At Holiday Illness Claims, we help travellers secure compensation after falling ill due to poor hygiene, contaminated food, or unsafe conditions while on holiday.

If your trip was ruined by a preventable illness, you may be entitled to compensation covering medical expenses, lost holiday enjoyment, travel disruptions, and financial losses. Whether your illness was caused by food poisoning, water contamination, or inadequate hygiene at your accommodation, you have the legal right to hold responsible parties accountable.

If you became ill while on holiday, our legal experts are here to guide you through the claims process and help you get the compensation you deserve.

Who Can Make A Holiday Illness Claim?

A holiday illness claim can be made by holidaymakers who became ill at hotels, resorts, cruise ships, or holiday accommodations. If a child or dependent becomes ill, their parents or guardians can file a claim on their behalf.

Tourists who fell ill on package holidays booked through UK tour operators have strong legal protections under The Package Travel Regulations 2018.

How Much Compensation Can I Claim For Holiday Illness?

The amount of compensation awarded for holiday illness claims, like mild illnesses, is between £1,000 and £3,000. Moderate illnesses, requiring medical treatment and lasting several days, can lead to payouts between £3,000 and £10,000.

Severe illnesses, such as serious food poisoning, prolonged infections, or conditions requiring hospitalisation, may result in compensation exceeding £25,000, particularly if there are long-term health effects.

Each case is unique, and our legal team will assess your specific circumstances to estimate your compensation.

Contact Holiday Illness Claims to get an accurate estimate of your potential settlement.

What Are The Most Common Causes Of Holiday Illness Claims?

Most common causes of holiday illness claims include the following:

• Food poisoning – Consuming undercooked, contaminated, or poorly stored food at hotel buffets or restaurants.
• Waterborne diseases – Drinking contaminated water, swimming in infected pools, or consuming ice cubes made from unsafe water.
• Poor sanitation – Exposure to bacteria and viruses due to unclean accommodation, cruise ships, or hotel facilities.
• Insect-borne diseases – Contracting illnesses like malaria or dengue fever due to inadequate mosquito control and other preventive measures.
• Norovirus and viral infections – Spreading of viruses in crowded resorts, cruise ships, or hotels due to insufficient hygiene practices.
• Unhygienic swimming pools and spa facilities – Illness caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites in improperly treated water.
• Mould and poor air quality – Respiratory issues triggered by mold growth or poor ventilation in hotel rooms.
• Contaminated ice and beverages – Drinks prepared with ice or water that hasn’t been properly filtered or treated.
• Lack of hand hygiene in food preparation areas – Infection from staff handling food without proper hygiene standards.
• Exposure to harmful chemicals – Reactions caused by excessive or improper use of cleaning agents, pesticides, or pool chemicals.

How Do I Start A Holiday Illness Claim?

Starting a holiday illness claim begins with seeking medical attention and obtaining a diagnosis confirming the illness. It is crucial to report the illness to hotel staff, tour operators, or cruise management, ensuring an official record is made.

Gathering evidence, such as photographs of unhygienic conditions, food receipts, or medical reports, will strengthen your case. If other holidaymakers were also affected, witness statements can provide additional support.

A solicitor will handle the legal process on your behalf, ensuring all necessary evidence is submitted to secure maximum compensation.

How Long Do I Have To Make A Holiday Illness Claim?

A holiday illness claim is filed within three years from the date of illness. However, if your trip was a package holiday booked through a UK tour operator, you have three years to claim under UK travel laws.

If you booked accommodation independently, the time limit depends on the country where the illness occurred, which may be shorter than three years. If you were on a cruise, the time limit is usually two years from the date of illness.

What Evidence Is Needed For A Holiday Illness Claim?

A holiday illness claim requires the following evidence:

• Medical reports and prescriptions – Documentation from doctors abroad or in the UK confirming the diagnosis and treatment.
• Receipts for medical expenses – Proof of costs for hospital visits, medication, or travel related to medical treatment.
• Photographs of unsanitary conditions – Images of contaminated food, unhygienic hotel facilities, or poor sanitation.
• Hotel complaints and tour operator reports – Official records of complaints made to the hotel or travel company.
• Witness statements – Testimonies from other affected holidaymakers to support the claim.
• Proof of lost holiday costs – Evidence of financial losses, such as non-refundable bookings or expenses due to illness.
• Proof of lost wages – Documentation showing income lost due to illness and inability to work.

Can I Make A Holiday Illness Claim On A No Win, No Fee Basis?

Holiday illness claims can be pursued on a no-win, no-fee basis, meaning there are no upfront legal costs.

Under this arrangement, you only pay legal fees if your claim is successful, with the cost deducted from your final compensation. If your claim is unsuccessful, you pay nothing, ensuring no financial risk in making a claim.

How Long Does A Holiday Illness Claim Take To Settle?

Simple holiday illness claims may be resolved within six to twelve months. More complex cases, such as severe illnesses, long-term health effects, or disputes over responsibility, can take one to three years.

If you require urgent financial assistance, interim payments may be available to cover medical expenses, rehabilitation, or lost earnings while your claim is being processed.

Who Is Responsible For Paying Holiday Illness Compensation?

Liability for holiday illness compensation depends on whether you booked a package holiday through a UK tour operator, in which case they are legally responsible for ensuring safe food, clean accommodation, and proper hygiene standards.

If a hotel, restaurant, or cruise operator failed to meet hygiene standards, they may be held directly liable for compensation. If food poisoning or illness was caused by a local restaurant, independent hotel, or non-package travel provider, claims may need to be made under the local country’s laws.

Contact Holiday Illness Claims to start your claim and secure the financial support you need.

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