There are however, some further precautions that group leaders should consider.

Please note: More details are available in our ‘Pre-Tour Safety Guide’

Groups travelling within EEA Countries and Switzerland

Reciprocal health agreements have been established in the European Economic Area (member states of the EU plus Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. The benefit of this is that frequently, medical treatment can be provided free of charge, avoiding the need to claim money back from insurers. Old E111 forms have now been replaced with the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

The cards are issued on an individual basis. Children/wards cards are not covered by the parents/guardians card. Forms are available from the Post Office or online at the Governments Department of Health website. The forms need to be completed and stamped at the Post Office to be valid. Eligible group members will need to have the EHIC to benefit from free healthcare arrangements.

Groups travelling outside EEA Countries and Switzerland

Information on recommended immunisations can be obtained in the Health Advice for Travellers booklet published by the Department of Health. Please note that recommendations do change and it is important to plan enough time for necessary vaccinations, some of which incur a fee.

Health Advice for Travellers Booklet

Parental permission for medical treatment

It is essential to obtain the written permission of parents / guardians prior to travel for group leaders to carry out the following:

• To administer prescription medication required by students.
• To administer pain relief medication as appropriate. e.g. paracetamol
• To sign for medical operations to proceed in the event that this is deemed necessary by a qualified medical practitioner. 

Details of the following can also be obtained from pages 17 and 18 of the Pre-tour Safety Guide.

• Group members medication
• First Aid Kit
• First Aid Qualification

Download a copy

Pre-tour Safety Guide