00:00More UK holidaymakers are visiting areas affected by chikungunya, making vaccinations and proper travel insurance increasingly important.
00:10Taking these steps before you travel can help prevent 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, it'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 insurance carefully.
00:33Many policies don't automatically cover medical care linked to outbreaks abroad and treatment overseas can quickly become expensive.
00:41Travel clinics across the country offer vaccines for a variety of illnesses you might encounter abroad, helping travellers protect themselves before heading to high-risk destinations.
00:51Specialist travel clinics are a one-stop shop for staying healthy abroad.
00:57They offer vaccines for everything from yellow fever to hepatitis A, tailored to your destination, age and medical history.
01:04Experts recommend booking an appointment at least six weeks before travelling, as some vaccines need more than one dose to work fully.
01:12Public health experts emphasise simple steps like using insect repellent and covering up alongside vaccination to minimise the risk of mosquito-borne infections abroad.
01:22Sleeping under insecticide-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.
01:33Public health specialists stress simple steps that make a big difference in high-risk countries.
01:38Wear long sleeves and trousers after dusk, use strong insect repellent with DEET, and sleep under treated mosquito nets if you're in rural or basic accommodation.
01:49Choosing the right travel insurance can safeguard both health and finances, ensuring support is available if illness or unexpected complications occur while away.
01:58It's important to review what's covered 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.
02:09Travel insurance is your safety net, but not all policies are equal.
02:14Check whether they cover for medical evacuation, 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.
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