If you are planning a holiday abroad, get all the required inoculations and request copies of all your prescriptions.
Pack a first-aid kit with bandages, disinfectant, antibiotic ointment, diarrhoea medicine, motion sickness pills and aspirin or paracetamol.
Carry a short medical history in your wallet and wear a tag indicating any life-threatening allergies or conditions such as diabetes.
The pamphlet The Traveller's Guide to Health, available from your doctor's surgery or travel agent, includes information about immunisations, anti-malarial tablets and getting medical help abroad.
If you are visiting another EC country, get an for a European Health Insurance Card, which may allow you to obtain free medical treatment should you need it.
Ask your travel agent about special insurance that will help you get a doctor, a prescription, money or transport home. Carry your insurance certificate, your agent's name and phone number and several claim forms.
If you get sick abroad, British embassies and consulates can usually give you a list of English-speaking doctors.
