6 Expert Tips Brits Must Know If They Fall Ill Abroad

• by Arlen Fitzpatrick
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Staying Safe When Sickness Strikes Abroad: 6 Expert Tips Every Brit Needs

So you've finally taken that long-awaited trip abroad. The last thing on your mind is getting sick. But according to recent numbers, about 13% of Brits have fallen ill while traveling since 2022—with more than a third admitting they're worried about it every time they pack a suitcase. Getting sick in a foreign country is stressful, but there are practical steps you can take to make the process a bit less daunting.

Travel health experts have lined up six essential tips that every British traveler should keep at the top of their packing list. These aren’t just theoretical ideas—they’re based on real-world problems British holidaymakers face, from unhelpful hotel staff to confusing local healthcare.

Your Step-by-Step Game Plan for Getting Sick Abroad

1. Prioritize Immediate Medical Attention
If you’re feeling unwell, don’t wait and hope it passes. Find out the local emergency numbers before you travel. Whether it’s 112 or 911, knowing the right digits could save precious time. Use tools like the what3words app to give rescue teams pinpoint accuracy about your location. Quick actions here can prevent minor issues from turning serious fast.

2. Notify Travel Companions and Tour Operators
Don’t try to tough it out on your own. Let your friends or family know what’s happening—they can help explain symptoms, keep track of your condition, and make decisions if you’re feeling too poorly. If you booked through a tour operator, they may have contacts at local clinics, know shortcuts for insurance processes, or even help rearrange your travel home in an emergency.

3. Document Everything
Keep all receipts for treatments, prescription medicines, and even taxi rides to the clinic. This paperwork is gold when it comes to claiming on your insurance. If you spot anything sketchy—like a dirty hotel bathroom or questionable food, snap a photo. Evidence like this can make all the difference if you need to make a complaint or prove negligence later.

4. Research Healthcare Standards Before You Go
Not all healthcare systems are created equal. Some countries have world-class hospitals; others, not so much. International SOS and similar resources offer up-to-date rankings of healthcare quality at top holiday spots. If you or a traveling partner has a serious medical condition, make sure your destination can offer the care you might need.

5. Carry Essential Medical Supplies
Surveys show men are the worst offenders here, often forgetting basics like painkillers or antiseptic creams. Stuff your bag with the essentials: paracetamol, ibuprofen, plasters, and your regular prescription meds if you take them. Having even a small first aid kit takes the edge off problems like headaches, upset stomachs, or minor scrapes—problems that are much worse when you’re far from home.

6. Adopt Preventive Habits
We all know about sunscreen, but what about the rest? Washing hands and using sanitiser drop off the radar for many Brits on holiday. Watch the water—bottle is best, and keep your hands as clean as possible, especially before eating. Don't skip recommended vaccinations or boosters before travel, either. These small habits do more than just prevent tummy bugs—they could stop a full-blown medical emergency.

Losing days of your trip to illness isn’t anyone’s idea of fun. Yes, travel always carries a bit of risk, but following these six expert-backed tips will put you firmly in the driver’s seat if sickness pays an unwelcome visit. You can’t predict everything, but you can be prepared.