So you’ve just got a place on your university’s exchange programme? Well done! Whether you’re studying abroad, participating in a student exchange programme, or simply holidaying overseas, travel can be the best part of your university experience. Student travel can expand your horizons beyond anything you’d previously imagined, and allows you to learn about other countries in a whole new way; many students build friendships and relationships abroad which can last for a lifetime. While health concerns might be the last thing on your mind, you’ll have an even better experience if you’re prepared for all eventualities. Here’s the health advice you need to know to keep your mind and body in tip-top condition, so that you can party all night, explore all day, and still get that essay turned in on time.
How to stay safe if you’re spending a year in another country
Whether your year abroad is in the Congo or in County Cork, the most important travel advice you’ll need to heed is to get medical insurance. For many exchange programmes, comprehensive travel insurance may be a requirement to participate, but even if it’s not mandatory, you should have (at the very least) basic health insurance coverage. Remember that medical treatment abroad can be very costly; you might be used to the NHS, but medical treatment in most other countries is private, meaning that if you don’t have insurance, you’ll be liable for the full cost of consultation fees and any medicine prescribed. If you’re travelling to an EU country, you can apply for a European Health Insurance Card which lets you access medical care for a reduced rate (and sometimes for free). When heading outside the EU, then you’ll need to have travel insurance in place which covers medical treatment.
Are you travelling to countries at increased risk of certain tropical diseases (including yellow fever, typhoid, or rabies)? Then it’s wise to get all your vaccinations in order before you leave the UK. You can get advice on what you need from your GP, or from a travel clinic; make sure to arrange this well before you leave, as some vaccinations require a course of doses. As a good rule of thumb, you should seek advice at least two months before you plan to travel.
Make sure that you have a supply of any medicines you may need, as they may not be widely available in other countries (especially if you prefer a particular brand, such as in the case of contraceptive pills or painkillers).
How to avoid getting sick while studying abroad
When studying abroad, always remember that prevention is better than cure. Just as you would do at home, make sure to get plenty of rest, exercise regularly, and eat healthily (and no, you can’t eat pizza every day – even if you’re studying in Rome). In Europe, this will generally keep you on the right track, although do always seek health advice for your specific country. If you’re a party person, prevent hangovers by limiting your alcohol intake (and be aware that most insurers won’t pay out for any injuries incurred while under the influence of drink or drugs).
Before leaving, make sure that all your vaccines are up-to-date. This is especially important if you’re heading to a country with higher disease risk, or if you didn’t get all your normal childhood immunisations, such as chickenpox or measles, mumps and rubella, also known as the MMR jab.
If you’re travelling to a country where the food is very different from what you’re used to, you may be at risk of traveller’s diarrhoea. Minimise this by always drinking clean water (in some countries, this may mean only bottled water), practising good hygiene (particularly washing your hands regularly, and always before handling food), and using common sense when it comes to eating food that’s been in the sun a long time, smells off, or hasn’t been cooked properly.
What to do in case of an accident
No matter how well you prepare, good travel health isn’t always in your control. Sometimes accidents happen, and medical treatment becomes a necessity. If you have an accident, don’t panic! Your insurer will normally cover the costs of treatment if you have comprehensive travel insurance in place. It’s wise to phone your insurance company as a first port of call, as they will often be able to give you advice on hospitals and health providers, or even arrange an ambulance for you. Your exchange university will also be able to provide you with advice, and in most cases you should also notify them of any accident that has befallen you.
If you’ve been in a traffic accident, make sure to get the driver’s details (name, address, telephone number, license plate and driver’s license number) and file a police accident report – you’ll need this to claim insurance. You’ll also need proof of medical treatment, so make sure to see a doctor as soon as possible after the accident (even if your injuries don’t seem serious). Save the receipts for any medical bills you pay, as well as any paperwork given to you.
What to do to avoid tropical diseases
Many tropical diseases can be prevented through judicious vaccination. Make sure you’re up-to-date with all your immunisations and seek travel advice on your destination from a GP or travel clinic.
Other tropical diseases, such as malaria, require prophylactic drugs, which you’ll need to get a prescription for before leaving the UK. Seek advice before you plan to travel, as you may need to take the drugs for a period of time to build up immunity before exposure.
Many tropical diseases are spread via mosquito bites, and so if you’re travelling to a country where there is a high risk of mosquito-borne disease (such as malaria, dengue or Zika virus), it’s wise to take steps to protect yourself from being bitten. Always sleep under a good-quality mosquito net, keep windows and doors closed at night, and apply mosquito repellent before going outside.
Sexual protection & health risks
Vaccines are available for some sexually transmitted infections, such as HPV. However, if you’re planning to be sexually active abroad, as in the UK, you should always wear a condom. If you’re concerned about the availability of condoms abroad (for example, if you’re travelling to a very conservative country, or if you take a very large size), stock up before leaving the UK. Many sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, syphilis and gonorrhoea, can have a profound and permanent effect on your health and fertility. If not treated, some can be fatal. Play safe, and you’ll have much more fun.
