Planning a trip abroad? Whether you’re traveling for business, leisure, or adventure, your health and safety should be a priority. Don’t wait until the last minute to check vaccination requirements or seek travel advice—it’s best to consider these factors at the time of booking or even before making your travel arrangements.
Prescribing Sedatives for Travel
We understand that fear of flying is a genuine and distressing issue. We want to support you in the best way possible, however, Fernville Surgery does not prescribe sedatives for flying to ensure your safety.
Why We Do Not Prescribe Sedatives
Diazepam, a common sedative, belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. While it can cause drowsiness and relaxation, (which might seem helpful during a flight) it also comes with serious risks:
Impaired Response – Reduced ability to react in emergencies.
Increased Blood Clot Risk – Higher chance of deep vein thrombosis on long flights.
Paradoxical Reactions – Some people experience agitation instead of sedation, putting yourself and others at risk.
Clinical Guidelines – Benzodiazepines are not recommended for phobias and are only licensed for short-term crisis use.
Alternative Support
We encourage enrolling in airline Fear of Flying courses, such as:
British Airways Flying wIth Confidence
EasyJet Fearless Flyer
Virgin Atlantic Flying Without Fear
Captain Keith Flying Without Fear
FREE PODCASTS and resources can be found at Lovefly
Anxiety UK Fear of flying
If anxiety affects your daily life, consider speaking to a healthcare professional about long-term management.
Patients who still wish to take benzodiazepines for flight anxiety are advised to consult with a private GP or travel clinic.
Fit to Fly Letters
We are often asked to provide ‘fit-to-fly’ letters for patients travelling on holiday with various medical conditions.
This work is not part of the NHS contract nor covered by their professional indemnity. Even if a doctor carried out a thorough history, examination and investigations, doctors are still not in a position to guarantee that a patient is ‘fit to fly’.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) have useful information for passengers due to fly with health conditions (broken bones, recent surgery etc). Most airlines provide information on their website for passengers who have medical conditions which may affect their fitness to fly, including any specific requirements the airline has for medical clearance or provision of ‘fit to fly’ certificates.
If you are pregnant, please request these with your midwife or hospital team.
Travel Vaccinations
- Some countries require specific vaccinations or medications, so we recommend booking a travel health consultation at least 6–8 weeks before your departure. Our team can provide up-to-date guidance on any health risks, required immunisations, and travel safety tips to ensure you stay healthy on your journey.
- Travel Health
- Fit for Travel
- Masta
- NaTHNaC
Please note that some vaccinations are not covered by the NHS and, as private treatments, they will incur a cost.
We do not keep stock of all vaccinations and they may need to be ordered in.
Please ring 01442 213 919 or visit reception for more information, alternatively submit the following form
Getting Healthcare Abroad
If you’re traveling to Europe and need medical coverage, you should apply for a GHIC (or use an existing EHIC if it’s still valid).
This card allows you to access state-provided healthcare in participating countries at the same cost as local residents.
The new UK GHIC has replaced both the E111 and the existing European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). If you have an existing EHIC you can continue to use it until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you’ll need to apply for a UK GHIC to replace it.
These schemes should never replace travel insurance, especially for long-haul trips where medical costs can be extremely high, in particular countries like the USA, Mexico, Canada or Australia. Without travel insurance, you could face huge medical bills if you need treatment. You should always check your policy covers pre-existing conditions, whether intentional or not, non-disclosure can potentially mean you’re not covered in the case of a medical emergency.
Travel insurance provides additional benefits, such as:
✅ Emergency medical treatment (including private healthcare where necessary)
✅ Repatriation costs (getting you home in a medical emergency)
✅ Cover for lost or stolen belongings
✅ Trip cancellations or delays
✅ Personal liability protection