Language Barriers Leave Brits Struggling for Medical Help Abroad
New research reveals that language barriers are a major obstacle for British holidaymakers who fall ill overseas. Only a third of travellers feel confident they could explain a medical issue to a doctor while abroad, and just 28% are confident they could comprehend medical advice given to them. The study of 2,000 adults, commissioned by Staysure, found that 13% have delayed seeking help for a medical issue abroad because of language difficulties or a lack of knowledge on how to get help in a different country.
Key Findings from the Research
Two-thirds of Brits would not know how to request a new prescription if they urgently needed to replace one, and many would struggle to express that they were having an allergic reaction or had been bitten or stung. While most holidaymakers can comfortably order a drink or ask for the toilet, only 5% learn crucial medical phrases before traveling. More than one in 10 have avoided seeking help abroad altogether due to language barriers.
New 24/7 Travel Doctor Service
In response to these challenges, Staysure has launched a free 24/7 Travel Doctor service. This service allows travellers to speak to an English-speaking doctor or dentist via video call, arrange prescriptions, or make an in-person appointment at a clinic or hotel when they need medical assistance abroad. According to Simon McCulloch, spokesperson for Staysure, “I’m not surprised to see, in true British style, most of us would be able to order a beer in another language when we’re on holiday. But while we hope we never need to deal with a health issue while we’re away, the research shows a third of people have had to seek medical advice and come up against language barriers.”
Reliance on English and Translation Tools
The study also found that 59% of Brits assume they will manage in English when traveling to a non-English speaking country, while 37% rely on translation tools and 12% would ask AI to understand. Others resort to hand signals or gestures (70%), speaking English slowly (10%), or asking someone else to translate (9%). However, 39% have ended up in an embarrassing or difficult situation due to language mix-ups. McCulloch added, “When we travel, we don't ever imagine we are going to end up needing medical help, but there are many occasions where we do. That's why we launched the free 24/7 service, providing travellers with that extra layer of confidence. Our research also found that 79% of respondents said they would be inclined to use the service.”
