Page 438 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - The Netherlands

436  SUR VIV AL GUIDE

Personal Security and Health Medical Treatment
and Insurance
If you keep to a few basic safety rules, you should have a Minor medical problems
trouble-free stay in the Netherlands. Obviously, it is better can usually be dealt with at
not to carry large amounts of cash or valu ables around, a pharmacy, though the
and not to keep passports, cheques and credit cards prescription of drugs is very
strict. The majority of drugs
together in one place. Visitors from abroad can always are available only on
insure themselves against losses of money and personal prescription. Pharmacies –
items from theft. It is also a good idea to insure yourself which are recognizable by
against medical expenses. For those who do find their snake symbol – are open
themselves in trouble on holiday, the country has efficient on weekdays from 8:30 or
9am to 5:30 or 6pm.
emergency services and facilities.
If the pharmacy is closed, you
will find on the door a list of the
nearest pharmacies that are
Emergencies areas and parks. Women can open. Local newspapers also
The national emergency visit cafés in the evening give details of duty doctors,
number for the police, fire without risk. pharmacies and other health
brigade and ambulance is 112. services in the town or region.
This number must only be In an emergency you can get
dialled in emergencies. For Reporting Crime treatment in hospitals, which
less urgent help, it is best to If you have been the victim are open 24 hours a day.
contact the nearest police of theft or a mugging, Visitors from abroad who will
station, hospital or a local report it to the nearest be carrying prescription drugs
doctor. If your car police station (some with them should ask their
breaks down, smaller municipalities do doctor for a medical passport.
members of the not have their own This is a document stating your
ANWB can call police station). You condition and the medication
out the roadside will need to make you require for it. The passport
assistance service a verbal report can be shown at the customs
of the ANWB describing any loss as evidence that you are
Wegenwacht 24 and, if necessary, bringing the medication in for
hours a day, 7 days injury. Many insurance your personal use.
a week, using the companies require Travellers from European
roadside emergency you to report within Union countries should apply
phones or by 24 hours of the for and take with them a
dialling a toll-free incident taking European Health Insurance
phone number. Dutch police officers place. If your Card (EHIC). You can do this
passport is stolen, you online or at post offices in
should immediately report the UK before you leave. It
Personal Belongings this to your embassy (see p435) will enable you to claim for
and Safety as well as to the police. state health service treatment
It is as true of the Netherlands
as elsewhere in Europe that
opportunity makes the thief.
When in busy shopping
streets or on public transport,
do not leave your wallet in
your back pocket, and if you
need to go to the lavatory
on the train or when in a
restaurant, take your handbag
or wallet with you. Do not Fire engine
leave any valuables in
your car, and always make
sure it has been properly
locked. Large cities,
particularly Amsterdam,
have a big problem with Police car
bicycle theft, so a decent
lock is a good investment.
Muggings are rare, but at
night it is better to avoid unlit Ambulance

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