Travel should be about making memories, but sometimes things don’t go as planned. If you get injured while abroad, knowing a few essential steps can make a tough situation a little easier to handle. Here’s a rundown on what to do if you find yourself dealing with an unexpected injury.

Emergency Services: In most places, dialling 112 or 911 will connect you to emergency responders. Many mobile phones have these numbers pre-programmed, so they’ll work even if you’re unsure of the local emergency number.

Your Local Embassy: If you’re admitted to a hospital, contact the nearest British embassy quickly. The embassy can support you, especially if the injury is the result of an assault or other criminal act. They can:

Arrange for a visitor within 48 hours.

Notify family members if you’re unable to do so.

Communicate with your insurance provider, if needed.

Police: For injuries related to a crime or road accident, file a report with the local police. Keep a copy for your records—it can be crucial for insurance claims or other legal follow-up.

If you’re in a European country like Italy, a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) grants you access to public healthcare. Visit the NHS website to learn about:

Non-urgent treatments.

Private healthcare services.

Medical transportation back to the UK.

Expenses for changing travel or lodging due to your injury.

Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Be prepared to cover medical costs upfront, even if you have insurance. Hold on to receipts to streamline your reimbursement claims later. For serious injuries, your insurance company can help arrange transport back home, minimizing the time you’re away.

Rules for medications vary between countries. Check TravelHealthPro for guidance on traveling with prescriptions. Keep relevant documents, like a note from your doctor, to avoid trouble at borders.

Gathering evidence can help if you decide to make a claim later. Here’s what to document:

Incident Details: Write down everything about the incident as soon as you can—include dates, times, and specifics.

Photos: Snap pictures of the scene, any property damage, and your injuries (if possible, both before and after treatment).

Medical Records: Keep all doctor’s notes, receipts, and treatment records.

Witnesses: Get contact information from anyone who saw the incident.

Missed Plans: List any activities or plans you had to skip or rearrange due to the injury.

Reporting the incident helps keep a record and makes sure you get support from various sources:

Tour Operator or Rep: If you’re on a package holiday, inform the local representative. No representative? Contact the UK office directly (+44 (0) 77 3838 5790.

Accommodation Provider: Tell your hotel or accommodation and ask them to record the incident in their accident log. Request a copy for your records.

Police (for Traffic Accidents): If a road accident caused the injury, file a report with local police.

Let your travel insurance company know immediately. They’ll explain what’s covered and what steps to take.

Some injuries may not fully show their effects until after you’ve returned to the UK. Here’s what to consider when you’re back:

Follow-up Care: Sometimes, injuries require further treatment or rehabilitation. Keep track of any additional costs.

Loss of Earnings: If your injury keeps you from working, record any income lost during your recovery.

Compensation: If the accident wasn’t your fault, you may be eligible for compensation. Claims could cover:

Pain and suffering endured.

Loss of enjoyment if the injury affected the rest of your holiday.

If the injury was due to negligence (such as unsafe conditions in your accommodation), you could have grounds for a claim. This might include:

Poorly maintained facilities.

Failure to warn of potential dangers.

You’ll need evidence to prove negligence, so having witness statements, photos, and reports from your holiday organiser or accommodation can be crucial.