Figures released by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) show that 3,599 British citizens ended up in hospital while travelling overseas and needed its help. As a result of these figures the FCO has published some guidelines for travellers and overseas residents to consider.

Let’s take a look at them.

Preparation before travel

The FCO advises that all travellers ensure that their vaccinations are up to date and make sure that you are covered by adequate travel and international health insurance. This advice also applies to overseas residents who are not protected by short-term travel insurers.

Some companies, including, Cigna Global, can cover you anywhere in the world and have a good relationship with trusted local hospitals and doctors.

Representatives of the FCO can visit you in hospital, but they won’t pay for your treatment!

Look after yourself on your travels

If you are offered a local alcoholic drink and don’t know the strength of the beverage then it’s best to avoid it. Spain used to have a reputation for trouble involving expatriates and holidaymakers in certain areas, but the FCO, in conjunction with the local police and hospitals, has managed to reduce these incidences.

Incidences of trouble due to drink are still prevalent in Turkey and the Greek islands, though these are more common among the younger party crowd.

Pre-existing medical conditions

Whether you are in your middle years and suffer from angina, or younger and have diabetes, you should always tell your insurer about these conditions. If you don’t, you may find that you can’t be treated under the terms of your health insurance.

If you are moving to a hotter climate, you should be aware that this might affect your health. India, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates (UEA) all saw a rise in the number of hospitalisations according to the FCO.

Be prepared

As long as you take adequate precautions, make sure you have the right vaccinations and don’t wander off into the wrong side of town, you’ll probably have a healthy and happy time overseas. It’s also a good idea to remain solvent and conserve your cash.

In total, 5 million Britons live abroad and as the number continues to grow, most of them have happy and successful lives in their chosen country of residence.