Are UK holidaymakers taking a risk as chikungunya spreads?

We break down why holiday insurance and vaccinations are becoming increasingly important as chikungunya cases rise in the UK.

Transcript

00:00More UK holiday makers are visiting areas affected by chikungunya, making vaccinations

00:06and proper travel insurance increasingly important. Taking these steps before you travel can help

00:12prevent serious illness and avoid unexpected medical costs abroad.

00:16Chikungunya isn't a household name here, but in parts of Africa, Asia and the Americas,

00:21it's a real threat because more British travellers are heading to these regions.

00:25Doctors say it's crucial to think about vaccinations well before you fly and to check your travel

00:31insurance carefully. Many policies don't automatically cover medical care linked to outbreaks abroad

00:38and treatment overseas can quickly become expensive.

00:41Travel clinics across the country offer vaccines for a variety of illnesses you might encounter

00:46abroad, helping travellers protect themselves before heading to high-risk destinations.

00:51Specialist travel clinics are a one-stop shop for staying healthy abroad. They offer vaccines

00:57for everything from yellow fever to hepatitis A, tailored to your destination, age and medical

01:04history. Experts recommend booking an appointment at least six weeks before travelling, as some

01:09vaccines need more than one dose to work fully.

01:12Public health experts emphasise simple steps like using insect repellent and covering up

01:17alongside vaccination to minimise the risk of mosquito-borne infections abroad. Sleeping under

01:23insecticide-treated bed nets and checking local travel advice are also recommended precautions.

01:29Vaccines are a powerful tool, but they're not the whole picture. Public health specialists stress

01:34simple steps that make a big difference in high-risk countries. Wear long sleeves and trousers after

01:40dusk. Use strong insect repellent with DEET and sleep under treated mosquito nets if you're in rural

01:48or basic accommodation.

01:49Choosing the right travel insurance can safeguard both health and finances, ensuring support

01:54is available if illness or unexpected complications occur while away. It's important to review what's

02:00covered and check if pre-existing conditions or high-risk destinations are included.

02:04Getting ill abroad is stressful enough without worrying about how to pay for treatment. Travel insurance

02:10is your safety-nest, but not all policies are equal. Check whether they cover for medical

02:16evacuation, pre-existing conditions and trips to countries where disease outbreaks are reported.

02:22A cut-price policy might leave you paying thousands as a pocket if you need hospital care or a flight home.