Covering your back

UK-based healthcare provider MediCare International has looked at the top types of claims it has received over the past two years in order to reveal which conditions are most prevalent. The company said that the results of its research not only reflect the most common complaints, but the fact that being in a new and different environment can also have an impact on one’s health.
The most common ailment claimed for by MediCare International customers is back problems. Back pain is extremely common, with around four in five people affected by it at some point in their lives, but it is most often found in people aged between 35 and 55 years old. Carrying heavy suitcases, travelling on long-haul flights, and sleeping in a different bed can all prompt back problems – which have led to a significant number of clients needing to obtain strong painkillers in their holiday destination.
The second most common ailment claimed for by policyholders is respiratory infections – including flu, which can be brought on by being in new surroundings – and picking up viruses that the person has little or no immunity to. Number three on the list is gastro/abdominal problems. MediCare International said: “The days of Spanish tummy seem long gone now, in an age when frequent travel is commonplace. However, as with air quality, unfamiliar germs and bacteria can play havoc with a person’s digestive system, if they are unlucky. More serious problems, such as dysentery, are still commonplace for visitors to India, for example, if precautions are not taken.” Even then, though, it is almost impossible to completely safeguard oneself from these types of illnesses.
Fourth on the list of commonly claimed for illnesses is cancer, while asthma and bronchitis are fifth. Hypertension is the sixth most common ailment, followed by knee problems. Eczema and skin conditions are also commonplace for those seeking medical treatment abroad, according to the statistics, and often new environments, stress or exposure to new substances can aggravate these conditions. Finally, urinary tract infections were found to be common problems – these can be exacerbated by hot weather and sometimes sexually transmitted diseases.
David Pryor, senior executive director of MediCare International, said: “People often associate private healthcare with medical emergencies. The truth is, the most common conditions reflect everyday living difficulties which can be exacerbated whilst abroad, whilst others are conditions which are often brought about from the effect of travel and simply being in new environments.” He added: “What is striking, though, is the proportion of these complaints that have a chronic aspect to them – back pain, cancer, respiratory problems, skin complaints – all of these can require ongoing treatment.”