Holiday Sickness Claims

What should I do if I become ill while abroad?

If you become ill then naturally your first priority is to seek medical attention as soon as possible, but there are some things you can do to help yourself and your claim:

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible
• Stay hydrated
• Report your illness to your holiday rep or hotel
• It may be best to isolate yourself to prevent your illness spreading to others
• Document any issues with food or hygiene by taking photos or videos

Once you return home and are feeling better, then is the time to seek recompense if you feel your holiday was ruined.

What are the symptoms of holiday sickness?

The signs of an illness can vary, but it is important to recognise and act quickly so that you can seek the right medical attention and prevent prolonged infection.

Possible symptoms might include:

• Vomiting
• Lack of appetite
• Headaches
• Muscle ache
• Higher temperature
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Stomach/abdominal pain

How can you prevent sickness abroad?

Sickness abroad can unfortunately happen when we least expect it, but the following steps should reduce your chances of falling ill and help you keep safe:

• Plan ahead, make sure you eat healthily on the run up to your holiday to give your body its best chance of fighting back
• Drink plenty of water, but avoid water that has come from the tap
• Avoid ice cubes where possible as they are likely to be from tap water
• Seek shade to prevent sun-stroke
• Avoid food that has been out for a long period of time
• Check that all food is cooked thoroughly and is not reheated or uncovered
• Wash your hands before eating and drinking

Can I claim for holiday illness?

Yes, but only if you booked a package holiday - in other words accommodation and flight together. This means you are covered by the Package Holiday Regulations.

If you didn't book a package holiday, you may be able to make a claim through your travel insurance, so it's worth contacting them to find out if they can help.

You will need to be able to prove that, on the balance of probabilities, there was negligence that resulted in you falling ill.

How long do I have to claim?

Generally, personal injury claims should be made within three years of the event taking place. But it's best to consider starting your claim as soon as possible, while the details are fresh in your memory.

Our friendly team are on hand to discuss your options with you, and explain the process.

I was ill on holiday. What should I do next?

If you have been unfortunate enough become ill while you were on holiday, you can fill in our online form, call us or request a callback at the top of the screen. We can call you back at a time you choose and we'll take you through your options free of charge, and tell you if you quality for our No Win No Fee service.