With the weight of the government, medical practitioners and health advisory bodies all advising that we become more health conscious, it is reassuring to know that part of the message is at least is getting through, according to the results of recent research, with drinking being the last vice to go!

We undertook the research as part of an ongoing project to evaluate trends and attitudes amongst retail clients and brokers.

Overall in this year’s research, more people felt that obese people should be refused some forms of healthcare treatment – 44% in fact felt this strongly, reflecting a rise in the apparent intolerance towards those who may not be perceived as looking after themselves properly.

Three times as many respondents claimed that they have given up smoking this year -and it will be interesting to see what effect the UK smoking ban imposed on 1 July has on the numbers giving up over the coming months.

Equally the number of respondents claiming they were eating less fast food has risen from 55% previously to over 70% in this year’s research.

However, the numbers cutting down on drinking has not changed significantly, suggesting that this is the last vice to go!

Perhaps because of the change in attitude reflected in the research results, the lack of wellbeing assessments was highlighted as a major weakness in the policies on offer. More and more of us, it seems, are taking care of our health and listening to the health issues. David Pryor, Senior Executive Director, MediCare International comments, “We have undertaken this research over the past few years to help us respond more effectively to the needs of our clients. Because of this, we have offered a Wellness Benefit with our Executive International product for individuals and groups for about three years now. This benefit adds a heightened level of reassurance for those individuals and employers looking for wellbeing checks, dovetailing perfectly with an already comprehensive range of cover in the Executive International product.”

MediCare around the world
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To find more about healthcare and medical tourism in Cyprus visit our portal at http://www.cyprushealthtravel.com/

In today’s fast-moving society, we are always looking for ways to make life easier and quicker. Most people are juggling so many things at once, especially with family life, that any short-cut is appreciated. That’s why we are pleased to be able to provide our clients with automatic renewal of policies, without any new application, so lessening the annual burden of ‘things to remember’.

David Pryor, Senior Executive Director, MediCare International, comments, “We have always worked hard to make sure that the customer service and support we offer is able to provide an effective ‘safety net’ for our clients. We changed our underwriting business to Brit Insurance in 2006 and so our policies are guaranteed renewable at present, which offers a significant advantage to our clients, with one less thing to worry about. Now they can get on with life overseas knowing that their healthcare policy is sorted.”

Automatic renewal of a MediCare International policy adds to the cover and benefits that MediCare International is able to provide – and keeps clients happy. According to the results of the latest MediCare International research, international PMI is still regarded as good value for money, with clients looking for reputable, comprehensive cover. Over 95% of clients find that international PMI gives them peace of mind, with choice coming down to those companies who can provide a variety of features – in fact over 40% of clients say they do not buy on price alone.

With over 20 years experience in the expatriate healthcare insurance business looking after the health of their clients, MediCare International stands out in a seemingly complicated market by offering its clients clarity of product and excellent service. Efficient administration processing systems mean that, in the event of an accident or a need to seek emergency assistance, claims submitted to MediCare International are settled within 14 days on average and within one week in many cases, giving our clients some of the fastest settlement times in the market.

MediCare around the world
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To find more about healthcare and medical tourism in Cyprus visit our portal at http://www.cyprushealthtravel.com/

We all look forward to our holiday time, be it a long, lazy vacation or a more strenuous trekking-style break, but we rarely expect to have accidents or problems while we are away. However, sometimes accidents do happen and when we least expect them – so it definitely does pay to be well protected and prepared with your medical insurance.

A client of ours, based in Switzerland, was enjoying a relaxing break in Mazatlan, Mexico, soaking up the sun and generally having fun – her time in Mexico was part of a longer trip where she planned to be away for about 3 months travelling. She had been swimming and snorkelling several times in the warm waters of the Pacific, but on this particular day decided just to swim because the waves were a little choppier. Because of the water conditions, she couldn’t see anything clearly around her so was unaware of the lurking danger. Suddenly she felt ‘a contact with her left leg’, nothing sharp, but a definite sensation. Just a few minutes later she felt a pain coming up from her left leg to her stomach and heart.

She had, in fact, been stung by a jellyfish, which she had been unable to see because of the waves. However, when conditions are appropriate, jellyfish can be found in large quantities in near shore surface waters. In the Pacific the vast majority of jellyfish are harmless, but a few, such as the Portuguese man-of-war do pack a respectable sting and can cause real problems. This is quite unlike the sea wasp jellyfish of Australian waters, which has a well-deserved deadly reputation – you should always leave the water immediately if they sighted as they often kill.

However, whatever the type of jellyfish, they definitely need to be treated with respect at all times, as even a jellyfish that is long dead can still sting. The many tentacles of a jellyfish are each studded with thousands of potent nematocysts and this is where the strongest sting is concentrated. With most jellyfish that sting, people usually experience pain, itching and a rash that may last for several hours. Some people, as with our client, suffer a more severe reaction because they are more sensitive to the sting. Although there are things you can do yourself to help with the symptoms of a sting, such as removing any pieces of tentacle as soon as possible and using ice packs to numb the area, it is always best to seek medical advice.

Unluckily for this client, she was suffering from a more severe reaction, but luckily she was still able to get ashore where friends helped her immediately to a doctor close by who treated her as an emergency. She stayed at the doctor’s surgery for about 5 hours and when she felt better was able to leave and get back to where she was staying.

When it came to the payment, the client was still not feeling completely well – the medicine had made her feel a little dizzy so she couldn’t properly read the treatment cost. Also her Spanish wasn’t very good and the doctor’s English was limited. So she paid what she thought was 140US dollars on her credit card for the emergency treatment, only to find out a couple of weeks later, when she was still travelling, that the actual cost was 1,400US dollars!

Our client then realised that the cost was much higher and so instantly contacted us by email. She relied on her credit card for her travelling expenses and could not afford to be ‘out of pocket’. As usual, our customer service acted quickly and efficiently, reassuring the client that the claim would be settled within 7 – 10 days. With this peace of mind, the client was able to carry on with her trip, keeping a wary eye out when swimming!

With no pre-authorisation of claims under £2,500 and a fast and efficient back office, claims submitted to MediCare International are settled within 10 days on average and within one week in many cases. This gives our clients one of the fastest settlement times in the market.

MediCare around the world
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To find more about healthcare and medical tourism in Cyprus visit our portal at http://www.cyprushealthtravel.com/

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 20th December 2011 – Nestled near the tranquil shores of Phuket’s Bang Tao Bay, Banyan Tree Spa Sanctuary, a boutique pool villa resort, launches unique spa and wellness experiences that bring rejuvenation for the mind, body and soul to new heights.

Be Touched

Banyan Tree Spa Sanctuary marks the first resort conceptualised and managed exclusively by the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa, an extension of the Banyan Tree hotel brand that was first launched in 1994.  The resort caters to discerning spa and wellness guests with a holistic focus that embraces the five senses – sight, sound, touch, taste and smell. Fourteen luxurious Spa Pool Villas offer a peaceful retreat from which to create tailor-made wellness experiences infused with spa elements, healthy cuisine, award-winning spa treatments and wellness activities.

Banyan Tree Spa Sanctuary offers three exclusive packages – Spa Discovery for spa initiation, Spa Ultimate for unlimited massages and Retreat For The Senses for a holistic spa-centric journey – each customised for a different level of indulgence. All packages feature in-villa breakfast and massages, a welcome foot ritual and a consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor, as well as a range of complimentary daily activities including Morning Yoga at the Orchid Garden, Thai High Tea at The Cha lounge, early morning jogs, kayaking, sunset beach volleyball and basic Thai.

Sanctuary for the Senses

Stay

Banyan Tree Spa Sanctuary’s 14 Thai-inspired Spa Pool Villas artfully blend traditional Thai aesthetics with luxurious comfort and sophistication. Each villa features an expansive living room complete with a large daybed, writing desk and television. Surrounded by a calming pool, the bedroom emulates an elegant floating pavilion resting on a tranquil lotus pond. A spacious bathroom includes double vanity washbasins, indoor and outdoor showers and bathtubs, a private steam room and his and hers dressing areas.

For enhanced privacy, enjoy a dip in the villa’s private 9-metre pool framed by a Thai sala (pavilion) offering two spa beds in which in-villa spa treatments can be booked.

Relax

Guests can enjoy a range of activities steeped in Asian traditions, from sailing in the warm glow of sunset  on a traditional Thai longtail boat, joining a temple tour for insight into the traditional Thai way of life, or learning the art of massage at our signature Touch of Wellness massage class.

Romance

The resort’s intimate setting, coupled with the enhanced privacy afforded by stand-alone villas featuring plunge pools and peaceful views over a lagoon framed by lush flora, makes for an idyllic retreat for couples celebrating special occasions.

Where Ultimate Bliss Beckons…

Indulge in one of three Banyan Tree Spa packages, all of which feature an exotic Himalayan Singing Bowl welcome ritual and a soothing footbath and massage upon arrival as well as daily Morning Delight Wake-up Massage by a therapist:

The Spa Discovery package offers a relaxing getaway with one therapeutic 60-minute massage per person per stay. Rate starts from THB 28,800+++ per night. Additional massages at preferential rates are available.

The Spa Ultimate package features unlimited 60-minute massages per person daily showcasing Banyan Tree Spa’s intuitive art of touch philosophy. Performed by therapists trained at Banyan Tree Spa Academy, guests can truly indulge with a selection of massages such as Asian Blend and Balinese throughout their stay. Rate starts from THB 30,800+++ per night.

The Retreat For The Senses package is a private sojourn of self-discovery to holistic wellness. It features one 60-minute massage per person daily when booking a minimum three nights’ stay, one Touch of Wellness massage lesson per person per stay, a healthy menu for daily lunch and dinner along with in-depth Ayurvedic consultation. Rate starts from THB 32,800+++ per night.

Celebrating the launch of Banyan Tree Spa Sanctuary, attractive introductory rate starts from THB 28,800+++ (approximately US$ 922+++) per night for two persons. With an additional THB 2,000+++ (approximately US$65+++) per night, guests can be upgraded to the Spa Ultimate package for two persons with unlimited massages for a dream spa getaway. All rates are now valid till 31 March 2012.

For reservations, please call Banyan Tree Spa Sanctuary at +66 76 324 374 or email at phuket@banyantree.com. More information can be found on the website, banyantree.com.

Banyan Tree Spa Phuket

When Banyan Tree Spa opened in Phuket, Thailand in 1994, it pioneered the tropical garden spa concept with its Asian therapies and holistic focus on spiritual, mental and physical harmony. As one of the pioneering spas in Asia, the flagship spa introduced an exotic blend of ancient health and beauty practices which have been passed down from generation to generation.

Like the tropical and sacred tree from which it got its name, the Banyan Tree Spa offers guests a sanctuary for the senses – a place for physical, mental and spiritual renewal. To achieve this, the Spa focuses on a non-clinical and holistic approach based on traditional Asian healing therapies. It emphasises on a ‘high-touch, low-tech’ philosophy that celebrates the human touch and the use of natural herbs and spices.

This concept is communicated to all therapists who undergo training at the Banyan Tree Spa Academy in Phuket, established in 2001. The Banyan Tree Spa Academy trains a dedicated group of therapists for both Banyan Tree and Angsana Spas. The training programme encompasses all areas of spa therapy, including knowledge of the human anatomy and important pressure points, modern and traditional massage techniques, variation of body weight for different techniques, knowledge of skin epidermis and facial applications, properties of different herbs and spices, preparation of spa ingredients, setting up of treatment rooms and spa pavilions, and standard greeting procedures. The Banyan Tree Spa Academy Phuket is accredited by Thailand’s Ministries of Education and Public Health.

Banyan Tree Spa Sanctuary
Banyan Tree Phuket
33 Moo 4, Srisoonthorn Road
Cherngtalay, Amphur Talang
Phuket 83110 Thailand

-END-

To find more about healthcare and medical tourism in Cyprus visit our portal at http://www.cyprushealthtravel.com/

Swiss Health Retreat Appoints New Specialist Dr. med. Edith Rehli-Wolfinger

Whether it’s a tauter and more attractive, healthy silhouette or radiant and freshened facial features, sometimes mother nature can do with a helping hand! At Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, guests can check in to the Resort’s Medical Health Centre, where a team of specialist doctors ensure that world class plastic surgery and comprehensive medical aftercare are applied using the latest scientific methods. Dr. med. Edith Rehli-Wolfinger was recently appointed as the Director of Plastic Surgery at the Resort and is known for her competent and individual advice and her professional and effective treatment methods.

Plastic surgery procedures including face lifting, liposuction, breast enhancement, nose correction and birthmark removal are offered in the most private and reassuring of environments by Dr Relhi, an expert in her field. State-of-the-art surgical techniques, many years of experience and a high level of care and confidentiality provide the ideal environment for treatment. Guests then have the luxury of recuperating in the comfortable and fully staffed hotel accommodation at the resort – the perfect path to a rapid, stress-free recovery.

Guests can undergo a consultation, surgery and recovery in the same visit to Grand Resort Bad Ragaz – a stay of 10 nights will be sufficient for most procedures.

The full list of Plastic Surgery procedures offered at Grand Resort Bad Ragaz includes:

Face:    Face lifting; neck lifting; forehead lifting; eyelid correction; nose correction; otoplasty;

earlobe correction.
Body:   Liposuction; tummy tuck; breast enhancement; breast reduction; breast firming; Inverted nipple

correction; mammary gland removal; sweat gland removal; scar correction; birthmark removal.
Prices available on request.

Nightly rates at Grand Resort Bad Ragaz start from CHF 490 staying in a Double Room. Rates include breakfast, welcome aperitif, use of the To B. Wellbeing & Spa area and Tamina Therme, fresh fruit and Ragaz water each day and daily fitness and relaxation lessons as well as VAT. For further information and reservations please contact Grand Resort Bad Ragaz on +41 81 303 30 30 or visit www.resortragaz.com

Herzliche Grüsse

Kind regards

Director of Public Relations & Communications
Grand Resort Bad Ragaz AG
CH – 7310 Bad Ragaz
__________________________
Tel. +41 81 303 27 16
Fax +41 81 303 27 18
christina.fenyoedi@resortragaz.ch
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To find more about healthcare and medical tourism in Cyprus visit our portal at http://www.cyprushealthtravel.com/

In a market so often characterised by policies that seem to offer many similar benefits, we have a ‘stand out’ benefit that really makes a difference to those expatriates living and working in world hot spots. For these individuals, we provide ‘passive war’ cover including terrorist attack, in contrast to other insurers whose policies have a full war risk exclusion.

Passive war cover is likely to be of particular interest to aid agencies and rebuilding contractors working in the Gulf area, especially in Iraq, Lebanon, Kuwait or indeed Africa. Policyholders will benefit from the full range of MediCare International services, including hospital benefits and evacuation, in the event of injury by terrorists or as part of a broader war conflict.

David Pryor, Senior Executive Director, MediCare International comments, “ In an age where localised conflicts seem to be ever present, whether in the form of a full scale conflict such as in Iraq or on a more localised basis in other world hotspots, reconstruction and rebuilding is of vital importance. Attracting the highly skilled specialists necessary can be helped if they know they can at least have full medical cover.”

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Relocation, relocation – might be the name of a popular TV programme, but, along with outsourcing, is very much a major issue in the world of international healthcare.
Whether it is private individuals moving overseas to capitalise on new markets and opportunities, or companies moving divisions to capitalise on lower labour costs, high up on the list of factors which determines whether life overseas will be successful or not is healthcare, particularly if the spouse and children are included.

Regular research published by a range of specialist publications serving this market, as well as our own research, suggests that in 75% of cases, the spouse will also be living abroad and in over half of cases, the family will have children. Cover which includes choice of treatment location and cover for everyday costs are important features when looking at family healthcare. David Pryor, Senior Executive Director, MediCare International comments, “We understand how the costs for even seemingly mild illnesses can mount up, especially when children are involved. That’s why we like to offer tangible benefits for our policyholders, such as our recent introduction of a first free claim outside the outpatient policy excess, which might be a visit to the doctor or consultant. With more and more families moving overseas, it makes sense to take out a policy which helps with the day-to-day business of being ill.”

Another factor which needs to be taken into consideration is the increasing threat of global terrorism. Nearly a third of brokers questioned in the MediCare International research said that they would not consider a policy if it did not provide some level of war cover.

We have a ‘stand out’ benefit that really makes a difference to those expatriates living and working in world hot spots. For these individuals, we provide ‘passive war’ cover including terrorist attack, in contrast to other insurers whose policies have a full war risk exclusion.

Passive war cover is likely to be of particular interest to aid agencies and rebuilding contractors working in the Gulf area, especially in Iraq, Lebanon, Kuwait or indeed Africa. Policyholders will benefit from the full range of MediCare International services, including hospital benefits and evacuation, in the event of injury by terrorists or as part of a broader war conflict.

With many placements now including countries such as India and China, healthcare has increasingly come into sharp focus, especially for companies looking to provide specialist cover for employees. Perceptions of the quality of local facilities are paramount, so companies increasingly need to develop tailored healthcare solutions enabling staff to be treated where they want to be, in the event of emergencies. Hot and humid climates allied to poor sanitation and infrastructure conditions are a prime cause of infections, particularly amongst expatriates who will not have the same level of immunity to such illnesses as either locals or other longer term residents.

In such circumstances, a company may well find itself having to develop one level of benefits for a management grade in one country and a quite different set of benefits for the same grade elsewhere. This is where the specialist healthcare insurers such as MediCare International can play a vital role. With over 20 years experience of supporting the international business community worldwide, MediCare International is used to facing the challenges of developing bespoke policies to cover groups of employees around the world.

This ability to create individual packages for companies is of little use if the range of cover is not sufficiently comprehensive to satisfy employees in all locations. In this respect, cover for chronic or long term illnesses is one area that many companies will steer clear of. However, with lung and respiratory problems on the rise generally, it is clear that cover for the costs of treating conditions such as asthma is a basic requirement. Indeed, in the recent MediCare International industry-wide report, nearly 75% of brokers said that the availability of chronic cover is a key requirement when selecting a provider.

These twin abilities, to create bespoke solutions and offer key areas of cover such as chronic illness costs, explain why the specialist insurers such as MediCare International still compete strongly with the larger, less flexible groups. As business becomes still more international and searches out new locations for low cost production, IT and telecom services, the ability of companies to reflect this diversity in their range of staff benefits will be key in ensuring a healthy global placement programme, which itself will be a major driver of corporate success.

MediCare around the world

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Long term health insurance in another country is an area UK expatriates will often not have considered in any detail, especially when it comes to retirement. Our own research suggests many UK nationals who retire abroad think that they will be fully covered locally via what used be known as the E111 facility. Few will be aware that a new system, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) has replaced the old E111 and that from 1 January 2006, E111s are no longer valid. Whilst the European Health Insurance Card entitles residents to reduced-cost and sometimes free medical treatment in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, MediCare International warns that it should not be seen as a replacement for proper, comprehensive health insurance.

David Pryor, Senior Executive Director, MediCare International comments, “The retirement market is one which our experience tells us is likely to be more sensitive to claims than the norm, This is partly a function of age, but from a psychological perspective, if a client is feeling unwell, they are less likely to take a risk with their health abroad than if they were in the UK, where friends and family might be on hand to help take care of them. In practice, this means they will probably go to the doctor more often.”

David Pryor continues, “There has been quite a lot of press coverage recently about the way in which people just rely upon the European Health Insurance Card (the old E111), in the mistaken believe that in the event of serious ill health, they can return to their country of birth and once again access the state system. Our advice to anyone planning overseas retirement is to budget for some element of international health insurance, preferably with a 24 hour assistance facility to assist with both foreign language and of course to access to hospitals and doctors in country. It is important to remember that complete or top up individual PMI is vital in some countries. Even if they are going to a country that has a reciprocal healthcare agreement with the UK, they may still need to pay for medical treatment. None of the healthcare agreements cover the cost of bringing a person back to the UK in the event of illness or death.”

The retired expatriate market is one which presents many challenges for insurances companies. We are one of a small band of insurers who can insure new applicants from age 65 years, right up to and beyond age 80 years. Inevitably there are some limitations to the cover and in particular, MediCare International will medically underwrite all new applicants age 65 years and above. In effect this means that pre existing conditions declared on the medical questionnaire would be excluded from future cover.

Additionally, MediCare International are also helping with the day-to-day costs of being ill – an area that impacts more on the retired market – with a new benefit introduced for policyholders in the form of a first free claim outside the outpatient policy excess, which might be a visit to the doctor or dentist.

MediCare around the world

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To find more about healthcare and medical tourism in Cyprus visit our portal at http://www.cyprushealthtravel.com/

If you are living and working overseas or about to make the move, it pays to be well informed and prepared on all aspects of your lifestyle, including the critical area of health and medical insurance cover.

We have put together a checklist of key points to consider that may help take the hassle out of healthcare cover and put the planning into your preparations.

1. The first question to ask is have you got healthcare insurance in place for you and your family. If you are working overseas on secondment then your company will no doubt have a group scheme in place for you. However, many individuals who live and work overseas do not have individual PMI cover, preferring to leave things to chance. Currently, this leaves about 40 – 50% of people without cover or protection!

David Pryor, Senior Executive Director, MediCare International comments, “More and more people are leaving the UK for other reasons, with many younger people choosing to leave with families in tow. These people will not have pensions and will probably not be on secondment, preferring to let the low cost of house prices dictate their choice of country. Once there, they will seek out employment and may not in the first instance take out private medical insurance, not realising that complete or top up individual PMI is vital in some countries. Even if they are going to a country that has a reciprocal healthcare agreement with the UK, they may still need to pay for medical treatment. None of the healthcare agreements cover the cost of bringing a person back to the UK in the event of illness or death. So it pays to be well prepared – do your research before you go, putting medical cover in place and top of the list.”

2. Make sure that when you look at policies you consider more than just the cost alone – value for money and breadth of cover is very important. David Pryor continues, “Cover for chronic care costs will be increasingly important as our experience tells us that at the critical buying point most clients move away from the pure cost factor to the more expensive policies providing more comprehensive cover. With more and more families moving overseas, it makes sense to take out a policy which covers the costs of everyday drugs and treatment for conditions such as flu and the common cold. Many international healthcare policies will only cover costs while the client is hospitalised – as soon as the patient is released and the initial illness treated, cover against the cost of ongoing medication can cease. That’s why from 1 February this year we have introduced a first free claim outside the outpatient policy excess, which might be a visit to the doctor or dentist, to help our members with the day-to-day business of being ill.”

3. Think about where you are going to live – the destination will affect the healthcare cover you need. If you will be living in a country with a well developed infrastructure, perhaps in a city, then this will involve fewer risks than living in a rural area or in a third world country. Behaviour also plays a part – will you be travelling around, perhaps going outdoors in the evenings in a malaria-endemic area without taking precautions or understanding the risks. Exposure to insects, rodents or other animals, infectious agents and contaminated food and water, combined with the absence of appropriate medical facilities makes travel in many remote regions particularly dangerous. Talk to your doctor and discuss everything carefully with your healthcare provider as they will be able to help assess the risk and recommend the right policy for you.

4. Get up-to-date with vaccinations and any anti-malaria medication you need. Visit your doctor or a specialist travel clinic at least two months before your departure date – you might not be able to get all the immunisations you need in one go and some take a while to become fully effective. You may also need to start taking anti-malaria medication before you leave. If you’re leaving in less than two months, it’s still worth getting some medical advice: some protection is better than none. Tell the doctor or nurse where you’re going, if you’re pregnant (or thinking about getting pregnant) and whether you’re taking children with you. You can get some anti-malaria medication from pharmacies without a prescription, so ask the doctor or nurse about the cheapest way to get what you need.

Make sure you’ve got all the immunisations you need for the country you’re going to by checking the NHS immunisation website or asking your GP. If you haven’t had diphtheria, polio or tetanus vaccines before, this is an ideal opportunity to get them. Even if you have had them before, you might need a booster dose.
5. If you are over 65 and have a pre-existing medical condition or special need, it is important to consider this carefully and tell your healthcare provider. Not only will this affect the insurance cover you should be looking at, but it will also require special consideration when living and travelling overseas. Make sure you have all the necessary medication with you when you travel along with the necessary information about the condition and treatment required. A doctor’s letter certifying the necessity for certain drugs or other medical supplies such as syringes should always be carried with you when travelling.
You will also need to find out if there are any restrictions on taking your medicines in and out of the UK or the country you are visiting – some medicines available over the counter in the UK may be controlled in other countries and vice versa. Ask the relevant embassy or high commission, check the Home Office website or talk to your healthcare provider.
6. If you are doing a lot of travelling that involves a fair amount of sitting still, then it is well worth considering the risks of DVT and taking certain precautions. Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is the formation of a blood clot in one of the body’s deep veins (usually in the leg). DVT is rare, but sitting still for long periods of time in a plane, train or car can increase the risk. Do some simple exercises – rotate your ankles and wiggle your toes – and get up and walk around if you can. Stay hydrated with regular non-alcoholic drinks.
If you have ever had DVT or clots in your lungs, have a family history of clotting conditions, have had major surgery (especially a hip or knee replacement) in the last three months, suffer from heart disease, cancer or have ever had a stroke, you may be at increased risk. Ask your doctor for advice.
7. Remember that you should always carry your health insurance assistance telephone number with you at all times. The assistance element of international healthcare is often misunderstood – most clients tend to have visions of emergency evacuations, air ambulances and near-death experiences when thinking about assistance. In reality, whilst having an effective and rapid back-up for air evacuation is indeed important, in the vast majority of cases, the role of international medical assistance is far less dramatic though no less important. On a day-to-day basis, it is the assistance service which all policyholders turn to as soon as they have any kind of medical problem, be it as simple as a child’s ear infection or a more serious broken bone.
David Pryor ends, “Our assistance centre is at the end of a telephone line 24 hours a day, 365 days giving cover all over the world. Core to any international PMI policy, the assistance element is a sophisticated back room engine providing a breadth and depth of service vital to the wellbeing of clients.”

MediCare around the world

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To find more about healthcare and medical tourism in Cyprus visit our portal at http://www.cyprushealthtravel.com/