One in five Brits suffer injuries during their holidays abroad

One in five Brits have been injured during their travels; a survey looking into the concerning reality behind holidays abroad ahead of the summer holidays have revealed.

Conducted by Slater and Gordon, the survey uncovers that millions of UK holidaymakers have experienced injury while abroad and serves as a stark reminder to those travelling over the next weeks to be prepared for the unexpected.

The research found that more than a third of respondents (34%) had reported their injury was due to slips or trips, followed by sports-related injuries (or similar holiday activities) at 22%. Nearly one in five respondents had experienced a poolside accident (17%), a common hotel hazard due to wet flooring and slippery tiles.

Unfortunately for some, these incidents were not isolated with 6% of unlucky respondents reporting they had sustained multiple accidents abroad.

Nearly three in five injured holiday goers said their injury had negatively affected their holiday (57%), with 40% of people requiring medical assistance, and more than a quarter needing hospital treatment (26%). If unprepared, such as holidaying without travel insurance in place, medical expenses can take a financial toll with treatment for severe injuries abroad costing tens of thousands of pounds.

Even when further medical attention is not required, almost a third (32%) reported that they still lost valuable holiday relaxation time. Other holidaymakers said they were unable to move around properly due to discomfort caused by their injury.

Slater and Gordon is now urging travellers to stay informed, prepared and safe during any holiday plans abroad this summer.

Stephen Goodman, practice development leader and lawyer at the law firm, shares his advice for holidaymakers:

“To help protect yourself, there are key preparations you can make before you go abroad. This includes:

Booking package holidays, which can provide additional consumer protection

Taking out travel insurance to cover any unexpected medical costs

Applying for a GHIC card to access state healthcare or routine medical care

Researching activities or excursions to ensure they are safe and how reputable the operator is

Understanding what to do if an injury occurs, such as collecting evidence, obtaining an incident report and keeping medical records and receipts”

He adds: “By following this guidance, you can be reassured that you know what the best steps are to take if anything does go wrong. When an injury does occur, you can be protected both from a financial and legal perspective. Such vital information can make a significant difference to how accidents are managed.”

Based on a nationally representative survey of 2,000 adults conducted by Slater and Gordon in June 2026, the data explores how people travel, the types and causes of injuries encountered, and the resulting impacts on their trips. The findings also examine how individuals respond to incidents and perceive risk, offering valuable insight to inform communications, raise awareness of holiday safety, and support legal and consumer guidance initiatives.