11th August 2010
'Travel insurance required' by Brits of African descent
British holidaymakers of African descent who often head abroad to visit friends and family may be in more need of travel insurance than others as it has been revealed that they often do not protect themselves against malaria.
In fact, according to the Department of Health, 81 per cent of cases seen in UK residents were in those visiting relatives, while in 2009 1,495 instances were recorded in people arriving in or returning to Britain.
Public health minister Anne Milton noted that, although deaths from malaria in this country are rare, "it is a significant public health risk for UK travellers", urging them to make sure they protect themselves with the appropriate pills and are able to recognise symptoms.
Tourists have been advised to use insect repellent, cover arms and legs after sunset and sleep beneath a mosquito net.
However, travel insurance should still be purchased, as such precautions do not guarantee the disease will not be contracted.
Cheryl Cole, for example, had taken a full course of tablets and still fell ill while on holiday in Tanzania.
Posted by Samuel Tudor
Did you know that UIA offers competitive rates on home insurance? You can even get up to 15% discount when you apply online.
back to news