British holidaymakers made over 9,000 claims for non-emergency medical incidents abroad in 2025, costing £9.85 million in insurance claims, travel insurance provider Staysure has revealed.
British travellers experiencing non-emergency health issues abroad – from food poisoning and dental pain to infections and minor injuries – risk forking out over £1,000 per incident, exclusive new data reveals.
Analysis of Staysure’s medical claims shows UK holidaymakers made 9,345 claims for non-emergency medical incidents in 2025, totalling £9.85 million. The average cost per claim stood at £1,055.
The data reveals the financial risk UK travellers face when unexpected health issues strike abroad highlighting the need for financial protection with travel insurance and the importance of having access to medical care with even minor conditions costing well over £1,000.
The costliest non-emergency claims include:
- Slip, trip or fall (inside): £7,933 per claim
- Pregnancy-related condition: £3,272 per claim
- Slip, trip or fall (outside): £1,482 per claim
- Food poisoning: £1,037 per claim
- Infectious disease: £1,176 per claim
- Dental pain: £339 per claim
- Minor injury: £362 per claim
Expert advice for staying safe and healthy abroad
To help travellers avoid expensive medical mishaps while abroad, GP Dr Asimah Hanif, Staysure’s medical expert, shares her top health tips.
“Although a trip or fall can be the costliest in non-emergency medical care, food poisoning is one of the most common claims we see. Basic food hygiene is crucial – drink bottled water in high-risk destinations, avoid ice in drinks, and be cautious with street food, shellfish and undercooked meat. Frequent handwashing, especially before eating, can significantly reduce your risk.
“For infectious diseases, travellers should ensure vaccinations are up to date and destination specific before departure. Mosquito bites can often be prevented with repellent, long sleeves and trousers in the evenings, and staying in screened or air-conditioned venues. In busy tourist areas, simple measures like using hand sanitiser can also lower your chances of picking up infections.
“Dental emergencies often catch people off guard. A routine dental check-up before travelling is a good idea, particularly for longer trips, as a minor toothache can quickly escalate into an expensive procedure abroad.
“For all these conditions – and countless other unexpected issues – comprehensive travel insurance remains essential providing financial protection for medical treatment. Many providers now offer access to English-speaking doctors abroad for minor ailments that don’t require emergency care, whether in person or via virtual consultations. Staysure’s new Travel Doctor service is one example, giving travellers quick, reliable medical advice in person or via video callas well as help accessing local prescriptions without the need for a hospital visit.
“And if you’re a traveller with a pre-existing medical condition, you should take particular care when buying the right policy. A flare-up of a chronic condition abroad can lead to thousands of pounds in medical bills without the right insurance in place. It’s vital to declare all medical conditions honestly, as failing to do so may invalidate your policy at the point you need it most.”
