Heading off on holiday should be exhilarating, yet the very things that make travel memorable, like unfamiliar foods, new climates, and long-haul flights can also play havoc with your health. The World Health Organisation (WHO) warns that everything from infectious disease to extreme weather can derail a trip if you are unprepared.
The most common health threats for UK travellers are traveller’s diarrhoea, insect-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria, respiratory infections like flu or Covid-19, and accidents (often road-related). Knowing the risks and having robust travel insurance is the best defence.
Why preparing for health risks matters
A bout of gastroenteritis in Goa might cost a few pounds in over-the-counter remedies. A medevac from Peru with altitude-induced pulmonary oedema could set you back upwards of £200,000. The US CDC cites evacuation costs ranging from $25,000 inside North America to more than $250,000 for remote inter-continental transfers. Closer to home, ABI figures show average overseas medical claims of £1,724 – but some exceed £25,000 once repatriation is included.
Those bills land with the traveller if the cover is missing or a pre-existing condition was not declared. A good travel insurance is therefore a must-pack item, not a “nice to have”. Learn more on our Travel Insurance page.
Emergency medical assistance accounted for 57% of the value of all UK travel-insurance claims in 2023.
Top 10 Global Travel Health Risks in 2025
Below are the hazards most likely to disrupt a trip this year, plus quick-fire prevention tips.
1. Traveller’s diarrhoea watery stools, cramps, fever
Incubation / onset: 6h – 3 weeks
Prevention essentials: Safe food & water, alcohol gel, and standby antibiotics if advised
2. Dengue & other mosquito-borne fevers – high temp, rash, joint pain
Incubation / onset: 4 – 10 days
Prevention essentials: DEET + long sleeves, screen nets, local outbreak alerts
3. Typhoid/enteric fever – persistent fever, abdominal pain
Incubation / onset: 6 – 30 days
Prevention essentials: Pre-travel vaccine, bottled water, peel fruit
4. Respiratory infections inc. Covid-19/flu
Incubation / onset: 1 – 7 days
Prevention essentials: Vaccination, masks in crowded settings, hand hygiene
5. Deep-Vein Thrombosis (DVT) – calf pain, swelling
Incubation / onset: During/after 4h+ flight
Prevention essentials: Aisle seat, move every 2h, compression socks
6. Altitude sickness – headache, nausea above 2,500m
Incubation / onset: 6 – 24h
Prevention essentials: Slow ascent, rest days, acetazolamide if prescribed
7. Extreme heat/cold exposure – heatstroke, hypothermia
Incubation / onset: Minutes – hours
Prevention essentials: Stay hydrated, shade/insulation, weather alerts
8. Road-traffic injuries – fractures, head trauma
Incubation / onset: Instant
Prevention essentials: Seatbelts, licensed taxis, helmets on scooters
9. Mental health & jet-lag-related issues – insomnia, anxiety
Incubation / onset: During/after flight
Prevention essentials: Sleep hygiene, daylight, wellness health trackers
10. Crime-related injuries – lacerations, shock
Incubation / onset: Instant
Prevention essentials: Local FCDO advice, avoid isolated areas, copy docs
1. Traveller’s diarrhea
Still the No. 1 holiday spoiler, affecting 20 – 56% of international travellers on trips under 100 days. Stick to piping-hot meals, peelable fruit and sealed drinks. Pack oral rehydration salts and declare any bowel disorders when you buy cover.
2. Insect-borne diseases (dengue, malaria, chikungunya, Zika)
Dengue is now the leading cause of fever in travellers returning from Asia and Latin America. Check regional risk maps, apply 30–50% DEET repellent and consider the dengue vaccine if eligible. Gigasure includes up to £10m in-patient cover for vector-borne diseases.
3. Typhoid & other food-borne infections
UKHSA recorded a record 702 typhoid cases in 2024, 8% up on 2023, almost all linked to South Asia. Book your typhoid jab at least two weeks pre-departure and save receipts for speedy claims processing via the Gigasure app.
4. Respiratory infections – Covid-19, flu & measles
Crowded transport hubs amplify airborne viruses. Keep vaccinations up to date, wear a well-fitting mask where ventilation is poor and activate GigaShield’s destination alerts for outbreak news.
5. Deep-Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
WHO research shows the risk of venous thrombo-embolism doubles after a flight of four hours. Walk the aisle, stay hydrated and avoid alcohol. Check your policy documents to see exactly what Gigasure covers as part of the travel plan you have selected.
6. Altitude sickness
Symptoms kick in above 2,500m and can become life-threatening if ignored. Ascend gradually, “climb high, sleep low” and factor rest days into your itinerary. Gigasure’s emergency evacuation benefit whisks you to lower ground if needed.
7. Extreme heat (and cold)
Heatwaves exacerbate cardiac, respiratory and kidney disease and can lead to heatstroke. Check the local UV index, schedule strenuous hikes for early morning and use broad-spectrum sunscreen. Cold-weather trips demand layered clothing and frostbite awareness.
8. Road traffic accidents
Road crashes kill >1.19 million people annually and are the leading cause of death for ages 5–29. Choose reputable transport, wear seatbelts and avoid night driving where infrastructure is poor. Gigasure can cover private ambulance fees and repatriation.
9. Mental health strain & jet lag
Long-haul crossings disrupt circadian rhythms, which can aggravate epilepsy, migraine and mood disorders. Use light exposure apps, stay hydrated and talk to your GP about medication timing before departure.
10. Crime-related injuries
Bag-snatching and “highway pirates” targeting hire cars are on the rise in Europe. Follow FCDO country advice, split cash/cards and store docs in the cloud. Gadget and personal-possessions cover is included as standard on Pro and Max.
Before You Go: The Preventive Checklist
- 4–8 weeks out: book GP/travel-clinic appointments for vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis.
- Check FCDO country pages for entry, safety and health alerts.
- Load digital copies of passport, EHIC/GHIC and Gigasure policy into the app.
- Declare all medical conditions honestly.
- Pack a personal medical kit: regular meds, first-aid basics, ORS, insect repellent, high-factor sunscreen.
- Enable GigaShield notifications for real-time flight delay payouts and health alerts.
During Your Trip: Smart Habits
- Hydrate & sanitise – 2 litres of safe water daily; alcohol gel to sanitise hands before eating.
- Plate-watch – steaming hot, freshly cooked food is your friend.
- Sun-sense – seek shade 11am-3pm; reapply SPF 30+ every two hours.
- Move – stretch on flights, breaks on road trips, light exercise combats DVT and jet lag.
- Emergency numbers – save local ambulance/police in your phone.
When to Seek Medical Help After Return
Contact your GP (mentioning your travel history) or dial 111 urgently if you develop within six weeks of return:
- Fever ≥ 38°C
- Persistent diarrhoea or vomiting
- Jaundice or dark urine
- Unusual skin rash or insect bite that worsens
- Worsening mental-health symptoms
Early intervention is vital for malaria, hepatitis, and other imported infections. For more information visit fitfortravel.nhs.uk
How Travel Insurance Shields You
Travel comes with its share of unpredictability, missed flights, medical emergencies, lost luggage, or last-minute cancellations. Gigasure Travel Insurance acts as your safety net, helping to protect you from unexpected setbacks. With cover for everything from emergency medical expenses to trip interruptions and stolen belongings, Gigasure gives you the confidence to explore without worry. Whether you're hiking in the hills, lounging on a beach, or navigating a busy airport, Gigasure ensures that if something goes wrong, you're not facing it alone—you're backed by reliable support and practical protection every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the four most common travel illnesses?
Traveller’s diarrhoea, dengue fever, influenza / Covid-19 and typhoid are the conditions UK travellers most often report after trips abroad. Practising good food and water hygiene, using mosquito repellent, keeping vaccinations current and taking out comprehensive travel insurance all help reduce the risk.
What is the most common health problem for international travellers?
Traveller’s diarrhoea remains the single most frequent ailment, affecting up to half of people visiting higher-risk regions. Staying hydrated, eating food that is freshly cooked and piping hot, and carrying oral rehydration salts are sensible precautions.
What are the health risks of travelling?
Key risks range from food and water-borne illnesses, insect-borne diseases and respiratory infections to travel-related conditions such as deep-vein thrombosis, altitude sickness and extreme-weather exposure. Injuries from road accidents or crime are also significant considerations.
What is the biggest concern of people while travelling?
Customers show that unexpected medical expenses top the list of worries ahead of lost luggage or flight delays, highlighting the importance of robust, properly declared travel insurance.
Ready to explore safely?
Adventure is priceless; medical bills are not. With Gigasure, you can roam the world knowing you’re backed by our emergency cover, instant GigaShield payouts and a 24-hour UK assistance team.
Gigasure is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice.
Sources: WHO, CDC, UKHSA, NHS, ABI (see inline citations).
