Roads. From simple cuts and bruises to severe head / body injuries. Some RTA's result in fatalities and as well as the trauma this brings to family members, the costs of repatriating remains or a funeral abroad can run into thousands of pounds.

The Beach. Including drowning, jet ski accidents , parascending accidents, head and neck injuries, (e.g. from diving into the sea), injuries due to heavy surf, diving accidents resulting in the bends, being hit by items such as sun umbrellas or even coconuts falling from trees. Occurrences of severe sunburn and dehydration are very common.

Hotels. Including balcony falls and swimming pools accidents. Gastro-enteritis is very common due to a significant change in diet or perhaps poor hygiene during food preparation / storage.

Remote locations. Increased chance of contracting tropical diseases. local medical facilities can be limited and this necessitates immediate medical evacuation.

Ski slopes. All winter sports destinations such as Austria, France, Italy, Switzerland, Andorra, USA & Canada

Top 5 ski injuries (Taken from a sample of 400 cases):

 

Top 6 destinations where ski injuries occurred 1999-2000 season:

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UK residents make over 58 million overseas trips each year. But as many as 1 in 7 of them fail to take out adequate . It is a situation that spoils thousands of holidays each year. As all travellers face some level of risk a bit of pre-planning will prove invaluable once you are on your way.

To be well prepared we recommend you make a note of the address and telephone number of the local British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate before you go and follow the advice given on passports and visas, travel insurance , money matters, health and drugs.

Security Information Service for Business Overseas (SISBO) - Information for businesses on issues of security and political risk faced when operating in particular markets overseas.

Illegal Imports Campaign

For further information on the regulations of bringing back meat, animal products or plants from outside the EU visit the DEFRA Illegal Imports website .

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