What to take Before you travel it's a good idea to think about what you may need to ensure you stay healthy and enjoy your trip.

In this article

Check-ups First aid kit

Medication Travel insurance

In Europe

The most important thing to take on holiday is you - in the best health possible. If you've been putting off a dental check-up or any other routine medical matters, consider dealing with these before you leave. Medical and dental care outside Europe may not meet EU standards and can be expensive.

A standard kit, which you can put together yourself, should contain:

• Plasters or adhesive dressings
• Insect repellent
• Antiseptic cream
• Water sterilisation tablets
• Anti-diarrhoea tablets
• Oral rehydration tablets
• Painkillers
• Calamine lotion
• Sunblock

Emergency medical travel kits are available, containing sealed, sterilised items such as needles, syringes and suture materials. Your GP or local travel centre can advise you further.

These kits should carry identification to ensure customs officials accept them, but the contents shouldn't be opened.

Remember to pack any medications you're currently taking. Make a note of the non-branded, generic name of the medication so you can get hold of it easily abroad.

Don't forget your malaria tablets, if required.

Make sure your travel insurance is up to date. Take the documents with you - and don't forget the insurer's emergency phone number. Keep a photocopy of the policy separate from your important documents, in case of theft.

Take any vaccination/immunisation certificates, in case you're asked to present them at a clinic or customs.

Cardiovascular diseases account for around half of travellers' deaths overseas. If you're at risk, get a physical examination from your GP. Also make sure your travel health insurance covers pre-existing conditions.

If you're the adventurous type, check your insurance covers you for all extreme pursuits. Not all policies cover activities such as mountaineering, scuba diving, bungee jumping, motorcycle riding and white-water rafting.

If you're travelling to a country within the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This entitles you to free or reduced-cost medical treatment.

An EHIC is normally valid for three to five years and covers any medical treatment that becomes necessary during your trip. It gives access to state-provided medical treatment only, and you'll be treated on the same basis as an 'insured' person living in that country.

You can get more information about how to apply for an EHIC from the Department of Health.

This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Trisha Macnair in September 2006.
First published in May 2001.