up," he says.
Annual multi-trip travel insurance is available to existing Vhi customers for as little as €49 and similar deals starting at €35 can be found on the internet from other providers.
The main concerns for travellers are medical costs, cancellations and lost luggage, according to Moran, who says the most claims are made in relation to cancellations or curtailments of a trip. In the case of Vhi's policy, claims can be made by anyone having to cancel or cut short their trip as a result of their own health or the health of a close family member.
This isn't the case with all policies and is something worth checking. Also, it's advisable to take out your policy as soon as you book your trip, so that if you should need to cancel, you are covered.
Reading the policy's small print is something that can't be stressed enough. "Always make sure you read the small print and know what your policy covers and what it doesn't," says Moran.
While many policies will cover you if you slip on the poolside, they won't if you hurt yourself while jet skiing.
So what does happen if you are taken ill or have an accident while on holiday? Before departure you should ensure you have all the contact details for your insurer. In many cases, you will be given a small credit-card sized piece of paper to carry with you during your trip. One thing to be sure of, says Moran, is that everyone travelling in your party knows where to find these details. While you might be the party leader now, who's to say you'll be completely on top of your game if you become ill or injured.
If you aren't a Vhi member then it's worth checking out the travel insurance policies offered by your home insurance provider and if you book your trip through a travel agent they will usually suggest a policy to you.
Bupa Ireland recommends its customers take out an additional travel insurance policy as only emergency overseas treatment is covered by most of its policies.
"Our overseas benefit is not intended as a substitute for travel insurance and we encourage members to take out separate travel insurance in advance of travelling abroad," says Kate O'Keeffe, a spokeswoman for Bupa Ireland.
Whatever your situation, one thing of which there is no question is that it's worth checking around for prices. These can vary greatly as can the service you get should you need to use the policy.
Some level of cover can also be obtained from the Euopean Health Insurance Card which entitles citizens of the European Union to basic urgent healthcare in all other EU states. However, you must fill out the necessary forms, which can be obtained from your local Health Service Executive or be downloaded at www.ehic.ie/onlineapp.htm prior to travelling. The system was updated in 2004, so anyone with an old-style E111 form must apply for a new card.
To obtain healthcare with the card, you simply need to go to the nearest public system doctor or public hospital and present your card. Be aware that a nominal fee may apply in some countries. Also, the E111 entitles you only to treatment in a public hospital and should you need to attend a private clinic your treatment won't be covered. More information about the card can be found at http://oasis.gov.ie/moving_country/moving_abroad/e111.html.
Remember, every individual member of the family or group requires his or her own card.
Unlike the Euopean Health Insurance Card, a standard travel insurance policy will usually cover you for medication and other expenses, hospital benefit and personal accident as well as the stress-inducing possibilities of lost luggage or missing passports. It will also cover repatriation, unlike the European Health Insurance Card. However, it's important to note that even standard policies often require you to pay something towards the overall cost.
You must also make the insurer aware of any pre-existing conditions and, in certain cases, you may have to undergo a medical in advance to ensure that you are fit to travel.
Also, you should be wary of making a booking with your credit card and assuming that you have immediate travel insurance cover. This isn't always the case and even if you do, it may be limited cover.
Prior to travelling you can reduce your chances of needing to use your insurance by following a few easy steps. Firstly, you should ensure you have all the necessary vaccinations. A simple visit to your GP can sort this and information on what vaccines are needed for which country can be found at www.tmb.ie.
It's also important to note that while most vaccines take around 10 days to become fully effective, it's still worth having them if you have booked a last-minute trip because many diseases take time to incubate and by then the vaccine should be offering good protection.
One other thing to consider is the state of your own health. If you know that you are unfit, then now may be the time to do something about it. You will later reap the benefits while you're trekking in the Himalayas or canoeing down the Amazon and it may even prevent you having to call on that insurance policy at all.
What to do before you go
Ensure everyone travelling in your group has an adequate travel insurance policy (including a European Health Insurance Card if travelling within the EU).
Read the small print - are you covered for all activities?
Ensure you have the emergency contact details of your policy provider.
Have any necessary vaccinations - more information can be found at www.tmb.ie
Check the news before you go. Travel advice can be found at www.fco.gov.uk/travel/default.asp and the latest information on disease outbreaks can be found at www.who.int/emc/outbreak_news/index.htm
What to do if you become ill while on holiday:
Contact your local holiday rep if you have one.
If not, call the emergency number supplied by your insurance provider and they will tell you where you can find an English-speaking doctor.
Alternatively in an emergency go to the local public hospital with your European Health Insurance Card.
If you are still having difficulties, contact the Irish (or if there isn't one then British) embassy who should be able to help you.
Remember to keep all your receipts - you will need these later when you come to claim back any expenses.