Cost Of Holiday Illnesses Revealed

• News
• Published: 27 Jul 2010 in Travel and Travel Insurance

Holidaymakers have been urged to find out the medical requirements for a place they are planning to visit, after a study showed that many people miss out on their break due to illness. 

The survey of over 2,000 people found as many as 74% of holidaymakers who have fallen sick miss out on up to four days of their holiday due to illness. It also highlights the importance opting for a comprehensive travel insurance policy. 

People who fall ill while on a break lose £322 worth of holiday. The figure is based on average cost figures from Travel Trade Gazette. 

Illnesses that are likely to affect people when they are on holiday include stomach upsets (66%), sunburn (62%), insect bites (55%), headaches (42%) and cold and flu (22%). 

The study for Panadol also found that around 50% of holidaymakers in the 18-34 age group turn first to their mother for help with health worries. Meanwhile, only 28% consult doctors, 41% consult pharmacies and 28% ask their partner. 

More than half of this age group also admitted that they pack medicines for their holiday, including insect repellent and diarrhoea tablets. 

GP and author Dr Sarah Brewer said: "It's worth checking out any specific medical requirements for the country you are travelling to with your GP at least six weeks before you travel."