STA Travel claims to be transforming how travellers receive medical assistance abroad via a global video consultation service.
The youth travel firm has agreed a deal which will give policy holders access to video consultations with a UK-based doctor, through insurance provider Allianz Global Assistance.
The arrangement with digital doctor service Push Doctor will enable holidaymakers to access a doctor in just six minutes on any mobile device.
The service promises to reduce the stress and expense associated with foreign medical centres.
Online service Push Doctor, which connects patients with more than 7,000 UK General Practitioners via secure video consultations, will be included on most STA travel Insurance policies and will be available for the duration of the policy.
Face-to-face GP video consultation services provide travellers with expert medical advice on anything from bites and stings, to stomach and digestion issues, allowing them to quickly seek a qualified diagnosis and treatment for illnesses and ailments that regularly occur when travelling to foreign countries.
Where necessary, patients can also receive prescriptions and referral letters through the service, which can be picked up from a local pharmacy upon return to the UK or receive advice on treatment in their current location.
Push Doctor GPs are also able to provide prescriptions, fit for work notes, and referrals when patients fit the necessary criteria.
STA Travel UK country manager Tim Fryer said: “By including Push Doctor within many of our STA Travel Insurance policies, we are transforming how people will expect to receive medical assistance whilst abroad.
“This new partnership will give travellers true medical peace of mind, enabling them to quickly resole their health concerns and focus on enjoying their travels.”
Push Doctor founder and chief executive Eren Ozagir said: “Falling ill abroad is often far more stressful than it needs to be.
“Indeed, the idea of Push Doctor came as a result of me becoming ill whilst on a business trip in the US and needing expert and timely, medical advice. Despite a wealth of support services available at the tap of an app, online medical assistance did not exist.
“From not knowing where to go to get appropriate treatment, to language barriers, Push Doctor removes the hassle British explorers’ face when falling ill abroad.
“We offer fast and efficient access to a UK based GP with nine out of ten users getting a resolution in their first consultation.”
Rachel Temperton, head of travel and tourism at Allianz Global Assistance in the UK, added: “This is a truly exciting development in the travel insurance and assistance arena.
“Holidaymakers and intrepid adventures can book an appointment at a time that suits them, on any mobile device, including smartphone, tablet, laptop or PC, and get and instant referral, prescriptions or fit notes.”