Countries have until 25 October 2013 to implement the European Union Health Directive, which officially comes into force on 1 October. The Directive aims to clarify citizens’ rights to seek treatment in any European Economic Area (EEA) country writes expathealth.org

Under the Directive, British expat workers who are still considered residents of the UK will be eligible for medical treatment in any EEA country they choose, under certain conditions.

 The Directive isn’t introducing new patient rights, rather it seeks to clarify the current ones, and provide a framework for cross-border healthcare. The rules under which patients can access care and what treatment they are entitled too will also be covered by the Directive.

As well as overseas workers, the rules also apply to holiday-makers and people on short business trips. However, if an expat leaves the UK to live permanently in another EEA country, they are not covered under the Directive. Read More >

I board the plane, I open up my iPad and I start reading a book. Fifteen minutes later the crew tells us to turn off all electronic devices. So I stop reading. But then I’m bored and start flipping through Skymall, which is not the most productive use of time writes John Miller of the healthytravelblog.com

Twenty to thirty minutes later, we’re told we can turn on our devices again, and I return to reading, somewhat perturbed that I am forced to endure literarus interruptus. I know – first world problems, right? But we all know that flying can be inconvenient, and this is just another inconvenience.

However, there’s good news. The New York Times’ Jad Mouwad and Nick Bilton report that the Federal Aviation Administration is considering easing those restrictions on reading eBooks, watching videos and listening to podcasts. Read More >

So we’re well aware that Oktoberfest is known for its overabundance of beer and Bavarian sausages. And that’s it’s one of the rowdiest, most celebrated events in the world; almost six million people travel to Munich each year for the main celebration, not to mention the millions of others who attend local events held concurrently in other countries writes the healthytravelblog.com

While a healthy Oktoberfest sounds more like a paradox than an attainable goal, it is possible to make some basic healthy choices and still have a great time, no matter where you’re celebrating.

For starters, you don’t have to avoid beer at all costs. As with most things in life, moderation is key. And when you follow this rule, you might actually reap some health benefits from a brewski or two. Read More >