A study of 2,000 adults has found that language is one of the biggest barriers for British tourists when falling ill on holiday abroad. Only 28% of people are confident they could understand medical advice given to them, and 13% have delayed seeking help for a medical issue while abroad due to a lack of knowledge about how to get assistance in a different country.
Key Findings on Medical Communication
Two-thirds of travellers could not ask for a new prescription if they desperately needed to replace one, and would not know how to explain they were having an allergic reaction or had been bitten or stung. Although the majority of holidaymakers can happily order a drink and ask where the toilet is, just 5% will learn key medical phrases before heading off.
The research was commissioned by Staysure to launch its free 24/7 Travel Doctor service, which enables travellers to speak to an English-speaking doctor or dentist in many worldwide locations via video call, arrange prescriptions, or make an in-person appointment at a clinic or at their hotel when they need medical assistance abroad.
Reliance on English and Translation Tools
When it comes to communicating abroad, 59% assume they will get by in English when travelling to a non-English speaking country. Meanwhile, 37% rely on translation tools, and 12% would ask AI to understand. Others admit they would turn to alternative ways to communicate, including using hand signals or gestures (70%), speaking English slowly (10%), or asking someone else to translate (9%). With 39% even admitting to putting on a foreign accent to try to communicate better.
However, these tactics do not always pay off, with 39% ending up in an embarrassing or difficult situation due to language mix-ups.
Staysure's Travel Doctor Service
Simon McCulloch, spokesperson for Staysure, said: “While it’s good to be able to order a drink or ask for the bill in other languages, it’s arguably more important that travellers feel confident they can get the right medical assistance quickly if they’re ill or injured. We can’t be prepared for every single eventuality but knowing a few key phrases can help especially if you require fast care, have a medical condition or take medication. But the thought of speaking with a pharmacist or doctor abroad can be a worrying and daunting experience especially with language barriers. In fact, we’ve already seen 50% of those who use the service opt for a video consultation with an English-speaking doctor taking that stress away!”
He 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.”
