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HOLIDAYS
Many ostomates find it beneficial and convenient to go abroad on holiday by leaving from UK seaports on a cruise. This alleviates the hassle of security at airports. A stoma patient can travel from place to place, and the same bathroom in your cabin is always available.
Disposal of appliances does not cause a problem, since wrapped up in the normal way by double bagging, they can be placed in the bathroom waste bin. On request, some cruise lines will provide yellow medical waste bags, which can be collected regularly and discreetly from the cabin. Cruise companies have stated that flushable pouches are not suitable for the toilets onboard.
CRUISING
Before boarding the plane, use the toilet facilities in the departure lounge to empty or change your pouch. This will make an ostomate feel more relaxed, give extra confidence for the initial part of the flight, and provide maximum security from the possibility of leaks.
DEPARTURE LOUNGES
In hot weather or humid conditions, an ostomate may need an increased fluid intake, particularly if they have an ileostomy. When abroad, drink plenty of bottled water, and check that the seal is unbroken. Commercial isotonic sports drinks, which contain varying amounts of salts and sugars, may help with combating dehydration. Avoid excessive amounts of alcohol, which could cause dehydration.
Especially when abroad, an ostomate should be very wary of the water supply, and only use bottled or boiled water, including cleaning teeth, stoma, etc. Even in the UK, when an ostomate is away from home, it can be better to use bottled water, since in different areas of the country, tap water may affect an ostomate differently from their own tap water.
Avoid ice cubes, unless they have been made with bottled water. Salads and unpeeled fruits may also have been washed with local tap water, so it is best to avoid these foods.
DRINKS
The UK is one of several nations in the US Visa Waiver Programme (VWP), which means that
British citizens can travel to the USA and stay for up to 90 days, without having to obtain a Visa.
However, it is compulsory that all travellers, using the Visa Waiver Programme, register online
using the Electronic System For Travel Authorisation (ESTA) system.
The following guidelines may be helpful:
ESTA
● The ESTA is a pre-
● The ESTA application form can only be completed online.
● The official ESTA website, where a visit to the United States can be registered, can be found at
● All travellers, whether they are holidaymakers (including children) or those who are travelling on business, are now required to obtain prior approval before entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Programme.
● Applications may be submitted at any time before travel. However, it is recommended that ESTA applications should be submitted as soon as travel arrangements are made and at least 72 hours before departure.
● A charge applies, which can be paid using major credit cards.
● In most cases, travellers will receive a response within seconds. Responses will be one of the following three categories:
(a) Authorisation Approved -
necessary.
(b) Authorisation Pending -
response within 72 hours of the application.
(c) Travel Not Authorised -
before travelling to the United States.
● An ESTA is valid for up to two years, or until the traveller’s passport expires, whichever comes first.
● If an ESTA application is approved, it is valid for multiple entries into the United States.
● A copy of the approved ESTA should be printed out. If this is not possible, it is imperative that travellers make a note of their reference number for their ESTA. The reference number is not emailed to you.
● Although an ESTA is mandatory, the ESTA does not guarantee admission to the United States at port of entry. An ESTA only authorises a traveller to board an air or sea carrier to travel to the United States. The final decision to authorise entry will be made by the Border Control Officers at the place of entry into the USA.
● An approved ESTA is not an American tourist visa. It does not meet the legal or regulatory requirements to serve in lieu of a USA visa, when a visa is required under USA law.
● Individuals, who possess a valid visa, will still be able to travel to the United States on the visa for the purpose for which it was issued. Individuals travelling on a valid visa will not be required to apply for an ESTA.
● For future visits or changes, details can be updated through the official ESTA website.
If an ostomate is travelling to a European Economic Area (EEA) country, it is essential to obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The EHIC replaces the former E111 form. In most European countries, this card entitles the patient to reduced or sometimes free medical treatment, where treatment becomes necessary during a temporary visit.
The card is only valid for treatment offered under the state healthcare schemes operating in these countries, i.e. it gives access to treatment under the same terms as people who live in the appropriate country. Countries currently in the EEA are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. There are a few countries outside the EEA, where a patient can get free healthcare.
The EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance. It may not cover all health costs, and it never covers luggage, holiday cancellation or repatriation expenses. The EHIC card does not cover situations where patients go abroad with the intention of being treated in hospitals overseas.
Further information, including a full list of countries covered and details of their health systems, can be found in the booklet ‘Health Advice For Travellers’, available from the Post Office or online. It is recommended that this booklet is carried, when travelling, as it contains information on what to do if treatment is necessary during the holiday.
For more general information on the EHIC, call 0845 606 2030, or go to the website. An application form can also be obtained from the Post Office.
Whilst on holiday, it is advisable to carry this EHIC card at all times.
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EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE CARDS
