When you’re dreaming of sun, sea and stress‑free days, getting sick on holiday is the last thing you want, yet thousands of UK holidaymakers are affected every year. With the right preparation and the right travel insurance, getting sick abroad doesn’t have to mean facing big medical bills on top of a ruined trip.
Post Office Insurance underwriting data highlights the cost of medical treatment, the countries where prices soar and why having travel insurance can help protect you from having to pay these bills yourself.
How much does getting sick on holiday cost?
The cost of medical treatment abroad often surprises travellers. Whether it's dehydration, food poisoning or an ear infection, treatment costs are the same for everyone. The difference is:
- Without travel insurance, you pay out of pocket
- With travel insurance, we can help cover the bills
A single day in intensive care at a European hospital is typically £5,0001, while the USA is one of the most expensive countries for healthcare, and minor medical emergencies can cost thousands of pounds.
Major surgery in America can easily exceed £125,0001, while even a minor procedure or overnight stay can easily go into the thousands.
This shows how quickly the cost of holiday illnesses can escalate.
Around a quarter (24%)2 of UK holidaymakers still travel without insurance, which can leave them financially vulnerable if they become unwell abroad. While most holiday illnesses are minor, some can require medical attention, and that’s when having travel insurance becomes especially valuable.
Not only can it help protect you from unexpected medical costs, but it also gives you access to 24/7 support and guidance to trusted healthcare providers. This means that whether it’s a small issue or something more serious, you’re not facing it alone or dealing with the expense yourself.
Medical Assistance Plus with Post Office
With Medical Assistance Plus3, a service that comes with all of our travel insurance policies, healthcare professionals are just one-click away and you’ll have access to outpatient medical support whilst you are abroad.
It includes:
- 24/7 access to medical support through one easy-to-use platform
- Choose a time and a place to be seen whether that’s at a clinic, your hotel or an online video call
- Arrange for prescriptions to be collected from a chemist close to your location
- Help from expertly vetted medical experts from around the world
- All medical support given in your own language, so you don’t have to struggle with any language barriers
- No claims forms to complete when you get home
- No excess to pay for this service
What happens if you get sick abroad or have a medical emergency?
Here’s what typically happens:
- Contact your 24/7 medical assistance team for emergencies on 0208 865 3074* - They can direct you to trusted clinics, support with language barriers and help manage costs
- You’ll be advised on the best place to get treatment - Tourists are often directed to private hospitals, which is why having insurance is essential
- Your insurer can arrange direct billing where possible - This means they pay the medical provider, not you
- If necessary, they can arrange medical repatriation - Getting you back to the UK safely if medically you are too unwell and the treatment you need cannot be given where you are
Having insurance ensures that getting sick on holiday doesn’t become a financial shock.
The most expensive places to get ill
Here's what you can expect to pay in a private medical facility for these medical issues:
| Europe | United States | Africa | Asia | South America | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heart attack | £30,000 | £100,000 | £20,000 | £25,000 | £25,000 |
| Stroke | £30,000 | £100,000 | £20,000 | £25,000 | £15,000 |
| Respiratory illness | £15,000 | £75,000 | £10,000 | £10,000 | £8,000 |
| Major surgery | £35,000 | £125,000 | £20,000 | £25,000 | £15,000 |
*These prices are based on the average medical cost1.
Not having travel insurance means you may have to pay upfront before receiving any treatment, especially within private healthcare.
It’s not just the cost of medical treatment that can ruin a holiday. The price of getting back home safely can put an even bigger dent in your savings. The cost of a doctor-escorted flight from the Canary Islands can cost up to £8,000, and from the United States, a nurse-escorted flight can be £20,000 or more1.
Common illnesses and what they cost to treat
Having insurance gives you peace of mind that you’re covered if the unexpected happens while you’re abroad. These examples highlight what happens if you get sick on holiday and need treatment without travel insurance.
Severe dehydration
In hot destinations, dehydration can develop quickly, especially if you are active, out in the sun or not drinking enough water.
How to prevent it:
- Drink water regularly throughout the day, not just when you feel thirsty
- Take breaks in the shade during the hottest hours of the day
- Use rehydration salts or electrolytes if you have been sweating more than usual
- Limit alcohol in high temperatures as it can worsen dehydration
- Carry a refillable water bottle when sightseeing
If symptoms like dizziness, nausea, confusion or extreme fatigue develop, travellers may need medical care.
Stomach bugs
Stomach bugs are extremely common, in fact, one of the most common illnesses we had claims for in the past year1. They are especially frequent in warmer climates where bacteria multiply more quickly. The good news is that most cases can be avoided.
5 ways to avoid it:
- Choose reputable restaurants with good hygiene standards
- Be cautious with buffet food that has been left out for long periods
- Wash or sanitise your hands before eating
- Avoid tap water, opt for bottled or treated water instead
- Skip ice cubes if you are unsure of the water quality as these can contribute to stomach bugs
If you do become unwell, symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea and dehydration may require medical attention. Travel insurance means you can focus on recovery, not the bill.
Ear infections
Another of the most common illnesses claimed for in the past year were ear infections1. These particularly affect swimmers, divers or anyone travelling with a cold or allergies. They’re often minor but can become painful quickly.
How to help:
- Dry your ears thoroughly after swimming
- Use earplugs while swimming if you’re prone to infections
- Avoid diving or swimming underwater if you feel congested
- Tilt your head to let trapped water drain after time in the pool or sea
- Avoid inserting cotton buds too far into your ear when cleaning
If an ear infection becomes severe, treatment abroad may include antibiotics or even hospital care. In Cyprus, a hospital stay can be up to £864 per night4.
Cuts needing stitches
Minor injuries like cuts and scrapes are easy to pick up on holiday, especially around swimming pools, rocky beaches or coral reefs. While most are easily treated, deeper cuts may need professional care or stitches.
How to avoid:
- Wear water shoes when swimming near reefs, rocks or sharp tiles
- Pack a basic first‑aid kit with antiseptic wipes and plasters
- Take care when exploring unfamiliar terrain
- Keep cuts clean and covered to prevent infection
If stitches are needed, the cost varies widely by country. In Dubai, for instance, a consultation in a private hospital costs up to £100 and stitches for a simple cut can cost around £3005. Without travel insurance, you could be £400 out of pocket.
Why do medical costs vary so much abroad?
Several factors influence the cost of medical treatment abroad:
- Tourists are often directed to private hospitals with premium pricing and separate facility fees
- Clinics in resort zones commonly charge higher rates
- Late‑night or weekend visits can carry additional fees
- Healthcare systems and fee regulation vary globally. For example, hospital day rates in Monaco are around £1,0376, while in Thailand, they are £287.
What does travel insurance cover if you get sick abroad?
A travel insurance policy can help holidaymakers avoid hefty out-of-pocket costs by covering:
- Up to £10 million in emergency medical expenses for standard policies
- Prescriptions and diagnostics
- Medical repatriation back to the UK if needed
- 24/7 medical assistance to guide you to trusted healthcare providers
Travelling with a pre-existing medical condition
If you have an existing medical condition, it’s important to feel confident that you’ll get the right treatment if you become unwell while abroad and having the right travel insurance in place can make all the difference.
At Post Office, we cover many common pre-existing medical conditions, including diabetes, asthma and heart conditions, and the medical screening process is quick and straightforward.
