Before you go:

• Check with your GP or pharmacist well in advance of your holiday to find out whether you need any vaccinations for the country(ries) you're visiting.
• For the latest information about the country you're visiting, including safety and visa requirements, check the Foreign & Commonwealth Office website www.fco.gov.uk
• Make sure your passport is still valid - some countries will require your passport to remain valid for a minimum period (in some cases up to six months).
• Plan your route to the airport, ferry etc. If you're driving, check for any roadworks or, if travelling by public transport, check for engineering works.
• Research about the area you're going to and plan what you want to see and do - try and find places of interest or recommended restaurants.
• Make sure you have the new European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if you are travelling to a European Union member country - it will ensure that you have easy access to healthcare in that country. Obtain your EHIC from www.ehic.org.uk, by calling 0845 605 0707, or fill in a pack at the Post Office. Please note, it's still advisable to buy travel insurance because, for example, it doesn't cover emergency repatriation and not all countries give the same level of cover as the NHS provides.
• Take a copy of your prescription in case you need to replace any medications whilst away.

For your journey:

• Make sure you have all your documents with you including your passport and tickets.
• Pack your travel insurance policy booklet, schedule and information cards.
• Prepare a first aid kit to take with you - include diarrhoea and re-hydration sachets.
• Don't take large quantities of cash with you. Take travellers cheques and/or credit cards (make sure you have your emergency numbers with you to cancel the cards if necessary).
• Conceal any valuable jewellery - don't be an easy target for thieves or muggers.

While you're away:

• Leave details of your holiday, including photocopies or your passport and flight tickets, contact numbers and travel insurance details, with a friend or family member. Leave spare keys with someone you trust.
• Use a timer so lights come on at night.
• Cancel milk and paper deliveries.
• Clear your fridge and kitchen of anything that might go off.
• Put out the bins.
• Ask someone to water plants and care for your pets.
• Ensure all house and shed windows and doors are locked.
• Unplug electrical appliances (except fridges and freezers).
• Check your home insurance is in order (you can arrange your home insurance through MS Society Insurance Services).
• Leave the heating and hot water on a low setting if you are going away during winter months.
• At your hotel, keep valuables and cash in a safe deposit box or in the hotel safe if available. Some hotels will allow you to book a safe deposit box in advance or will have them installed in bedrooms.
• Check whether the tap water is safe to drink - to be sure drink bottled water and avoid ice in drinks.
• Remember to inform the local police in the event of any loss or theft.

If you require emergency medical treatment abroad:

This checklist will help you if you need to arrange emergency medical treatment abroad. You should talk to your doctor and travel agent, if you have one, for advice before you go. You can also get information from the tourist office, embassy or high commission of the country you're visiting about getting medical treatment while you're there.

• Make sure you've got all the documents you need: your passport, your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if you have one, proof of UK residence (e.g. your driving licence or NHS card), and vaccination certificates.
• Check your insurance policy, so you know what your insurers will pay for.
• Contact your travel company representative if you have one.
• Give the doctor the generic name - not just the brand name - of any medication you're taking.
• Tell the doctor if you've been to any other countries on this trip.
• Keep the names and addresses of a few friends and relatives with your passport so they can be contacted if necessary.
• Contact British Consular officials if you need to get back to the UK quickly. They may be able to arrange this for you - but remember, you will have to pay.
• If you pay for any treatment or drugs and plan to claim on your insurance or get a refund, keep all receipts, special proofs of purchase, price tags and labels.