Health matters

Customers are reminded that they should check with their own doctor for advice on medical requirements of the host countries. From 1st September 2005, the E111 travel health insurance document was replaced by the new European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The old style E111 ceased to be valid from 1st January 2006. Travellers who wish to use this facility must apply for the new EHIC by one of the methods stated in the T7 booklet or on the website www.dh.gov.uk/travellers or by calling 0845 606 2030 as you will need to present the EHIC card for reciprocal treatment.

Information about free and reduced-cost emergency care and medical treatment in most EU countries can be found in the leaflet T7 “Health Advice for Travellers”, which is available free from post offices, local Department of Health offices, GPs and libraries, or by calling the Health Literature Line free on 0800 555 777.
However, as this only provides limited cover, we require all our customers to have adequate holiday insurance cover. Therefore, please ensure that you have arranged sufficient alternative insurance. For treatment in any country you will need to produce your passport.

High altitude: For customers going to high altitude resorts, it is suggested that, if relevant, you contact your GP as some customers encounter difficulties due to the high altitude of the resort. Please bear in mind that when walking at altitude you should allow time to acclimatise physically, drink plenty of water, reduce alcohol intake and ensure that appropriate warm clothing is taken. Your doctor and suitable publications will provide further information in this regard.

Special Needs, Disabled and Elderly Customers: We are happy to advise and assist elderly, special needs or disabled customers to choose a holiday. However, some of the properties featured in this brochure may lack even the simplest facilities such as ramps for wheelchairs and lifts etc. Therefore, we must be provided with full written details of any disability or special requirements before booking to ascertain whether the holiday of your choice is suitable.

A comprehensive form is available specifically for this purpose, which you should request when making your booking. Similarly, if you have a medical condition which necessitates special seating requirements on the aircraft or wheelchair assistance at the airport we must have written confirmation from your doctor prior to booking. Failure to advise us of any such requirements prior to booking may result in the chosen holiday being unsuitable and may cause inconvenience and distress to all customers on that holiday. In that case we reserve the right to terminate your holiday arrangements with us, for which we would not be liable to make alternative arrangements or to make refunds or pay compensation.

The Foreign & Commonwealth Travel Advice Unit may have issued information about your holiday destination. You are advised to check this information on BBC2 (Ceefax) or on the Internet under the address www.fco.gov.uk, or phone 0845 850 2829. Alternatively, you can contact the ABTA Information Department on 020 7307 1907 (calls charged at 50p/minute).

Know Before You Go: We are working with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to do all that we can to help British travellers stay safe overseas. Before you go overseas, check out the FCO web site at: www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo.