Worried about a fall on holiday? Travel insurance can help.
Added 17/06/2013
As it’s falls awareness week (17 — 21 June 2013) we thought we’d take the opportunity to talk about how your travel insurance can help if you have a fall on holiday and sharing some tips for reducing your risk of falls at home and away.
Approximately one third of people over 65 will suffer a fall each year and this rises to half of those aged 80 and over.Falls Awareness Week is organised by Age UK, it provides an opportunity for older people, relatives and carers to find out more about falls and how to prevent them.
Falls are unexpected and can happen anywhere, even whilst you are on holiday.
If you do suffer a fall when you are on holiday you may need emergency medical treatment in a local hospital; this is where travel insurance can help.
Travel insurance provides protection against the risk of incurring large bills if you need medical treatment whilst you are abroad. Without travel insurance you would be liable for your own medical costs, which can quickly amount to thousands of pounds.
You will also have access to a 24 hour emergency medical support team who are there to help you get the treatment you need quickly.
To help prevent falls at home and on holiday, follow these simple tips from Age UK:
- Exercise regularly — focusing on activities that challenge your balance and strengthen your legs eg. gardening, tai chi or body balance classes.
- Check your eyes and hearing — Regular eye tests and reporting ear pain or hearing difficulties can identify problems which could affect your balance and co-ordination.
- Ask about your medicines — Some medicines can may you feel faint or affect balance. If you feel like this let your doctor know, there may be an alternative medicine they can prescribe.
- Vitamin D — Vitamin D is essential for keeping your bones strong. The best source of vitamin D is sunshine, go outside for a few minutes each day during the summer, but be careful not to burn your skin. Oily fish and eggs also provide vitamin D.
- Calcium — A diet rich in calcium will help keep your bones strong.
- Check for hazards — Make sure your home is hazard free and well lit.
- Look after your feet — Problems with your feet can affect your balance. Wear good fitting shoes and report any foot problems to your GP or chiropodist.
The Foreign Office recommends that you buy travel insurance every time you travel, and remember to declare all of your existing medical conditions.