European measles outbreak - Parents urged to get kids vaccinated
Leading travel insurance website, insurewithease.com is alerting families heading abroad this Easter to ensure they’ve got appropriate travel insurance, as news comes of a measles outbreak across Europe.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is urging families to get children vaccinated before their Easter holidays as large outbreaks of measles in France, Italy, Germany and Bulgaria are reported.
But those families travelling with children who have not been vaccinated should be aware of the symptoms, in case they develop while on holiday. And to ensure this has as little impact on the holiday break as possible, insurewithease.com is encouraging families to check they have appropriate travel insurance with access to 24 hour medical assistance. This will not only mean any costs for medical treatment are covered – but make it easy to get access to medical help and support if a member of the family does fall ill.
“The HPA alert is designed to make parents mindful that if they are travelling abroad and their children have not been immunised they will be vulnerable”, explained Sarah Findlay, Marketing Manager at insurewithease.com. “With reports suggesting that about three million children and teenagers are thought to be at risk because they have missed one or two of the MMR jabs, we think it’s important, therefore, that families have the protection and support of travel insurance if they do fall ill.
“Most people only experience a mild fever with measles, but parents will want the reassurance that they can access local medical expertise quickly and easily – and without incurring heavy costs – if one of their party does start showing symptoms. And with family travel insurance cover costing from £15 * it’s a small price to pay for that peace of mind.”
Families heading to the EU should apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which entitles them to some free or reduced price medical treatments. However, the EHIC won’t cover the cost of air ambulances, trip cancellation or repatriation, so the best protection is adequate travel insurance.
“Insurewithease.com offers a range of flexible policies including free cover for children on single trip policies, all in a matter of clicks, concluded Sarah Findlay. “Even a short trip can end up costing thousands if someone falls ill or has an accident, so travelling with the right level of insurance is crucial for that added peace of mind. If the worst does happen, holidaymakers will want to know that their costs are covered and that they will be taken care of when they need it most.”
*Quote based on a five day trip to France for a family of four.