Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
dated letter from your physician describing your medical conditions and medications, including generic names, is also a
good idea. If carrying syringes or needles, be sure to have a physician's letter documenting their medical necessity.
TRAVEL HEALTH WEBSITES
It's a good idea to consult your government's travel health website before departure, if one is available:
Australia
(
www.smartraveller.gov.au
)
Canada
(
www.hc-sc.gc.ca
)
UK
(
www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk
)
USA
(
wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
)
Availability of Health Care
Good health care is readily available and for minor illnesses pharmacists can give valuable advice and sell over-the-
counter medication. Most pharmacists speak some English. They can also advise when more specialised help is required
and point you in the right direction.
Health Insurance
Citizens of the EU are eligible for free emergency medical treatment if they have a European Health Insurance Card
(EHIC), which replaces the no-longer-valid E111 certificate. In the UK, you can apply for this card online (
www.nhs.uk/
NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad
)
or pick up an application at a post office. It will not cover you for nonemergencies or
emergency repatriation.
Citizens from other countries should find out if there is a reciprocal arrangement for free medical care between their
country and Portugal. If you do need health insurance, consider a policy that covers you for the worst possible scenario,
such as an accident requiring an emergency flight home. Find out in advance if your insurance plan will make payments
directly to providers or reimburse you later for overseas health expenditures.
Heat Exhaustion & Heat Stroke
Heat exhaustion occurs following excessive fluid loss with inadequate replacement of fluids and salt. Symptoms include
headache, dizziness and tiredness. To treat heat exhaustion, replace lost fluids by drinking water and/or fruit juice or an
oral rehydration solution, such as Dioralyte, and cool the body with cold water and fans.
Heat stroke is much more serious, resulting in irrational and hyperactive behaviour and eventually loss of conscious-
ness and death. Rapid cooling by spraying the body with water and fanning is ideal. Emergency fluid and electrolyte re-
placement by intravenous drip is recommended.
Jellyfish & Sea Urchins
Stings from jellyfish are painful but not dangerous. Douse the wound in vinegar to deactivate any stingers that haven't
'fired'. Applying calamine lotion, antihistamines or analgesics may reduce the reaction and relieve the pain.
Watch for sea urchins around rocky beaches. If you get their needles embedded in your skin, immerse the limb in hot
water to relieve the pain. To avoid infection visit a doctor and have the needles removed.
