What should you do if you become sick on holiday?
Going on holiday? Read our guide on to what to do if you fall sick abroad.
Even the most careful of travellers can become sick while they’re travelling or on holiday abroad, and unfamiliar medical facilities and language barriers can make the experience even more stressful than it would be at home.
Practical tips
1. When you start showing symptoms of illness, Report it to the rep AND the hotel IN WRITING and check whether any of your travel companions are suffering from similar symptoms, get contact details of anyone who is.
Your holiday rep or hotel staff will be able to advise on the nearest pharmacy, doctor’s surgery or hospital and how those outlets operate.
2. Consider what you think may have caused the illness, is there any evidence of poor hygiene? If so take photos of anything like photos of raw meat photos of flies on food not covered up properly food left out food dried up.
If you can prove you feel ill or became injured because of negligence on the part of hotel staff, you can claim compensation.
3. If you have to buy medicines or pay for any treatments make sure you keep receipts for everything for any claim that may be made up on your return.
4. Be careful what you post on social media it may be used against you. If you make a personal injury claim upon your return, the defendants will look into your social media accounts and if there is any evidence which is contrary to what you claim then it will affect the success of your claim.
5. When you return home you should visit your GP for advice of further treatment that may be needed and for an assessment of your condition.
6. Never travel without comprehensive travel insurance, which ideally would cover the cost of an air ambulance in a worst-case scenario. Contact your travel insurance company immediately so they can advise on exactly what illness or accidents you are covered for.
7. Carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) – they’re free and entitle you to state-funded medical care throughout most of Europe.
8. If your illness makes it impossible to travel home, speak to your airline about switching flights.
It is possible to claim for ‘loss of enjoyment’ when you get home from holiday, so always keep a record of what happened and how it came about, in case you wish to pursue the services of a solicitor once you’re better.
