If it's a question of health, here's the answer

Choose the healthy option

It's surprisingly common how often people fall ill when they go away. It happens to around 20% of all holidaying Brits every year. That's why it always pays to plan ahead. With HolidayCare, you can go anywhere in the world knowing you have an expert team with you all the way.

Whether you want pre-trip advice, cash savings on vaccinations, a health question answered or assistance in translating an allergy using a handy text or email, we can help you avoid unnecessary hassle. With HealthHelpines, AllergyAware and VaccinationCare, you're in safe hands.

And HolidayCare takes care of more than just health matters. This unique package also comes with a guaranteed home repair service as well as passport and luggage protection.

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	HealthHelplines

Whether you want the inside line on your travel destination or have a pressing medical question, our HealthHelplines can provide you with a wealth of information and advice from experts in the know.

HealthHelplines

Pre-trip planner

With a database spanning over 250 countries, Medicentre HolidayCare's specialist service provider, AXA PPP healthcare, can provide you with a pre-trip health planner as well as political information, for any trip abroad.

This is particularly useful if you're planning a long-haul trip to non-tourist destinations or staying in accommodation that's less than 3-star. The helpline provides a healthcare profile matched to your travel itinerary by country, time of visit, type of living conditions and age.

You can obtain this service either over the phone or by first-class post. You'll receive the advice on the following information:

seasonal diseases and potential health hazards
recommended immunisations
malaria proliferation
general travel advice
latest Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice.

While you are away

Every year, up to 20% of UK travellers suffer from some minor medical problem when abroad. As a result, precious holiday time is wasted trying to locate a doctor and then waiting for and attending an appointment. Our HealthHelplines service offers you a time-saving, easy-to-use alternative.

Medicentre HolidayCare provides you with 24/7/365 access to expert medical professionals at AXA PPP healthcare in the UK. You can call up both before and during your holiday. What's more, you can also ask for a free call-back from a specialist. You provide the phone number; they will call you wherever you are in the world.

Sorting out a minor illness through the helpline service, rather than visiting a local doctor and claiming back through your travel insurance, means you won't have to pay any compulsory excess.

This service is a fast and convenient way to obtain practical help and information on virtually any situation you're likely to experience when travelling abroad. This service is confidential and fully compliant with UK medical protocols.

The list below sets out the extensive range of areas you can get advice on:

pre-trip travel health information and guidance
precautions necessary for different countries and environments
common minor ailments and bugs experienced when abroad
holiday first aid
sunburn and heat exhaustion
child health
location of medical practitioner services where you are holidaying
foreign emergency services database
pharmacist advice

general information on prescribed drugs
identification of foreign brand names for prescribed drugs
adverse reactions and interactions
side effects of prescribed drugs
contra-indications
tropical diseases information

general healthcare information during pregnancy
travel advice during pregnancy
symptom analysis during various stages of pregnancy
diet and food recommendations
special precautions when travelling abroad


	AllergyAware

Taking an allergy on holiday can be a hassle. Not with AllergyAware. It's the perfect way to ensure there's never a misunderstanding when you and your family go abroad.

AllergyAware

Are you concerned about an allergy in your family? Even a small flare-up could ruin your hard-earned holiday.

Our advice? Stop worrying. AllergyAware from Medicentre HolidayCare is here to support you.

We've created a database of seventy common allergies. We've then translated them into fifteen languages. So, when you're on holiday, you can rely on AllergyAware to get the message over.

Here's how it works:

We send you up to two allergy messages converted into one language (chosen by you) as emails. You save the emails, print them out and take with you.

We'll also send the same translations to your mobile phone. This means you can show the message to any relevant person (waiter, medical professional, pharmacist) when you need them to be aware of the allergy. How easy is that?

If you need more than two allergies translated, or would like translations in more than one language, you'll find you can buy extra texts from our online store.


	VaccinationCare

You're off to foreign places. You need a vaccination or two. Thanks to VaccinationCare, you can get the jabs you need and save money.

VaccinationCare

Medicentre are the UK's leading group of private clinics for fast, efficient, high-quality travel healthcare.

You can visit any Medicentre with your HolidayCare brochure and enjoy a 20% saving off the standard price of vaccinations. This means more money for you to take away on holiday.

Medicentre also offer a range of other travel services. Click onto medicentre.co.uk for more details.

Please note: Medicentre are predominately London-based at present. The exciting news is we are planning to open more centres around the UK in the near future.


	FAQ

Home

Why do I have to pay for a tradesman if there were to be an emergency at my home?

We seek to make sure that you will get a FULLY guaranteed service (emergency repairs 3 months - permanent repairs 12 months), where the price will be at standard rates and known in advance. If we were to include cover for the actual costs as well, the product would be significantly higher in price. Our research highlights two key findings: First, that holidaymaker's are more worried about getting a problem fixed by someone reputable. And, second, that they want to ensure their keyholder is not inconvenienced by the task of looking after their home.

Is the back-up service behind KeyholderSupport fully national and reputable?

The emergency service is delivered by Homeserve. They are one of the largest and most reputable of the home emergency services. They provide a large and well-organised team of vetted and managed tradesmen, all of them operating 24/7/365.

Why would I wish Medicentre HolidayCare to inform my insurer of a potential loss?

Again, to enhance your holiday experience and take another worry away. After all, if you know that there’s less paperwork to do when you get back, or you know that your insurer is getting on with employing people on your behalf, then this must be good news.

If, though, you’d prefer us not to do this for you, simply don’t click on the appropriate button within that part of the registration process, and don’t provide us with your home insurer details.

Health

Why do you only allow 2 allergies or 1 language under AllergyAware?

Our research has suggested that most people who have allergies (that they are worried about) have only 1 or 2. We could include more, but the cost of the overall product would need to rise. We feel it’s better to allow those who may wish for more, to buy separately.

Why only 15 languages?

We have chosen these as they cover the vast majority of holiday destinations where someone might wish to use the translation service. In time, we may add more languages. Another issue is that there are some languages where mobile phones have problems with the text.

How do I find out where the Medicentres are?

Just call 0870 600 0870. Currently Medicentre are based mainly in London and the South, but more openings around the country are planned soon.

Possessions

How do I buy extra Passport/Luggage Guards for my immediate family?

If you click on the tab "Order more PassportGuards/LuggageGuards" you will be put through to our highly secure online credit card payment mechanism provided by Barclays Bank. You can also buy extra Passport/Luggage Guards via Medicentre HolidayCare Customer Services on 0870 066 1975 between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday.

If I wish to order extra Passport/Luggage Guards on the Internet do I have to register them when they arrive?

Yes, you will need to register them to activate their unique numbers.

If I wish to order extra Passport/Luggage Guards via the telephone, do I need to register them when they arrive?

No. The call centre will register these, alongside the initial Medicentre HolidayCare registration.

Other topics

I’m having trouble registering. Can you help me?

If the instructions on our website are causing problems, you can register by calling Medicentre HolidayCare Customer Services. The number to call is 0870 066 1975.

What do I do if I have a complaint?

We take any issues you have very seriously. You should refer your complaint to Medicentre HolidayCare Customer Services on 0870 066 1975. Alternatively, you can log your complaint at our website.

Who should I call with any queries?

You should refer any general queries you have to Medicentre HolidayCare Customer Services on 0870 066 1975 between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday.

Is Medicentre HolidayCare a type of insurance policy?

No, it isn’t an insurance policy. It’s an arrangement that provides you with a selection of holiday-related services that have been developed to "enhance" your holiday experience.

Do customers have to take out travel insurance to buy Medicentre HolidayCare?

No. However, you should note that Medicentre HolidayCare does not provide the same benefits as travel insurance. Medicentre HolidayCare strongly recommends that anyone traveling abroad has taken out appropriate travel insurance before commencing his or her trip.

How can I buy Medicentre HolidayCare?

Simply click here to order your HolidayCare brochure.

What if I wish to register but don’t have the internet at home?

As long as you have your own email address, you can register for free from any PC or Mac with an internet connection. Keep in mind, using the internet means you get an extra month’s membership for free. Also, most local libraries now offer you internet access. You can also register through Medicentre HolidayCare Customer Services on 0870 066 1975.

If you don’t have access to e-mail, then Medicentre HolidayCare can arrange for one of our e-mail addresses to be used, enabling us to receive a finder’s message on your behalf. (Remember, that as part of the possessions section, a finder of your lost luggage/passport can contact you by email. Medicentre HolidayCare will then contact you on your mobile if a finder uses the automated system.)

What if I do not have a mobile phone?

To get maximum benefit from the Medicentre HolidayCare services, you will need a mobile phone that works overseas. The benefit of the Passport/Luggage Guard service is the quick retrieval of a lost item while you’re abroad. This contact comes via mobile phone.

If you don’t have a mobile when traveling abroad, we suggest that you place a relative’s home number in this section and we will attempt to contact you via this number.

What if I’m not happy with HolidayCare?

Please let us know the reasons why you’re unhappy as we may be able to resolve your issues. If you’re still not happy with our service, we’ll refund the purchase price, as long as we receive the brochure unused and in good condition.

What happens if I lose the leaflet?

You can either contact Medicentre HolidayCare through the internet or ring Medicentre HolidayCare Customer Services on 0870 066 1975.

Who actually provides the various Medicentre HolidayCare services?

Health Helplines are provided by AXA PPP healthcare
PassportGuard and LuggageGuard are provided by HolidaySure Ltd
VaccinationCare is provided by Medicentre
AllergyAware translations are provided by Transmedi Ltd
KeyholderSupport is delivered by Principal Choice Ltd

What happens if I have a change of details after registering on line?

Simply click here if you know your membership number and password. If you don't, you can call our Customer Services department on 0870 066 1975 who will be happy to assist you.