Common holiday illnesses could land Brits with £5,000 medical bills

UK holidaymakers are facing sky-high medical bills when travelling without insurance.

In 2025 alone, Post Office claims data reveals 7,644 travellers sought emergency medical assistance while on holiday. The most common culprits? Food poisoning, ear infections, injuries after accidents, and respiratory illnesses.

And the costs are quickly adding up. The average payout for emergency medical treatment per claim was £563 in 2025, while the most expensive was a staggering £92,552.

With nearly a quarter (24%) of UK travellers going abroad without insurance, even the simplest issue can cost hundreds, sometimes thousands, depending on where you get sick. Countries such as the US remain among the most expensive places to fall ill.

5 common illnesses and injuries to treat abroad – and how much they can cost:

1. Sunstroke and severe dehydration

A day in the sun can quickly turn into a night under medical observation, requiring IV fluids, rehydration and monitoring.

If left untreated, it can result in more serious complications.

2. Ear infections

A simple splash of pool water can cause swelling, dizziness or fever, and lead to costly monitoring or even an overnight stay.

Ear infections are among the top illnesses Post Office customers claimed for in 2025, highlighting just how common (and costly) they are. In Monaco, the average cost per day for hospitalisation alone is £1,037.

3. Stitches for a cut

A sharp seashell, broken tile or coral scrape can leave you needing stitches, and the bill is far from tiny. Treatment, including a consultation in a private hospital and stitches, could cost £400 in places such as Dubai.

4. Food poisoning

One of the most common holiday illnesses, particularly in hot climates or when you’re sampling unfamiliar dishes, is a sudden bout of food poisoning.

What starts as an upset stomach can escalate into a hospital stay. A single day in intensive care can cost up to £5,000 in Europe.

5. A fall

Thrill‑seekers heading on ski breaks could be in for a financial wipe‑out if things go wrong. A simple fall at a ski resort in France could lead to costs of up to £863 for rescue in an off-piste area and up to £182 for ambulance transport to a medical centre.

Even when symptoms are mild, costs escalate due to:

• Private‑first systems – tourists are often directed straight to private hospitals with premium pricing.

• Out‑of‑hours charges – late-night or weekend visits often incur higher rates.

• Tourist‑zone markups – clinics near hotels or resorts typically price services higher.

• Tests – common treatments for dehydration or stomach bugs often involve IV fluids, bloodwork or scans, driving up bills.

With over £7.4 million paid out in travel medical claims in 2025, Post Office data shows the danger of travelling without cover.

Tips before you travel:

1. Pack essentials such as sunscreen, oral rehydration salts, and basic first‑aid supplies.
2. Take out comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical treatment and emergency repatriation.
3. Inform your insurance provider of any current medical conditions.
4. Always carry policy details – this can help avoid upfront costs in many countries.

Adam Edinburgh, Head of Post Office Travel & New Products, commented: 

“Travellers may assume the big-ticket emergencies are the only ones that cost. But everyday issues like sunstroke, dehydration or an ear infection can mean unexpectedly high medical bills overseas. In many destinations, even a short consultation or basic IV drip can cost several hundred pounds. Travel insurance makes sure holidaymakers aren’t left absorbing those costs at what is already a stressful time.”

Image provided by Post Office

Alicia Ward