WHO warns travellers to take care of mental health on holiday

Travel insurance should be high on the list of priorities in case of mental illness while on holiday, new research has suggested.

Travel insurance should be high on the list of priorities in case of mental illness while on holiday, new research has suggested.

While holidaymakers may be aware of the costs of repatriation in case of broken limbs, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that psychiatric emergencies are among the leading causes of evacuation by air ambulance, along with heart disease and injury.

It highlighted the case of one man who had to be flown home at a cost of £25,000 after becoming manic while abroad – and who did not have travel insurance, the Independent reports.

Other incidents involved people becoming so terrified on planes that they could not be taken any further.

The WHO urged travellers with pre-existing conditions to take their medication and for anxiety sufferers to avoid caffeine and drugs including mefloquine (for malaria). Holidaymakers should also always take out travel cover in case of unforeseen circumstances.

A poll carried out in February by TripAdvisor found that 15 per cent of travellers carry lucky charms onboard aircraft to alleviate their fear of flying.