Sun, sea and sickness: Stomach-related travel claims on the rise

• Aviva travel data shows a rise in stomach-related claims while abroad, with treatment costing over £4,000 on average ^[1]
• Spain has the highest number of claims overall, yet claim costs peak in the USA at just under £12,000
• To help protect holidaymakers, Aviva’s Dr Suba M shares top tips on how to reduce the chances of food poisoning while on holiday

With summer holidays around the corner, Aviva is warning travellers to take care when eating and drinking on holiday, as data shows that claims for stomach-related issues - such as food poisoning and gastroenteritis - have increased in the last few years ^[1].

According to the data, claims peak between July and September, reflecting the higher number of travellers as people embark on their summer holidays.

However, claims can also be costly, with Aviva data showing that treatment for stomach-related issues costs £4,095 on average. Despite Spain having the highest number of stomach-related claims overall, the USA is the most expensive country to seek treatment, where medical costs for stomach bugs can reach £11,881 on average.

Aviva data reveals the following average costs for stomach-related conditions:

1. The USA £11,881
2. Spain £4,644
3. Greece £3,211
4. Canada £3,184
5. Cyprus £2,763

James Devereux, Travel Manager at Aviva, comments: “ Travel insurance is there to support you when the unexpected happens on holiday, from relatively minor issues, like a bout of food poisoning that disrupts your plans, to more serious stomach-related illnesses that require medical attention.

“While most tummy bugs will be relatively short-lived, they can affect people differently and our data shows that treatment costs can vary, depending on your holiday destination. In the USA, medical costs for gastro-related illnesses can reach over £10,000, meaning travellers without insurance could face hefty medical bills.

“If you fall ill abroad with a gastric illness, travel insurance can help cover the cost of emergency treatment, hospital stays and medication, and, in more severe cases, medical repatriation back to the UK. Many policies also include a 24/7 emergency medical helpline, giving you access to medical advice and support wherever you are in the world. Cover can also extend to additional accommodation costs while your symptoms improve, as well as rearranging your travel home if you’re too unwell to fly as planned.

“If you unfortunately have a tummy bug on holiday and are too unwell to head home, contact your travel insurance provider, who may be able to help find you the appropriate medical attention.”

Dr Suba M, Medical Director at Aviva, said: “Most common tummy bugs – often caused by viruses like norovirus – tend to clear up within 1 to 3 days, although some symptoms such as fatigue or a mild upset stomach can linger a little longer. The key is to stay well hydrated and rest while your body recovers.

“However, you should seek medical advice if symptoms last longer than a few days, become severe, or if you notice worrying signs such as dehydration, a high fever, blood in your stools, or persistent vomiting that prevents you from keeping fluids down. Young children, older adults, and those with underlying health conditions should be monitored more closely, as they can become unwell more quickly.”

1. Be cautious with what you drink - In some destinations, tap water may not be safe to drink. Stick to sealed bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth, and avoid ice in drinks unless you’re confident it’s made from purified water. It’s also wise to stick to reputable bars, restaurants and hotels, and avoid alcohol from street sellers or unlicensed vendors. While local or homemade drinks can be tempting, some may be unregulated or poorly distilled, increasing the risk of contamination.
   
   
2. Eat food that’s freshly cooked and piping hot - High temperatures kill harmful bacteria. Avoid food that’s been left sitting out, particularly at buffets, and opt for meals that are cooked to order and served hot.
   
   
3. Take care with raw or undercooked foods - Foods like raw seafood, undercooked meat, and unpasteurised dairy products carry a higher risk. It’s safest to avoid these, especially in hotter climates where bacteria multiply more quickly.
   
   
4. Wash or peel fruit and vegetables - If you can’t be sure produce has been washed in clean water, peel it yourself. Pre-cut fruit or salads may have been handled or rinsed in unsafe water.
   
   
5. Practice good hand hygiene - Wash your hands regularly, particularly before eating and after using the bathroom. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser. If you do unfortunately pick up a stomach bug, make sure you’re extra vigilant with this to avoid the chances of passing it on to someone else.
   
   
6. Be mindful of street food - Street food can be safe if it’s cooked fresh in front of you and served hot. Busy stalls with a high turnover are often a safer bet than those where food is sitting out.
   
   
7. Keep hydrated safely - If you do develop mild symptoms, staying hydrated is key. Oral rehydration salts can be helpful to replace lost fluids and minerals.
   
   
8. Know when to seek medical help - Persistent vomiting, severe diarrhoea, dehydration, or a high fever may require medical attention. Don’t hesitate to seek help from your travel insurer, who may be able to advise on where to seek medical treatment, particularly if symptoms aren’t improving.
   
   

-ends-

^1. <sub>Aviva travel claims data 2025 relating to food poisoning or gastroenteritis [↑]

*****</sub>

Notes

• We are the UK’s only diversified insurer and we operate in the UK, Ireland and Canada. We also have international investments in India and China.
  
  
• We help our 25.2 million customers make the most out of life, plan for the future, and have the confidence that if things go wrong we’ll be there to put it right.
  
  
• We have been taking care of people for more than 325 years, in line with our purpose of being ‘with you today, for a better tomorrow’. In 2025, we paid £31.9 billion in claims and benefits to our customers.
• Aviva is a Living Wage, Living Pension and Living Hours employer and provides market-leading benefits for our people, including flexible working, paid carers leave and equal parental leave. Find out more at www.aviva.com/about-us/our-people/
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