London Olympics Health Insurance

The 2012 Summer Olympic Games will be held in London from 27th July to 12th August 2012, followed by the Paralympic Games from 29th August to 9th September 2012. Officially known as the Games of the XXX Olympiad, the events will display 46 types of sports, held at 34 venues throughout London and outside of the city. During the course of events London will anticipate thousands of visitors, with most of the activity taking place within the Olympic Park in Stratford, east London.

The Olympic Games is one of the largest international events the world has ever experienced. It attracts spectators from all over the world and displays historic events through various media outlets to millions of people watching from home. 'Mega-events', such as the Olympic Games, also pose a threat of all sorts of organizational and technical problems, and the elevated risk of terrorism associated with such a large congregation of people. With the London Olympic Games 2012 just around the corner, authorities are making final preparations to build up the security services surrounding the event.

The Olympic Games have a large impact on the demand of public and private services including emergency, security, policing, fire, medical, transportation, air and road traffic, and accommodation. Working with many partners, the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) is responsible for the organization and implementation of public services and infrastructure that is required for the London Olympic Games 2012. The ODA has been largely involved in managing the public transport and building of venues to support the coming events.

Spectators attending the London Olympic Games need to be familiar with the security risks involved and be aware of emergency protocols in the event of an accident or medical illness. Spectators should monitor media sources for information relating to terrorism, weather conditions, heatwave warnings and travel disturbances. Spectators should also familiarize themselves with public transportation to the games and crowd safety issues.

A travelers health insurance plan is highly recommended for those attending the London Olympic Games, due to the increased security risks that are involved with mega-events. Pacific Prime offer travel health plans underwritten by IHI-BUPA. A travel health plan will ensure ease of access to medical services and ensure protection against other related risks including theft.

Some related information in preparation for the London Olympic Games is outlined below:

• Security risks during the London Olympics Games
• Getting to the London Olympic Games
• Heatwaves in London
• Emergency medical services in London
• Travel health insurance for the London Olympic Games

Security risks during the London Olympics Games

With terrorism posing the largest threat, Olympic authorities are in the midst of a huge security build up in preparation of the London Olympic Games 2012. Other security risks involved with the London Olympic Games include crowd control, theft, illegal activity, traffic safety, fire, and natural disasters. Large crowds are likely to increase the risk of illegal activity including theft, intrusion, drug dealing, and selling of fake tickets. Policing and other security authorities will be patrolling the Olympic grounds to prohibit such behavior.

Around £600 million has been allocated to support the additional security needs at the London Olympic Games 2012. Security personnel will be deployed including military, armed vehicles and helicopters, special forces, state police, federal police, intelligent officers, private security guards, thousands of Olympic volunteers with the authority to search and withhold people. Sniffer dogs will be deployed in airports, hotels, and Olympic venues to detect explosives among other security related tasks.

Those attending the London Olympic Games should avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuable items as this can attract theft. Spectators should report any illegal or suspicious activity that may relate to terrorism to a security officer or Olympic authority. To report a terrorist event or other criminal activity in the UK, dial 9-9-9 for police services. A UK anti-terrorist hotline service is also available by dialing 0800-789-321.

Due to the increased security risk associated with the Olympic Games, spectators are highly recommend to obtain a travel health plan. An IHI-BUPA travel plan offers a Non-Medical Option which will provide travelers with an even wider scope of protection. The travel plan with a Non-Medical Option will provide coverage for the policy holder's baggage, protecting items belonging to the insured such as electronic equipment, cash, passport, credit cards, and jewelry. Other benefits of a Non-Medical Option will typically include flight delay, personal liability, trip cancellation, and security and legal assistance.

Heatwaves in London

Heatwaves in England typically occur between the months of June to September with temperatures soaring as high as 36 degrees. In 2006, England experienced one its worst ever heatwaves which resulted in illness, fatality and disruption to transport services and power supplies.

The UK Department of Health has put in place a Heat-Health Watch system that occurs every year from 1 June to 15 September. There are four levels of heat-health warnings that are issued throughout the period; Level 1 implies there are no severe weather risk warnings; Level 2 and 3 the health risk has increased and those who are young, old or chronically ill are advised to take necessary precautions; at level 4 there is a health risk across the total population regardless of health status. Visitors to England during the heatwave season are highly recommended to monitor the media for information on heat-health warnings and instructions on taking precautions.

Heatwaves can affect people in a number of different ways; people can get overheated and suffer from heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Heat exhaustion occurs when there is an imbalance of electrolytes. Signs of heat exhaustion can include headache, nausea, fatigue, weakness, and in serious cases vomiting. Heat stroke is a form of hyperthermia and classified as a medical emergency and can be fatal if left untreated. Heat stroke occurs when the body’s temperature is raised from exposure to heat or dehydration. People with heat stroke have a raised body temperature, and display signs of heat exhaustion; as well as agitation, confusion, delusion, and other strange behaviors.

Immediate medical attention should be sought if symptoms of overheating and heat stroke are present. They should be taken to an emergency department to receive the adequate level of treatment. For non-UK residents, an IHI-BUPA travel plan will cover any medical care you require if you get sick, including medications and any interventions that may be prescribed. IHI-BUPA does not have deductibles or excess fees, this means you are not required to pay for any portion of your medical expenses before its is compensated. An IHI-BUPA plan offers the highest level of health coverage, which will ensure you are treated with immediate quality medical care if you get sick while overseas.

There are a number of factors that will increase the risk of heat stroke and heat exhaustion; those vulnerable include the old and young, chronically ill, and those on medications. Other factors include alcohol consumption, dehydration, and exposure to heat. Chronic illness such as heart condition, respiratory illness, renal disease, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease can increase risk of overheating. Medications including anticholinergics, vasoconstrictors, antihistamines, diuretics, psychoactive drugs, and anti-hypertensives can put those at higher risk of dehydration.

In preparations to the London Olympics 2012, spectators need to take the necessary precautions and monitor the media for Heat-Health warnings, travel disruptions, and other related issues. Spectators should carry water, wear cool clothing, a hat and avoid the direct sun when possible. Non-UK residents should obtain a travel health plan to ensure immediate access to emergency transportation and the highest level of medical care in the event of an accident of medical illness.

Getting to the London Olympic Games

The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) is responsible for the organization of transport services for the London Olympic Games and is aiming for all spectators to arrive to the event safely via public transport, walking or cycling. The ODA has put in place a public transportation plan which includes the allocation of additional services including rail networks, local bus services, shuttle buses, coach services and boat services along the River Thames.

Over the last three years, 2.5 square kilometers of land has been transformed in the east London region to accommodate for the London Olympic Games 2012. Thousands of spectators will be traveling to the Olympic Park and Olympic stadium where various events will be held including the opening and closing ceremonies, athletics, swimming and other festivities. Other areas that will be highly accessed will including Hyde Park, where the triathlon and the 10km swimming marathon will take place; Earls court, where volleyball will be played; Greenwich Park, which will hold the venue for equestrian; and Hampton Court Palace where road cycling will be held.

London may become extremely congested during the Olympics as the city is currently experiencing regular traffic jams. During heatwaves, speed restrictions and cancellation of services are enforced due to fears that tracks will buckle in the heat. Spectators should monitor the media for transportation disruptions and instructions on alternative transportation routes.

IHI-BUPA coverage will ensure that you are able to receive transport to the nearest center of medical excellence in the event of a significant illness or accident. The IHI-BUPA plan will also provide coverage for emergency evacuation and repatriation services; or if there is a medical emergency at home involving a close friend or relative, the IHI-BUPA plan can also provide coverage for compassionate emergency repatriation.

Emergency medical services in London

The emergency contact number in the UK is 9-9-9. All calls are answered by an emergency operations center and dispatched to the appropriate emergency services including ambulance, fire or police. Patients are transported to a public hospital unless they specifically request they attend a private hospital.

The National Health Service (NHS) is the public health system for the UK, offering health care services through the NHS England, NHS Scotland, NHS Wales, and Health and Social Care Ireland. The NHS is funded by general taxation and patient fees and provides partially to fully subsidized health care to its citizens and legal residents.

Under England's NHS, all patients are provided with ambulance and emergency medical care, in any area of the UK, regardless of their nationality or citizenship status. This means that all travelers to the UK will be entitled to emergency medical care at a public hospital if they require it.

If the patient (a non UK citizen) is admitted to the hospital for additional treatment services, then medical fees will be incurred and the patient will be held responsible for prompt payment. If the patient has private health care insurance, then the medical costs may be directly billed through the insurance provider or reimbursed after the patient is discharged from hospital. As such, it is highly recommended that travelers obtain a travel health insurance plan that will provide coverage for medical services that are not covered by the NHS, including inpatient services.

While overseas, travelers are recommended to display their personal identification or private health care card in their wallet to ensure ease of access to their identification, next of kin and health insurance details, in the case of a medical emergency.

Medical advice can also be accessed through an IHI-BUPA travel health insurance plan, offered through Pacific Prime. Policy holders of an IHI-BUPA travel health plan have 24/7 access to a medical phone line, teamed with doctors who can offer medical advice and answer related queries.

Travel health insurance for the London Olympic Games

Mega-events, such as the Olympic Games, impose a greater threat to traveler's health, security and safety. As such, a travel health insurance plan is highly recommended for those visiting the UK during the London Olympic Games.

Pacific Prime offer Travel Health Plans underwritten by IHI-BUPA, a leading international insurance provider. IHI-BUPA offers a high level of insurance coverage which extends beyond a basic travel health plan. Travelers are provided with comprehensive health coverage and a wide range of benefits while they travel overseas.

Travel Health Insurance Plans offered through Pacific Prime will typically afford a wide range of benefits such as:

Unlimited Maximum cover per person per trip

Hospitalization

Outpatient treatment

Prescribed Medicines

Medical Evacuation

Return Trip

Compassionate Emergency Repatriation

Next-of-kin accompaniment

Compassionate emergency visit

Home transportation of the deceased

Statutory arrangements in case of death

Board, lodging and local transport for a person summoned or accompanying the insured, per day.

Additional non-medical coverage options are available through IHI-BUPA including theft and other travel related options such as trip cancellation; personal accident; baggage theft, loss or damage; baggage delay; flight delay; and personal liability.

For additional information about the IHI-BUPA travel insurance plans which we offer, please see the list of travel insurance benefits.