FCO offers advice as it reveals hospitalisation numbers abroad

Nearly 4,000 cases of Britons requiring hospital treatment were reported to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) last year and gap year students have now been issued with advice to stay safe.

Firstly, travellers are advised to check if any vaccinations or medication is needed before heading abroad.

Furthermore, if students are visiting a destination renowned for malaria, then they should begin taking the medication before they leave and continue it after they return to the UK.

"Check with your airline that you can carry any medication you are taking in hand luggage and pack enough supplies for your whole trip and possible delays. You should keep your medication in its original packaging and take any prescription documents with you," the report added.

Whatever precautions are taken, travel insurance was also highly recommended by the FCO.

The National Travel Health Network and Centre recently gave advice to people returning from the South African football World Cup, which included visiting a GP if they are feeling unwell.

Click here for more gap year information.

( Last Updated: 2010-07-21 14:10:12)