Expert issues 6 tips Brits should always remember if they fall ill on holiday

Amid the long weekend, many Brits are taking the time to abroad and make the most of the holiday. But new research has found that over a quarter would not know what to do if they fell ill while on holiday, with 60% worried about the idea of being sick in a foreign country. Now, experts have issued a list of six key tips to bear in mind while travelling in case illness catches up with holiday plans.

These points are useful to bear in mind, as sickness is unpredictable and can strike at any time. Travel insurance expert Jonathan Frankham, general manager at , has compiled the list of advice and urged Brits not to stay in the dark about dealing with illness abroad. He said: "We know how much Britons treasure their holidays and getting sick whilst you're away, whether it's you or a friend or family member, can cause a significant amount of stress.

"With crowded airports and public spaces and exposure to new germs and viruses, getting sick whilst on holiday is relatively common, especially during busy periods such as Easter. However, it doesn't need to ruin your trip. If you were to fall ill whilst travelling, there is plenty of help and support available, but it is important to plan ahead of your trip.

"One of the most important measures that all travellers should take is to buy travel insurance as soon as the trip is booked. Travel insurance can be a safety net in case anything goes wrong, before or during your trip and will allow you to get sufficient care should you get sick or injured during your holiday."

The most common non-emergency medical issue faced by British travellers when on holiday in 2024 was flu symptoms, according to the healthcare app which gives holidaymakers access to a network of trusted doctors who can provide megical support on the go for non-urgent issues.

Making up the rest of the top five most common non-emergency medical issues among Brits abroad were orthopaedic issues, inflammation, ear pain and dental problems.

Allergy cases spiked during spring and summer, while inflammation symptoms and ear pain almost double between June and August and in winter months.

The full list of Frankham's advice is below:

1. Do your research before travelling

Frankham advises travellers to ensure they know about the area they are travelling to and the nearby medical amenities.

"Before embarking on your travels, you should always spend some time researching the local medical facilities in the local area of your destination. Be sure to make a note of any contact details, such as local doctors, pharmacies and hospitals."

2. Seek medical attention

In any case of medical issues, it is always important to seek help from a doctor or other healthcare professional.

"Assess your symptoms and get medical help from a pharmacy, doctor or hospital if needed. If your symptoms are mild, such as a cold or mild food poisoning, you should be fine to take over the counter medications, get plenty of rest and stay hydrated.

"For more severe symptoms, you should seek medical attention straight away. In an emergency situation, contact the local emergency services to discuss your symptoms."

3. Contact your travel insurance provider

As a travel insurance expert, Frankham advises making sure travellers know how their policy will assist them if they fall ill on holiday.

"Check your travel insurance policy to understand what medical expenses are covered, before calling your provider for guidance. Many travel insurance providers will have a 24/7 emergency medical assistance team who will be on hand to help and support.

"You will likely need to have information on hand such as your policy number, a contact number for you or the person you are travelling with, details about your health concern and your location."

4. Get it in writing

Frankham stressed the importance of keeping records of any issues and correspondence related to holiday sickness.

"When claiming on your travel insurance, you will need to provide documentation to support your claim. It may be the last thing on your mind when you're feeling ill, but it is extremely important that you get copies before leaving a medical facility.

"Examples of documentation that you may need are a doctor or medical practitioner's report confirming your illness, a hospital admission report or an ambulance and medical evacuation report. In some cases, you may also be required to obtain past medical history from your GP."

5. Keep your receipts

Much like retaining records, keeping receipts could be vital in processing an insurance claim.

Frankham said: "Remember to keep all receipts, along with itineraries and booking and cancellation confirmations for any affected travel arrangements, such as transport or accommodation. If you're not able to provide these receipts, it could impact your claim."

6. Inform your loved ones

Frankham added for his final tip: "Be sure to contact a trusted family member or close friend to update them about your condition. They may be able to support you with financial or logistical concerns or help with any decision making surrounding medical facilities and care. This is particularly important for solo travellers."