Holidays are a wonderful time of year; but things can swiftly turn sour if you suffer an injury. Minor problems tend to be fairly easily remedied, but if you seriously injure yourself, this can not only ruin your getaway but cause you long-term health issues too.

Here’s a helpful guide to what you should do, should the worst happen when you’re away.

What to Do if you get Injured on Holiday

If you have an accident whilst abroad, it’s important to follow the correct procedures. This helps to make sure that you heal as swiftly as possible, and also ensures that the incident is brought to the attention of the relevant authorities if the injury came about due to negligent practice.

Get It Checked Out

Of course, if it’s obvious that the injury is minor and will heal by itself, there’s no reason why you should visit a health professional. However, if you’re in any doubt, it’s a good idea to get it checked out at a local clinic or hospital.

Remember that if you’re travelling within the EU, you’re entitled to healthcare for free or at a reduced cost; providing you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). These cards are normally valid for up to five years and cover most medical treatments. However, it doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be entitled to all the same treatment as you would on the NHS, so it’s also a good idea to take out travel insurance to cover any additional expenses.

Take Notes

The most important thing is your health. However, if you are involved in an accident, you may need to claim costs back on your insurance, and for this, you’ll require details. Before you leave, check that your insurance covers accidents and hospital care; and after the accident occurs, take photos of the injury, plus the location it happened if necessary.

Report the incident to a holiday rep or someone in a position of authority, and keep records of all visits to doctors and hospitals. It’s also important to keep all receipts, in case you need to prove how much you’ve spent.

Listen to Your Body

If you feel that your condition is getting worse, or is having a seriously detrimental impact on your health, it’s important to get in touch with a medical professional. If you experience any of the following, it’s vital to seek medical assistance straight away.

• Redness, swelling or heat around a wound, as this could be a sign of infection.
• High fever
• Loss of consciousness or dizziness, especially after a head injury
• Bleeding that won’t stop
• If your symptoms get progressively worse.

Who Was Responsible?

If you had an accident whilst driving a rental car and the incident was caused by another driver, or you injured yourself due to negligence within the hotel you are staying in, it’s important to report the incident to the relevant authorities. In certain instances, you may be entitled to compensation, particularly if the incident impacted your holiday to a serious degree.

* http://www.yourtravelrights.co.uk/what-do-event-accidents-and-illness-abroad.html

* http://www.thompsons.law.co.uk/other-accidents/holiday-abroad-personal-injury-compensation.htm