NHS

Ryanair and Jet2 have similar policies

Passengers flying with certain airlines including Ryanair and Jet2 will need to produce an additional document in order to be allowed to board, according to the terms and conditions outlined on both carriers’ websites.

NHS guidelines state that most women can fly safely well into their pregnancy, providing they take the necessary precautions, such as securing adequate travel insurance. It is advised that travellers ensure their policy covers all potential eventualities, including pregnancy-related medical care during labour, premature birth, and the cost of amending the return journey date should labour occur.

While each airline has its own specific guidance, their policies concerning pregnant women flying at various stages are broadly similar. For example, beyond a certain point in their pregnancy, women travelling with Ryanair and Jet2 will be required to produce a medical document or face being refused boarding.

Ryanair

Ryanair’s guidance states that “you may fly up to 28 weeks of pregnancy” and once a pregnancy reaches week 28 “you will need to carry a completed ‘fit to fly’ letter from your doctor/midwife”. Further details on its website add: “If you have a single pregnancy, travel is not permitted beyond the end of the 36th week of your pregnancy; For a twin/triplet pregnancy, a ‘fit to fly’ letter is required between 28-32 weeks, and travel is not permitted beyond the end of the 32nd week of pregnancy.

“If you have any doubts about your suitability to fly or if you have had any complications while pregnant, please consult your doctor before booking your flights.”

Jet2

Jet2’s policy echoes this, and reads: “We are not able to carry expectant mothers after: the end of the 35th week of pregnancy in the case of a single pregnancy; or – the end of the 33rd week of pregnancy in the case of multiple pregnancies (for example twins).

“After the end of the 27th week of pregnancy, expectant mothers must provide us with a doctor’s certificate confirming their stage of pregnancy and that they are fit to fly, failing which we reserve the right to refuse carriage. This certificate needs to be dated within 7 days of the outbound date of travel and 16 days of the inbound date of travel.”

easyJet

easyJet’s guidance is comparable, noting “you are able to travel until quite late into your pregnancy” while adding: “If you have experienced any complications during your pregnancy, you should consult your medical practitioner before flying with us.

“You can travel up to the end of the 35th week for single pregnancies. If you are expecting more than one baby you can travel up to the end of the 32nd week”.

Expectant mothers wishing to travel with an infant on their lap are permitted to do so.

More than a third of British holidaymakers have experienced ‘travel tummy’ in the past 12 months

More than a third of British holidaymakers (36%) have suffered from ‘travel tummy’ over the past year, new research has revealed. The term describes stomach upset or illness experienced while on holiday.

Safa noted the findings indicated that digestive problems were a widespread concern amongst travellers, often having a detrimental effect on overseas trips. The Saga Travel Insurance study, which surveyed 500 UK holidaymakers, discovered that half (49%) had endured diarrhoea while away, with nearly one in 10 (8%) battling gut troubles on every single trip.

Those with pre-existing conditions, such as IBS, may face a heightened risk of digestive complications when abroad, as travel can worsen symptoms. Local chemists are the first stop for most holidaymakers grappling with travel tummy overseas (35%), while almost a third (30%) resort to Google and one in 12 (8%) consult AI to assess their symptoms before seeking professional advice.

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Saga Travel Insurance consulted Dr Nick Burr, a gastroenterologist at healthcare provider LivingCare, to explore why travel tummy happens and what holidaymakers can do to prevent problems on future getaways.

Bacteria often the cause of travel tummy

Travellers’ diarrhoea is a frequent problem among holidaymakers, especially when heading to destinations where food hygiene standards differ.

Dr Burr said: “Traveller’s diarrhoea is usually caused by bacteria, most commonly E. coli, picked up from contaminated food or water, particularly in parts of Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Central or South America. Symptoms can include loose stools, cramping, bloating and nausea, often within the first week of travel.”

Tap water standards differ significantly from one country to another. Numerous countries have updated plumbing infrastructure, which typically means tap water is safe for consumption.

In other nations, it may be wiser to opt for bottled water, as unsafe drinking water can harbour dangerous bacteria, parasites and chemicals.

According to the NHS, boiling water is the most dependable method to purify it and eliminate any bacteria or viruses. Chemical disinfectants, such as iodine or chlorine, can also be employed, but may prove less effective than thoroughly boiling water and allowing it to cool in a sterile container.

Water filters ranging from 0.2 to 1 micron can also be utilised to remove dirt or parasites from water before applying chemical disinfection.

Two-fifths of Brits reckon their symptoms were triggered by local food

Local cuisine emerged as one of the most frequently mentioned causes of travel tummy amongst holidaymakers in Saga Travel Insurance’s survey, with 44% of respondents blaming their holiday stomach troubles on this. Dr Burr explained: “Common sources [of infection] include untreated water, ice cubes, buffets, shellfish, undercooked meat and food left sitting in the heat. Exploring local food is one of the joys of travel and most people can do so safely as long as they apply common sense. For example, freshly cooked, piping hot food in a busy restaurant is usually OK.”

Dehydration poses one of the greatest threats to your wellbeing while travelling

Diarrhoea was the most frequently reported symptom of holiday tummy among UK travellers, with more than a quarter (28%) of individuals suffering from it while abroad over the past 12 months, according to Saga Travel Insurance’s survey. Loose and watery stools can lead to dehydration as your body is losing more fluids and electrolytes than you’re capable of replenishing.

Dr Burr said: “Dehydration [can be serious], especially in hot climates. Alcohol and caffeine can both worsen dehydration and have a laxative effect, so it’s best to limit these while symptoms are severe. Intense exercise while dehydrated or unwell may also slow recovery, so it’s usually best to rest, drink fluids, and stick to simple foods until symptoms improve.”

Rehydration solutions are an effective method to prevent dehydration and support recovery. If you’re unable to obtain rehydration sachets, Dr Burr points out that you can prepare your own from scratch.

He said: “If oral rehydration sachets are unavailable, a homemade solution can be made using six level teaspoons of sugar and half a teaspoon of salt in one litre of clean water.”

Routine disruption

While bacteria and infection remain the most frequent culprits behind traveller’s diarrhoea and stomach complaints, there may be more environmental factors at play when holidaymakers feel under the weather.

Dr Burr explained: “[In other cases], symptoms are not due to infection, but are related to changes in routine. Prolonged disruption to normal routines, including sleep patterns, hydration, alcohol intake, stress and diet, can make the digestive system more sensitive, particularly in people prone to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or functional gut symptoms.”

The survey by Saga Travel Insurance revealed that a third of holidaymakers (34%) said travel-related stress played a part in their travel tummy, while over a quarter (27%) pointed to long journeys as a contributing factor.

Dr Burr said: “For those who experience an upset tummy when flying, this is often linked to cabin pressure changes, dehydration, reduced movement, disrupted sleep, stress and unfamiliar foods. Staying hydrated, moving around during flights and eating lighter meals can help reduce discomfort.”

Michelle Cooper, director of Saga Travel Insurance, added: “If you’re on a longer flight, try to walk up and down the aisle every two hours to help with your circulation and digestion.”

Travellers with pre-existing conditions could be at greater risk

‘Travel tummy’ can present heightened dangers for those with underlying health conditions.

Dr Burr said: “People with diabetes, kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or weakened immune systems may become unwell more quickly.”

For individuals with pre-existing conditions, advance preparation is particularly crucial – not only regarding health matters, but also in making certain adequate travel insurance protection is arranged.

Michelle explained: “Many insurers offer cover for pre-existing medical conditions, however, it’s essential to declare them when taking out your policy. If you have an underlying health condition, becoming unwell abroad can be more serious and may require quicker access to medical care or more specialised treatment. Making sure you have the right cover in place means you can get the support you need without facing unexpected costs while you’re away.”

Most travel tummy is mild, but severe cases need treatment

While a dodgy stomach abroad might amount to little more than mild discomfort, it can occasionally prove more serious and necessitate a trip to a local doctor – or a call to your insurer’s 24-hour travel GP, if it provides one.

Michelle said: “Getting sick abroad is never ideal and you may be tempted to wait until you’ve returned to the UK to get checked by your doctor. However, it’s important that you seek out medical attention as soon as possible if you think you might be ill.

“Treatment costs abroad can add up quickly, particularly in countries where healthcare is private. Call your insurance provider’s 24-hour emergency number to check if they cover everything you need, including medical translation services. Travel insurance can help provide both financial protection and peace of mind if the unexpected happens.

“Having the right cover in place means you can get the care you need without worrying about the cost, so you can focus on recovering and enjoying the rest of your trip with confidence. Taking simple precautions before and during your trip could be the difference between a disrupted holiday and a smooth, stress-free getaway.”

Should you fall ill while overseas, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office holds a comprehensive list of English-speaking doctors, medical facilities and practitioners across the globe. In an emergency situation, don’t hesitate to contact the local emergency services in the country you’re visiting.

BRITS are being warned to check a vital travel document as it might soon be expiring and could cost you thousands if you don’t renew it.

Up to 1.3million Brits could be caught out when travelling abroad this year due to out-of-date travel documents.

A Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is a free card that gives UK travellers access to state healthcare when on holiday.

New data collected by Compare the Market for the NHS has revealed that 1,299,484 UK GHIC cards are due to expire this year.

This means that if you needed emergency healthcare when on holiday, you could be faced with a nasty bill if your GHIC card is out of date.

Currently there are around 23.3 million GHIC cards in circulation in the UK but the cards only last five years.

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If your GHIC is due to expire soon and you are also due to travel soon, then apply for a new card for free via official NHS BSA Healthcare Cover Application, as soon as possible.

It usually takes around 15 working days for the card to arrive once your application is approved.

If you travel before your card arrives, then don’t worry – if you need medical treatment when abroad, then you or someone on your behalf can request a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) online or by phone.

All you need to provide is your name, address, date of birth and your National Insurance Number.

The certificate can then be emailed directly to the hospital or medical centre you are seeking treatment at and gives you the exact same healthcare cover as a physical card.

It is worth remembering though that GHIC cards are not a substitute for travel insurance.

GHICs do not cover private medical care, mountain rescue, flight cancellations or being flown back to the UK – all things that you will need travel insurance for.

Tim Knighton, travel insurance expert at Compare the Market, said: “With nearly 1.3 million GHICs due to expire this year, anyone travelling to Europe should check their card well before they set off.

“It’s an easy thing to overlook, particularly if you haven’t needed to use your GHIC on previous trips.

“The rise in applications for PRCs also highlights that people could find themselves needing access to healthcare unexpectedly while abroad, so checking you have a valid GHIC before travelling is an important part of preparing for your trip.

“A GHIC can be very useful if you need medically necessary state healthcare while abroad, but it’s important to remember that it isn’t a substitute for travel insurance.

“There are costs and circumstances that a GHIC may not cover, so having appropriate travel insurance can provide additional protection if something goes wrong.

“Before travelling, check the expiry date on your GHIC and make sure you understand what healthcare you can access at your destination.

“It’s also worth arranging travel insurance as soon as you book your trip and comparing policies carefully to make sure the level of medical and other cover suits your needs.”

The family holiday park has become the first holiday operator to begin rolling out sensory libraries across all of its villages, offering free-to-borrow sensory aids for families with neurodivergent children

Center Parcs has become the first holiday operator to begin the roll out of new sensory libraries across all of its villages, catering for families with neurodivergent children.

Working alongside specialist SEN consultancy SENNIES, the family resort has officially unveiled its sensory library at its Elveden Forest village, where families can borrow items free of charge during their stay. The short break provider intends to roll out the libraries across all of its villages by 2028.

Items such as noise-reducing ear defenders, wipe-clean boards, calming lights, fidget toys, feelings wheels, visual timers and pop tubes will be on offer for families to select from.

Georgia Sargeant, CEO and founder at SENNIES, speaking in partnership with Center Parcs, said: “No two neurodivergent children are the same, so there is no single adjustment that works for every family.

“What matters is choice, a considered range of options from sensory resources and communication aids through to support for self-regulation and co-regulation, so a family can pick what works for their child that day.

“This library turns families’ feedback into practical support and shows how holiday providers can respond meaningfully to changing needs.”

The decision to launch the library follows a survey of 500 parents and legal guardians of neurodivergent children and those with additional needs, which found that 44% believe many holiday providers fail to offer sufficient provisions for their children.

For 80%, busy or crowded environments can prove challenging for their child, while 75% sometimes avoid activities or facilities altogether because they are overwhelming.

Almost two thirds (68%) said that access to sensory and accessibility aids at their chosen destination would enhance the holiday experience for their child.

Similarly, 68% also indicated that if they could borrow sensory items for the duration of their break, it would help their family feel more supported. Currently, 72% of parents bring sensory equipment or comfort items from home on every or most trips.

Department for Education figures reveal that more than 1.8 million pupils in England now have special educational needs – an increase of 5.2% in a year. This has resulted in NHS assessment waiting lists reaching more than 240,000.

Meanwhile, the Children’s Commissioner’s latest annual briefing discovered that children’s referrals involving suspected autism rose 47% in a single year, while neurodevelopmental referrals increased by 24%.

Richie Williams, village director at Center Parcs Elveden Forest, said: “The number of families looking for more thoughtful, practical support is growing.

“This pilot is the beginning of a journey, and we will listen closely to families using it and learn from their feedback as we consider what comes next and a future rollout to other villages.”