One in four Brits travel without insurance and a third have no idea what the emergency service number is when on holiday.
New data released shows that the top five categories for claims by holidaymakers are flu symptoms (fever, diarrhoea, vomiting), orthopaedics (ankle, falls, back pains), ear infections, insect bites, and coughing.
Almost half of holidaymakers (46 percent) worry about falling ill while travelling abroad, with a quarter (25 percent) stating that an illness or injury has previously ruined a holiday. Among Gen Z (16–24-year-olds), half have experienced a holiday being ruined due to illness or injury.
Research commissioned by the Post Office and Air Doctor also revealed that 27 percent of travellers have gone abroad without insurance, a third do not know the emergency service number to call while on holiday, and only 28 percent check GOV.UK for foreign travel advice.
Young adults aged 25-34 are most likely (42 percent) to travel without insurance, despite 25 percent expressing concerns about falling ill or getting injured abroad.
The data also showed that 78 percent of Brits would find it comforting to have free 24/7 access to an online English-speaking GP for themselves and their families while abroad. However, only 43 percent feel confident about accessing medical help while traveling.
Moreover, just seven percent of Brits are aware of Air Doctor, which powers Medical Assistance Plus, a free service for Post Office travel insurance customers.
Dr. Daniel Zajarias Fainsod, an online doctor for the service, shared tips on avoiding common travel illnesses. For flu symptoms, he recommends getting vaccinated annually against influenza and COVID, maintaining good hand hygiene, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals.
To prevent diarrhoea and abdominal pain, Dr. Fainsod advises following proper food hygiene practices such as washing hands before meals and consuming thoroughly cooked food. For orthopaedic injuries, wearing supportive footwear and practicing R.I.C.E (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) can help prevent ankle sprains and falls.
For ear infections, keeping ears dry after swimming and avoiding cotton swabs is recommended. Insect bite prevention includes vaccination for mosquito-borne diseases, using insect repellent, and covering up with long sleeves.
Lastly, to prevent the spread of coughing-related illnesses, individuals should cover their mouths when coughing and wash hands regularly to avoid spreading germs.
Paul Paddock, Head of Travel and Protection at the Post Office, expressed surprise at the number of travellers not booking travel insurance and failing to take basic precautions against common travel illnesses. He highlighted the benefit of free online doctor appointments as part of an insurance package, offering peace of mind to travellers and families.
