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Anyone wanting to travel abroad for whatever reason is well advised to get a copy of a booklet "Health Advice for Travellers".

• Obtainable from any Post Office or Travel Agents

• Or e-mail: doh@prologistics.co.uk

• Information also available on the internet at: www.doh.gov.uk/traveladvice

The booklet contains a mass of valuable information about immunisation requirements in about 200 countries as well as advice about eating safely abroad and many diseases likely to be met there.

There are two blank forms contained in this publication, which we are invited to complete and return to a Post Office to be authorized. One form is the application, which is retained, the other is called an E111 which confirms that we are members of the European Economic Area. The E111 form should be kept with our passport and if we are taken ill then we can "lock in" to the local NHS equivalent in the relevant country. On production of this form we will receive medical treatment on the same terms as a citizen of that country. This does not always mean we shall receive free treatment but we shall not be asked to pay more than, for example, a Frenchman would in France.

Any payment we make can later be recovered and the procedure for claiming is explained. The alternative, if we do not have form E111, is to be billed as a foreigner (tourist or worker) and that could prove very expensive.

It is advisable to have travel insurance (see our travel insurance section and Colds Coughs and Sneezes) for any trips abroad, even day and short trips, but still have the E111 in addition for extra protection.

Spouses and families can apply on the same form but it is better to key your application to the individual passport. The form only requires renewal when you change your home address.