If you get ill whilst you are abroad on holiday you will be understandably disappointed and unhappy but you will be exponentially more disappointed if you also have to pay your medical costs. It is absolutely essential you get yourself travel insurance before you go away so you can claim on your insurance if you end up having medical fees to pay abroad. If you are in going on holiday to Europe make sure you get a European Health Insurance Card as this will cover you for medical costs on holiday in Europe. Ensure the policy covers ‘sudden illness.’ Medical fees are incredibly expensive abroad, even for seemingly minor injuries such as a broken bone. Take a simple first aid and medical kit with you containing simple medications such as painkillers and rehydration sachets or diarrhoea treatment if you are going to a country where this is rife.
When you get ill abroad, many times it is simply bad luck. Illness often happens without warning whether you are at home or on holiday, old or young. However, on some occasions it is the fault of a third party. If you get ill on holiday because of contracting an illness after visiting a hotel, a restaurant or on a cruise ship you may be able to make a claim against the establishment. A holiday illness lawyer may also be able to get you compensation for the suffering you went through by making a claim against your tour operator.
For the individuals claiming in the UK against their tour operator the claim must be entered into 3 years from the date the individual contracted the illness. Depending on the country you are claiming in this time limit may differ. Also depending on whether you make you claim in the UK or abroad, the amount of compensation that is available to you under the local law may differ. If you want to take your claim through the UK courts you will have to make a claim against the UK based tour operator. If you want to make a claim against the owner of a foreign hotel or restaurant you will probably have to make a claim in the country they are based in.
Contact a solicitor who specialises in dealing with accident and illness abroad claims to discuss the claims process fully and find out whether or not you have grounds to make a successful compensation claim.
Contact Us
To make a holiday illness claim today call Freeman Harris on 020 7231 7150 or fill in an online enquiry. All initial enquiries are offered completely free of charge.