Iceland (Lonely Planet, 7th Edition) - Fran Parnell [285]
INSURANCE
If you’re a citizen of the EU, a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles you to reduced-cost emergency medical treatment in Iceland. It doesn’t cover nonemergency medical treatment, dental treatment, ambulance travel or emergency repatriation home. The EHIC has replaced the old E111 form, which ceased to be valid in January 2006. The easiest way to apply for an EHIC is online – check your country’s Department of Health website for details; in the UK, you can also pick up a postal application form from some post offices.
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CHECK BEFORE YOU GO
It’s usually a good idea to consult your government’s travel-health website (if available) before departure:
Australia www.smartraveller.gov.au
Canada www.travelhealth.gc.ca
UK www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad
USA wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
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Citizens from other countries should find out if there is a reciprocal arrangement for free medical care between their country and Iceland. If you do need health insurance, strongly consider a policy that covers you for the worst possible scenario, such as an accident requiring an emergency flight home. Find out in advance if your insurance plan will make payments directly to providers or reimburse you later for overseas health expenditures. The former option is generally preferable, as it doesn’t require you to pay out of pocket in a foreign country.
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RECOMMENDED VACCINATIONS
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that all travellers should be covered for diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella and polio, regardless of their destination. Since most vaccines don’t produce immunity until at least two weeks after they’re given, visit a physician at least six weeks before departure.
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INTERNET RESOURCES
The WHO’s publication International Travel and Health is revised annually and is available online at www.who.int/ith. Other useful websites include www.mdtravelhealth.com (travel-health recommendations for every country, updated daily), www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk (general travel advice), www.ageconcern.org.uk (advice on travel for the elderly) and www.mariestopes.org.uk (information on women’s health and contraception).
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IN TRANSIT
DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS (DVT)
Blood clots may form in the legs during plane flights, chiefly because of prolonged immobility – the longer the flight, the greater the risk of developing a clot. The chief symptom of DVT is swelling or pain of the foot, ankle or calf, usually but not always on just one side. When a blood clot travels to the lungs, it may cause chest pain and breathing difficulties. Travellers experiencing any of these symptoms should immediately seek medical attention.
To prevent DVT on long flights you should walk about the cabin, contract leg muscles and wiggle your ankles and toes while sitting, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid alcohol and tobacco.
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JET LAG & MOTION SICKNESS
To avoid jet lag (common when crossing more than five time zones) try drinking plenty of nonalcoholic fluids and eating light meals. Upon arrival, get exposure to natural sunlight and readjust your schedule (for meals, sleep and so on) as soon as possible.
Antihistamines such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) and meclizine (Antivert, Bonine) are usually the first choice for treating motion sickness. A herbal alternative is ginger.
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IN ICELAND
AVAILABILITY & COST OF HEALTH CARE
High-quality health care is readily available, and for minor, self-limiting illnesses, pharmacists can dispense valuable advice and over-the-counter medication. They can also advise when