
Major holiday warning to any Brits who take skinny jabs over ‘serious breach' that could cost you £1,000s
Scroll down for more details on weight-loss drugs
HOL NO Major holiday warning to any Brits who take skinny jabs over 'serious breach' that could cost you £1,000s
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
UK TOURISTS have been warned about a potential travel insurance issue in the lead up to summer.
Travel experts revealed that failure to list skinny jabs on the documentation could cost you thousands.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
2
British holiday-makers have been warned not make a common error when applying for travel insurance (stock image)
Credit: Alamy
Any Brits holidaying abroad have been reminded to list their skinny jabs on official documents.
Failure to do so could potentially jeopardise the validity of your travel insurance, reports Birmingham Live.
Experts at Forum Insurance have detailed how not declaring usage of weight management drugs such as Ozempic could cause you problems on holiday.
Niraj Mamtora, director at the company, explained that weight-loss drugs must be declared when taking out travel insurance, as it could be deemed as a breach of contract.
'Weight-loss medications are transforming lives across the UK, but too many travellers don't realise the insurance implications," he said.
"If you're using these drugs, you must declare both the medication and the condition it's prescribed for.
'Failure to do so is not a minor oversight - it's a serious breach of your travel insurance contract."
He broke down how this can impact your coverage when travelling abroad.
"If you need medical help overseas and haven't declared your medication, your claim can be refused and your policy cancelled," Niraj explained.
"The financial consequences can be severe.'
I was sick of trying fad diets and not losing weight but now I've shed FIVE STONE without fat jabs or silly eating plans
This means you could be faced with an insurer who is "within their rights" to refuse a claim.
"Non-disclosure is a gamble that's simply not worth taking," the expert continued.
"If you don't declare your medication or the underlying condition, your insurer is within their rights to refuse any claim, even if it seems unrelated.
'Many travellers only discover too late that their travel insurance claims are rejected, leaving them without support and facing potentially huge bills."
He revealed that the average medical claim abroad now exceeds £1,700, with costs rising significantly with age.
What are the other side effects of weight loss jabs?
Like any medication, weight loss jabs can have side effects.
Common side effects of injections such as Ozempic include:
Nausea: This is the most commonly reported side effect, especially when first starting the medication. It often decreases over time as your body adjusts.
Vomiting: Can occur, often in conjunction with nausea.
Diarrhea: Some people experience gastrointestinal upset.
Constipation: Some individuals may also experience constipation.
Stomach pain or discomfort: Some people may experience abdominal pain or discomfort.
Reduced appetite: This is often a desired effect for people using Ozempic for weight loss.
Indigestion: Can cause a feeling of bloating or discomfort after eating.
Serious side effects can also include:
Pancreatitis: In rare cases, Ozempic may increase the risk of inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, which can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Kidney problems: There have been reports of kidney issues, including kidney failure, though this is uncommon.
Thyroid tumors: There's a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer, although this risk is based on animal studies. It is not confirmed in humans, but people with a history of thyroid cancer should avoid Ozempic.
Vision problems: Rapid changes in blood sugar levels may affect vision, and some people have reported blurry vision when taking Ozempic.
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Especially if used with other medications like sulfonylureas or insulin.
According to the firm, there appears to be a "growing trend" in people looking to use Ozempic, or other types of weight-loss drug.
Niraj cited NHS data between March 2024 and February 2025, which showed that more than 83,000 "unique patients" in England were dispensed Ozempic.
He also revealed over 344,000 individuals possessed a prescription for weight-loss medications in the past year.
'With new drugs entering the market and millions more eligible for these treatments, the number of Brits travelling with prescription weight-loss medication is set to rise further," the director said.
If you're taking weight-loss drugs and planning a holiday abroad, make sure you have declared all pre-existing medical conditions and any other drugs to your travel insurance provider.
If you are taking medication which has not been prescribed or for "off-label" usage, this must also be disclosed as it can affect your travel cover.
"Carry a copy of your prescription or a doctor's letter when travelling with medication, and check the rules of your destination country regarding bringing in prescription drugs," the pro advised.
"Remember that insurance claims related to undeclared conditions or medications can be refused, even if the issue seems unrelated."

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Scottish Sun
6 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
The unusual European island that swaps nationality twice a year
Despite it's name, there are no actual pheasants on the island DOUBLE IT The unusual European island that swaps nationality twice a year DEPENING on what time of year you are near Pheasant Island, could change what country you are actually in. Only 200 metres long and 40 metres wide (making it the world's smallest condominium) it is jointly governed by both France and Spain. 4 Pheasant Island is jointly governed by France and Spain Credit: Alamy 4 The island is only 200 metres long and becoming smaller due to erosion Credit: Alamy The island changes nationality every six months, being under Spanish control from February 1 to July 31, and then French territory from August 1 to January 31. This was an agreement made on November 7, 1659 by the signing of The Treaty of the Pyrenees. The treaty was signed on Pheasant Island and consequently ended the Franco-Spanish War and established a border between the two nations. To honour the occasion, there was even a royal wedding. In 1660, French King Louis XIV married the daughter of King Philip IV, Maria Theresa of Spain, on the spot of the declaration. Their marriage was a key provision of the Treaty of the Pyrenees, and aimed to solidify the peace and reconciliation between the two countries. In the middle of the island there is a monolith, which is a commemorative stone in the centre of the island. The monolith's inscription is in Spanish on one side and French on the other. Despite its name, there are no pheasants on the island, but there is other wildlife like migratory birds, wild animals, and green crested mallards. The island can sometimes be reached on foot from the Spanish side at low tide. The little-known French island near the UK - with 60 beaches, Mediterranean-style climate & turquoise waters 4 Every six months there is a ceremony to mark the switching of sides Credit: Alamy Despite this, visitors are not allowed on the island, apart from during a few days, but this is limited to military personnel. It does open occasionally on heritage open days although these are rare. European Heritage Days (or Heritage Open Days in the UK) are an annual event where lots of historic sites, some of which are inaccessible, open their doors to the public for free. For anyone wanting have a peak at Pheasant Island, make a note of the third weekend of September as that is when France hold their Heritage Open days, called Journées du Patrimoine. It's possible, but not guaranteed that Pheasant Island will be open to the public then. On February 1 and August 1, the French and Spanish authorities conduct a formal handover of the island. Both sides perform military dress parades around the monolith before peacefully switching governance. There are still lots of areas to explore outside of Pheasant Island. It's surrounded by the Basque Country in northern Spain and is known for its mountainous terrain and rugged coastlines It's also close to the Camino de Santiago, a network of ancient, spiritual pilgrimage routes in Spain. Here's another tiny European holiday island that used to be a spa resort and cars are banned. And the unusual European city that looks like it's made entirely out of Lego.

South Wales Argus
7 hours ago
- South Wales Argus
Expert reveals simple trick that cure your fear of flying
But for the 1 in 4 Brits, the journey itself can be more panic than paradise (I'll include myself in that bracket). However, good news fellow panicky passengers! An expert has revealed a list of unusual but highly effective tips that are already helping nervous flyers feel calmer at 30,000 feet. From why you should smile like your life depends on it, to the unspoken trick flight attendants use to stay calm during turbulence and how an app can trick your brain into thinking it's all under control. Travel Expert, Jane Bolton from tailor-made package ski holiday operator, Erna Low shares six practical tips to help anxious flyers feel more at ease before and during their journey. My fear of flying is so strong that I have nightmares being on planes and I wake up sweating. I hate this fear so much. — Sheena 📚🎮 (@m_sheena_) May 26, 2025 1. Understand what to expect A big part of fear comes from uncertainty. Not knowing what's normal during a flight, like strange sounds or sudden bumps can make every little thing feel like a red flag. Turbulence in particular is a big trigger for many, even though it's a totally routine part of flying. How to manage it? Think of turbulence like driving over a bumpy road, it might not feel great, but it's nothing to worry about. Planes are built to handle it, and pilots are trained to navigate it safely. Take the time to watch short videos that explain how planes work and what different in-flight noises mean. Download a flight tracker app before your journey to see how often your route flies safely every day, it's a helpful visual reminder that flying is routine and safe. 2. Reframe fear as excitement Fear and excitement trigger the same physical response, it's the brain's interpretation that makes the difference*. How to manage it? Smile, even if it feels silly. It sends a message to your brain that things are okay. Reframe nerves as excitement using mental tricks like the 'anxiety vs excitement' method. Try saying things like 'I'm excited' instead of 'I'm scared' to help shift your mindset*. Pair it with distractions like a great playlist, film, book, audiobook, or a calming podcast*. 3. Get in the right headspace early Nervousness about flying often starts days or weeks before boarding, leading to sleepless nights and exhaustion especially when left unchecked. How to manage it? Start preparing your mindset in the weeks before you fly to build calming habits. Gentle yoga or guided meditation can help build emotional resilience. Having a breathing tool like anti-anxiety necklaces, can also help centre you if panic starts to creep in. 4. Choose the right seat Feeling trapped or unsettled in your seat can make anxiety worse. How to manage it? Pick a seat over the wing, this is usually the most stable part of the plane. If you're claustrophobic or like to move around, opt for an aisle seat to avoid feeling trapped. Some find a window view soothing, pick what works for you. On common aircraft like the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320, seats between rows 12 and 25 are typically over the wings but checking seat maps on airline websites can help identify these seats*. Recommended reading: 5. Avoid common triggers Alcohol and caffeine can amplify anxiety, not reduce it. How to manage it? Skip the pre-flight drink and opt for water or calming herbal teas. Bring noise-cancelling headphones and familiar scents like lavender oil to soothe your senses and reduce stimulation mid-flight. 6. Timings and routine matter Too much waiting time on the day of your flight can allow nerves to build. How to manage it? Choose an early morning flight if you can, as this gives you less time to overthink.


Daily Record
7 hours ago
- Daily Record
Tourist warned of 'strict' law in popular summer holiday spot
Holidaymakers heading to this country could face fines for flouting this rule Holidaymakers travelling to Canada this summer are being warned of a mistake that could land them in trouble. The north American country has been named one of the biggest travel destinations for 2025, with more UK tourists than ever expected to holiday there this summer. Canada's long coastlines, vibrant cultures, incredible wildlife and of course their world-famous maple syrup are just a few reasons tourists are choosing to explore the it. To help travellers prepare for their Canadian adventure, travel experts at North American tour operator, Journeyscape have compiled a list of the biggest culture shocks tourists may encounter when visiting. From street drinking, to restaurant service etiquette, holidaymakers should be aware of the very different Canadian rules. Pubs and alcohol laws One of the biggest culture shocks between the UK and Canada is the difference in drinking culture. Beer, wine, and spirits are sold through provincially-owned and private liquor stores. In Ontario, for example, alcohol is primarily available at government-regulated LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario) stores. While you may find some supermarkets sell beer, it's uncommon, and other alcoholic beverages must be purchased from the LCBO. Canada also has a strict policy when it comes to drinking in public. Unlike some parts of the UK, where enjoying a drink outdoors is common, in Canada, being caught with an open bottle on the street could result in a $100 (£54) fine. Sales tax is added at checkout Another big culture shock for British travellers visiting Canada is that the price you see on the shelf isn't the price you'll actually pay. Whether you're shopping for groceries, clothes, or household items, all displayed prices are pre-tax, unlike in the UK where VAT is already added on to the price shown. Sales tax, or HST, consists of two components: an 8% provincial tax and a 5% federal tax, meaning you'll likely need to add 13% to the price you see. This can be tricky to manage, so it's important to know this before your trip to avoid any surprises at checkout. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Tipping culture Tipping in the UK is not a common practice, although it's appreciated in restaurants when good service is provided, and some restaurants may include a service charge on the bill. In Canada, however, tipping is more than just a custom, it's a well-established social norm. Even though it's technically not mandatory, it's highly expected across many services, and failing to leave a tip can be perceived as rudeness. The general rule of thumb is to tip between 15-20%, though some restaurants may prompt you to tip as high as 30%. It's important to factor in tips when visiting restaurants, bars, and cafes to avoid any awkward encounters.