Travel insurance provides extra protection for trips that may not go as planned. Whether that involves missing baggage or a sudden medical emergency, purchasing travel insurance can save you thousands of pounds.
Guidance for Choosing Travel Insurance
Travel insurance provides extra protection for trips that may not go as planned. Whether that involves missing baggage or a sudden medical emergency, purchasing travel insurance can save you thousands of pounds. It is recommended to take out an insurance policy as soon as possible after booking your trip to make sure you are covered.
Travel insurance can protect you against the following:
- Cancellation or shortening of a trip
- Missed or delayed transport for reasons beyond your control
- Lost, stolen or damaged items, including baggage, passports, and money
- Medical and other emergencies
- Personal injury and death
- Accidental damage or injuries caused by you
Without travel insurance, you will have to pay out of pocket for any additional expenses. You may also lose money if you have to cancel a trip.
When travelling, make sure you keep the details of your insurance policy with you, including your policy number and the emergency assistance telephone number provided. Give a copy of your policy details to the people you are travelling with as well as friends or family back home in case they need to contact your insurance company on your behalf.
Tips for Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft
Your name, address and date of birth are all the information an identity thief needs to open accounts, take out credit cards and apply for benefits in your name.
To reduce the risk of identity theft and protect your personal information, you should:
- Store any documents that display your personal information—such as your driving licence, passport, bank statements, utility bills or credit card transaction receipts—in a secure place.
- Shred or destroy old documents that include your name, address, or other personal details.
- Monitor your credit report and regularly check your bank statements for suspicious activity
- Redirect your mail when you move to a new address by contacting Royal Mail.
- Be cautious when making online purchases.
If you think you are a victim of identity theft or fraud, act quickly to report all lost or stolen documents and ensure that you are not responsible for any financial losses.
Avoiding Dehydration at Work
As summer temperatures rise, your body’s water and electrolyte balances can get thrown off by dehydration while you work. This condition occurs when the body uses or loses more fluids than it takes in.
Dehydration is a serious complication that can cause fatigue, dizziness, and confusion—all of which can compromise your safety. As such, staying hydrated at work is essential. Doing so can improve your mood, boost brain function, and prevent the onset of other health concerns.
Follow these tips to stay properly hydrated on the job:
- Track your consumption—Use a notecard or mobile app to record how much water you drink each day.
- Sip regularly—Drink water throughout the workday—even when you are not necessarily thirsty.
- Make it convenient—Carry a water bottle wherever you go. Carry a larger container if you are working outside for longer periods of time.
- Incorporate extra flavouring—Add a slice of lemon, lime, or other fruit to your water. Or buy pre-flavoured water packed with electrolytes to replenish the ones you lose.
- Eat high-water-content foods—Supplement your water intake by consuming high-water-content foods like celery, tomatoes, and melons.
- Be careful in the heat—If warm conditions increase your need for water, make sure you have an ample supply, take breaks, and get out of the heat if you feel weak, confused, or have a dry mouth. These symptoms could indicate a heat-related illness.
Just because you are done with work for the day does not mean you should stop drinking water. Continue to hydrate even after your shift ends. After all, chronic dehydration can increase the risk of kidney stones and other health issues.
Between regulating your body temperature, lubricating joints, preventing infections, delivering nutrients to cells, and keeping your organs functioning properly, drinking water is a good habit to uphold—especially at work.
