The truth about STIs
developing versions that make sex feel more
natural. You can buy ones that are easier to
fi t, don’t smell rubbery and which transmit
heat to feel more like unprotected sex. I
advise women not to put all the responsibility
on men. And if you have a new partner, get a
sexual health check together.Isn’t it embarrassing
to visit a clinic? What
happens?Many patients are nervous. Often, they’re
afraid they will bump into someone they know,
or that staff will judge them. But we try to
make our clinics as friendly as possible. Care
ranges from a simple urine test for chlamydia
to a full screen for STIs. We try to address
everything in one visit. And I’m proud to say
most patients leave smiling.If you could give one
piece of advice to
soldiers, what would
it be?Don’t worry about attending a sexual health
clinic! And don’t be fooled by horror stories
that mention “umbrellas” being used to take
samples – we don’t have them.When holidays go
Sort your travel insurance to
avoid eye-watering bills
ACCORDING to a survey by
the Association of British Travel
Agents, one in fi ve holidaymakers
have travelled abroad without cover
in the last year.
If the worst happens and you fall
ill or hurt yourself you could end
up with a painful bill on top of it
all – medical costs and emergency
repatriation to the UK can set youback tens of thousands of pounds.
As with most insurances, it’s
worth shopping around but bear in
mind cheapest isn’t always best –
and be sure to read the small print
very carefully.
Get it wrong and you could
end up in lying in a hospital bed,
far away from home, waiting for
crowdfunders to come to the rescue.A PLUS FOR
PERSONNEL
...A PLUS FOR
PERSONNEL
...HOT TIPS
+Purchase
insurance on the day
you book your holiday – then
you will be covered if you have
to cancel before you travel+Make sure your insurance covers
you for activities you plan to do. Many
standard policies are not valid for
operating jet skis, riding scooters or
going scuba diving+An annual policy might off er more
value if you’re planning more than one
getaway in the next 12 months. And,
if you’re travelling with your partner
or children, family cover is worth
considering as it is often only slightly
more expensive than solo policies+European Health
Insurance Cards
(EHICs) currently
entitle you to free
or discounted medical
treatment in the EU, but don’t cover you
for everything so get insured too+Remember that, in general, the
cheaper the policy the more limited the
cover will be+ Check the upper limits to payouts.
If your total is £5,000 but the trip is
costing £7,000, go elsewhere. Similarly,
a £1,000 cap on lost baggage is no good
if you have a £2,000 drone in there+Don’t rely on credit card
cover. Many do provide travel
insurance for free but the extent
of the cover can be limited+ Keep a copy of the policy
number and insurer’s contact details
with you at all times while away+ Be mindful that travel insurance
companies often reject claims if
there is evidence individuals were
putting themselves at unnecessary
risk through “reckless” behaviour
and/or drinking
alcohol at the time
of the accident
A
PLUS FOR
PERSONNEL...
Forces Mutual has packages
tailored to Servicemen and
women, off ering cover in the event
of a military call-up. Rewards
for Forces and the Defence
Discount Service can also
provide cut-price policies
for soldiers. Check the
websites for more
details.CASH
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