A series of reports in The Lancet Infectious Diseases journal have recently warned that events like the Olympics have major health impacts for the host nation and for visitors when they return to their own countries.
Mass events have historically proved perfect breeding ground for diseases. The 2008 influenza outbreak during World Youth Day in Australia highlights how viruses like swine flu can quickly spread through crowds of people.
Stampedes are also a risk for the London 2012 Olympics. In 2010, 21 people died and 500 people were injured at the Love Parade in Germany after emergency workers struggled to get through the crowds to treat those crushed in the chaos.
With the threat of infectious diseases, crowd stampedes, food poisoning and heat stroke, the NHS will need to advise foreign visitors on how our health service works to prevent delays in Accident and Emergency departments.
Richard Theo, of health insurance comparison website ActiveQuote, said: “A large public health campaign is being prepared by the Health Protection Agency to help prepare for outbreaks of infectious diseases at the London Olympics.
“An advanced surveillance system will be used to collect data from hospitals and the internet to track unusual conditions in real-time.
“But with over 5 million people expected to visit the capital during the Games, it is inevitable that all parts of the NHS will be under increased pressure, including NHS Direct, drop-in clinics, A&E departments and hospital wards.
“We are recommending that all our customers review their private medical cover. New entrants to the world of medical insurance should compare health insurance quotes online as soon as possible, and they might be positively surprised at how little it will cost to protect themselves and their families from these risks.”
Over busy periods the NHS sometimes has to cancel outpatient appointments and elective operations to free up beds. Private medical cover ensures that scheduled operations will not be cancelled over the busy Olympic period. In addition, patients with private medical cover will be treated in a private hospital of their choice, with a lower risk of catching superbugs.
With visitors from 200 separate countries expected to converge on London this summer, compare health insurance online now to make sure you can enjoy the Games with complete peace of mind.
www.activequote.com is a health insurance comparison website and specialist private medical insurance intermediary based in Cardiff, authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
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