Jellyfish sting in Goa? Insect bite in Kenya? Or simply a child with a tummy bug in Tenerife?
Falling ill in a foreign country can be worrying – travellers may not understand what doctors are saying or may not be able to find the medicines they are used to at home.
It’s happening more and more frequently as official figures show the number of Britons becoming sick aboard is increasing.
That’s where Talking Nurses come in. They are a friendly voice at the end of the phone, qualified nurses providing valuable advice before or during a holiday or business trip.
Talking Nurses is a unique free non emergency helpline service (provided by Healix Medical Partnership LLP) available to all policyholders of Direct Travel Insurance, wherever they are in the world.
Latest Foreign Office figures show the number of Britons hospitalised overseas has risen from 3,146 in 2008/09 to 3,752 2010/11. Many more fall ill without needing hospital treatment and it is these travellers that Talking Nurses can help.
Travellers can call 24 hours a day all year round to talk to a UK health professional for information on foreign hospitals and clinics, details of foreign brand names and what medication is called in different countries.
Mums and Dads off abroad for the first time with a baby find the service reassuring, as do families stumped by a health problem on holiday. Advice is also available on topics such as vaccinations and flying with medical conditions.
A spokesman for Direct Travel Insurance said: ‘Looking after our customers is paramount, so we offer a practical and valuable service at no additional cost. While your travel insurance policy covers emergency medical treatment, Talking Nurses answers your non-emergency medical needs.’
Advice from Talking Nurses can stop medical worries spoiling a holiday. The number is 0800 975 0463 from the UK or +44 208 481 7789 when abroad.
Please note that the service does not include the diagnosis of medical symptoms or the prescription of medication and treatment.
Cheap travel insurance from DTI can be booked on www.direct-travel.co.uk or call 0845 605 2700 (09:00 to 20:00 seven days a week.)
Established in late 1992 and commenced trading in 1993, Direct Travel Insurance specialises in travel insurance for individual travellers, couples and families up to the age of 75. Direct Travel Insurance offers a range of cover options and added benefits including cover for over 100 sports and activities enabling customers to tailor their policies for single trip, annual multi trip, backpacking and winter sports.
All travel insurance policies are underwritten by Chartis Europe Limited. Direct Travel Insurance is a trading name of UNAT Direct Insurance Management Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA Number 312350). Chartis Europe Limited is also authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA Number 202628).
This information can be checked by visiting the FSA website.
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