A look at some of the most common holiday problems
Stomach upsets: Whether caused by unfamiliar food, over-indulging in alcohol, motion sickness or a variety of other reasons, many people suffer stomach upsets on holiday that can't be settled with over-the-counter medication and require medical advice and treatment. According to health insurer Bupa, typical claims are in the range of €100-€1,000.
Accidents: The attractions of potentially hazardous activities like skiing, rollerskating, cycling, parachuting, paragliding, water-skiing and (student favourite) bungee jumping may seem stronger to people who would normally never take part in these activities at home. Result: broken limbs.
On self-catering holidays, meanwhile, traditional kitchen accidents like cutting your finger with a breadknife sometimes give rise to claims, Bupa says.
Breathing difficulties: Holidaymakers unused to stifling climates where temperatures remain at a steady 40 degrees often suffer breathing difficulties that require hospitalisation. Bupa says the treatment for one claimant who spent two hours on a ventilator in Portugal was €60, while another customer who spent two days on a ventilator in a Spanish hospital made a claim for €1,800.
Laura Slattery