Only third of travellers could explain medical issue to doctor abroad, study finds

ONLY a third of travellers feel confident they could explain a medical issue to a doctor when abroad. A study of 2,000 adults found language is one of the biggest barriers when falling ill on holiday, with just 28 per cent believing they could understand medical advice they may be given. Only a third of travellers feel confident they could explain a medical issue to a doctor when abroad Credit: Getty Worryingly, more than one in 10 (13 per cent) have even put off seeking help for a medical issue while abroad because of issues with the language (36 per cent), or a lack of knowledge on how to get help in a different country (16 per cent). And while 73 per cent feel they could happily order a drink when abroad, and 64 per cent could confidently ask where the toilet is, just five per cent will learn key medical phrases before heading off. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! As 61 per cent couldn’t ask for a new prescription in another language even if they desperately needed to replace one, and 63 per cent wouldn’t know how to explain they were having an allergic reaction or had been bitten or stung. This lines up with 90 per cent not being able to identify the Spanish for when you’ve fallen off your bike and need medical attention and more than half (53 per cent) couldn’t spot the French for having a toothache and needing a dentist. This comes as travel insurance provider Staysure has launched a quiz to test whether Brits could handle a medical emergency abroad, telling the difference between ordering a coffee and a cry for medical help after a fall. The research was commissioned by the brand, to launch its free 24/7 Travel Doctor service. It will enable travellers to speak to an English-speaking doctor or dentist in many worldwide locations via video call, arrange prescriptions, or make an in-person appointment at a clinic or at their hotel when they need medical assistance abroad. Spokesperson Simon McCulloch said: “I’m not surprised to see, in true British style, most of us would be able to order a beer in another language when we’re on holiday. Most read in The Sun “But while we hope we never need to deal with a health issue while we’re away, the research shows a third of people have had to seek medical advice and come up against language barriers. “While it’s good to be able to order a drink or ask for the bill in other languages, it’s arguably more important that travellers feel confident they can get the right medical assistance quickly if they’re ill or injured. “We can’t be prepared for every single eventuality but knowing a few key phrases can help especially if you require fast care, have a medical condition or take medication. “But the thought of speaking with a pharmacist or doctor abroad can be a worrying and daunting experience especially with language barriers. “In fact, we’ve already seen 50 per cent of those who use the service opt for a video consultation with an English-speaking doctor taking that stress away.” The study found when it comes to communicating abroad, 59 per cent assume they’ll be able to get by in English when travelling to a non-English speaking country. While 37 per cent simply rely on translation tools, and 12 per cent would ask AI to understand. Others admit they would desperately turn to alternative ways to communicate, including using hand signals or gestures (70 per cent), speaking English slowly (10 per cent) or asking someone else to translate (nine per cent). With 39 per cent even admitting to putting on a foreign accent to try and communicate better. But these tactics don’t always pay off, with 39 per cent ending up in an embarrassing or difficult situation due to language mix-ups. The insurance provider’s research, carried out via OnePoll, found the number one concern people have when travelling to countries with language barriers is the uncertainly around successfully communicating a medical related problem (62 per cent). More than four in 10 (42 per cent) admit they don’t feel prepared to deal with a non-emergency medical issue when they’re away. Simon McCulloch, from Staysure, added: “When we travel, we don’t ever imagine we are going to end up needing medical help, but there are many occasions where we do. “That’s why we launched the free 24/7 service, providing travellers with that extra layer of confidence. “Our research also found that 79 per cent of respondents said they would be inclined to use the service.” Comment now