Worldwide Travel Insurance – Prevent Insect Bites

Whether you're a seasoned traveller or new to travelling and living abroad, it is important to plan ahead to protect your health. Whether its something as simple as preventing insect bites or protecting your trips with worldwide travel insurance, a little bit of forethought goes a long way. Here are a few basic precautions that can help to avoid any unnecessary accidents and illnesses arising from insect bites.

Preventing Insect Bites

Malaria is not the only disease that is transmitted by mosquitoes – Dengue fever is becoming increasingly more common in tropical climates. First line protection against any mosquito borne disease is to prevent insect bites and avoid the subsequent discomforts and diseases entirely.

• Avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by applying a good mosquito repellent to exposed areas every 6 hours. Clothes can also be impregnated with repellent for further protection. If wearing sun cream apply repellent on top.
• Keep legs and arms covered with clothing to lower risk of bites on the skin. Avoid dark colours as they attract mosquitoes.
• Use a ‘knock-down' spray in the evening to get rid of mosquitoes before going to sleep.
• Avoid strong perfumes, hair sprays or after-shaves as they can attract mosquitoes.
• Use screens on windows in hot climates.
• Use air conditioning if it is available.
• Sleep under nets, which are impregnated with repellent and insecticide in areas where mosquitoes borne disease is present.
• Try to avoid evening walks beside rivers and ponds as this is where mosquitoes breed.
• Use this information along with any medication advice your doctor has given you.
  
  

Staying Well Once You Are At Your Destination

Familiarize yourself with the medical facilities of your travel destination. Make sure you know the necessary local emergency numbers and know where to get help if there are problems.

Safety rules for food and drink can be extremely important – make sure that you know what precautions you need to take to eat and drink safely. Take adequate amounts of non-alcoholic fluid, or make certain you know how to find them, to prevent dehydration.

Insect bites and minor cuts and grazes can take longer to heal in hot, humid climates. Take a first aid kit so that you can keep a wound clean and dry while you are away. Seek medical advice if you are concerned this may be an issue for you.

Diarrhoea is an issue for many travellers. This is of particular concern for senior travellers, and you may need advice from a healthcare specialist. Discuss what course of action you should take in the event of the onset of diarrhoea with your GP.

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Globalsurance is an independent Worldwide Travel Insurance Advisor. We work with all the major worldwide travel insurance companies and can give you independent advice or a range of free International Health Insurance and Worldwide Travel Insurance Quotes; click for Free Advice and Quotes.