Although it's not required of travelers, health insurance is highly recommended. Unlike many European countries, the United States does not usually offer free or low-cost medical care to its citizens or visitors. Doctors and hospitals are expensive, and in most cases will require advance payment or proof of coverage before they render their services. Policies can cover everything from the loss or theft of your baggage and trip cancellation to the guarantee of bail in case you're arrested. Good policies will also cover the costs of an accident, repatriation, or death. Packages such as Europ Assistance's "Worldwide Healthcare Plan" are sold by European automobile clubs and travel agencies at attractive rates. Worldwide Assistance Services, Inc. (tel. 800/821-2828; www.worldwideassistance.com) is the agent for Europ Assistance in the United States.

Though lack of health insurance may prevent you from being admitted to a hospital in nonemergencies, don't worry about being left on a street corner to die: The American way is to fix you now and bill the living daylights out of you later.

If you get sick or are injured in Orlando, there are basic first-aid centers in all of the theme parks. There's also a 24-hour toll-free number for the Poison Control Center (tel. 800/282-3171). Disney and many other resorts have in-room medical service 24 hours a day through Centra Care by calling tel. 407/238-2000.

Doctors on Call Service (tel. 407/399-3627) is a group that makes house and room calls in most of the Orlando area. Centra Care has several walk-in clinics listed in the Yellow Pages, including ones on Vineland (near Universal) (tel. 407/351-6682) and at Lake Buena Vista, near Disney (tel. 407/934-2273), and on U.S. 192 (W. Irlo Bronson Highway) near Disney (tel. 407/397-7032. Prescriptions can be filled at pharmacies such as Walgreen's and Eckerd Drugs, which have some stores that are open 24 hours a day; all of which are listed in the Yellow Pages. Many area discount stores, such as Kmart and Target, also have pharmacies.

Insurance For British Travelers -- Most big travel agents offer their own insurance and will probably try to sell you their package when you book a holiday. Think before you sign. Britain's Consumers' Association recommends that you insist on seeing the policy and reading the fine print before buying travel insurance. The Association of British Insurers (tel. 020/7600-3333; www.abi.org.uk) gives advice by phone and publishes Holiday Insurance, a free guide to policy provisions and prices. You might also shop around for better deals: Try Columbus Direct (tel. 020/7375-0011; www.columbusdirect.net).

Insurance For Canadian Travelers -- Canadians should check with their provincial health plan offices or call Health Canada (tel. 613/957-2991; www.hc-sc.gc.ca) to find out the extent of their coverage and what documentation and receipts they must take home in case they are treated in the United States.