- Newly released claims data shows that food poisoning abroad is growing more serious and costly.
- The average cost per claim for food poisoning-related conditions remains over 200% higher than in 2021.
- New data analysis reveals the riskiest destinations, and in a surprising twist, the USA tops the risk list.
Leading now reveals that the UK’s top travel fear – food poisoning abroad1 – is more serious and disruptive than ever. And in a surprising twist, it’s not the stereotypical destinations that pose the greatest threat; the USA ranks highest for food poisoning risk, new analysis reveals.
Claims data from Staysure2 shows that the average cost of a food poisoning-related travel insurance claim has more than doubled since 2021. Cases that might once have involved just a day of discomfort are now resulting in hospital stays, delayed travel, and treatment running into the thousands. The average cost per claim reached its highest level in 2023, before dipping slightly in 2024, but remains over 200% higher than it was just three years ago.
Staysure’s research1 also shows that food poisoning is one of the most common fears among UK holidaymakers, a fear now firmly backed by real-world data and claims trends.
To understand where travellers are most at risk, Staysure analysed the ten most popular destinations for UK tourists against three indicators: the latest WHO-reported foodborne illness rates, national food safety scores (GFSI), and search interest in food poisoning symptoms. Findings show that the USA ranked highest overall, due to its high volume of reported cases and strong public concern.
| Rank | Country | Risk Score (out of 10) |
| 1 | USA | 6.16 |
| 2 | Poland | 3.97 |
| 3 | Netherlands | 3.60 |
| 4 | France | 3.34 |
| 5 | Greece | 2.47 |
| 6 | Ireland | 2.44 |
| 7 | Portugal | 1.47 |
| 8 | Turkey | 0.75 |
| 9 | Spain | 0.69 |
| 10 | Italy | 0.44 |
Index of potential risk of food poisoning in the top 10 visited countries by UK tourists. Each factor was normalised on a 0–10 comparative scale and weighted to create an overall risk score for each country.
Other risky destinations included France, the Netherlands, and Poland, while Italy, Spain, Greece and Turkey ranked lower thanks to better food safety performance and lower reported illness rates.
One digital nomad who has travelled all over the world has taken to Reddit and claims their hometown – California – is still the worst for food poisoning: “After visiting all the continents and living in numerous countries over about 20 years, my hometown gave me the worst food poisoning,” with a continued explanation of the restaurant in Beverly Hills.
While another digital nomad details their food poisoning experience after visiting a Hawaiian BBQ restaurant in New York City: “The worst I had was in the USA, which left me vomiting for days”.
“Even in destinations labelled ‘low risk’, a bout of food poisoning can completely derail a holiday,” explains Dr Asimah. “It’s important we understand that risk doesn’t always align with a country’s level of infrastructure and always take precautions, especially making sure you’re properly insured.”
Dr Asimah, GP and medical expert at Staysure, is urging travellers to stay cautious around buffets, undercooked food and unfiltered water this summer, and to always invest in travel insurance that covers emergency medical care, missed flights, and extended stays. Dr Asimah also recommends that all travellers check the FCDO’s latest foreign travel advice before heading off.
“Most food poisoning starts with mild stomach discomfort and diarrhoea, often with vomiting, but certain symptoms require immediate medical attention,” explains Dr Asimah. “So, recognising when symptoms become serious is vital. Seek urgent professional help if you experience severe dehydration; signs of this include dizziness when standing, passing less urine, or confusion. A fever that doesn’t settle with medication such as paracetamol or persists for three days or more, blood in vomit or stools, or severe abdominal pain also needs urgent assessment.”
Dr Asimah shares a final warning. “If you do need medical care abroad, I urge you not to delay due to other factors, like cost. Serious food poisoning complications can become life-threatening very quickly. To remove any financial barriers, I always say prepare with a tailored travel insurance policy as you’ll want to know you’re financially covered when you need it most.
For more information or to get covered before you travel, visit staysure.co.uk.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
*Based on more 5-star reviews on Trustpilot than any other UK travel insurance company. Staysure has 82% of 5-star reviews, and its customer ratings are at an ‘excellent’ 4.7. With over 480,000 reviews, Staysure is officially the most reviewed UK travel insurance provider on Trustpilot.
1Based on a customer survey carried out by Staysure in 2024 on UK travellers’ top concerns when going on holiday.
2The experts at Staysure analysed customer claims data for food poisoning-related conditions, including vomiting, sickness, and gastro claims, from 2021 to 2024.
Data methodology:
To assess where UK travellers may be most at risk of food poisoning, Staysure analysed data across the ten most-visited holiday destinations using a combination of the latest, official foodborne illness rates (WHO), food safety scores from the Global Food Security Index, and local search interest for food poisoning terms. Each factor was normalised on a 0–10 scale and weighted (illness rates: 40%, food safety: 30%, search interest: 30%) to create an overall risk score for each country. The resulting index is designed to offer a comparative snapshot of food poisoning risk, rather than a definitive prediction. Individual experiences may vary depending on local conditions, health factors and reporting standards.
About Dr Asimah, GP and medical expert at Staysure
Dr Asimah Hanif is a registered GP who now works with one of the UK’s leading travel insurance providers, Staysure, as their medical expert. After graduating from the University of Manchester, Asimah has worked in public and private healthcare for nearly 15 years. She now blends her medical expertise with her travel passion to share insightful holiday tips and tricks with others.
About Staysure
Founded in 2004, Staysure is the UK’s most trusted travel insurance provider* offering a range of travel insurance policies for all ages and specialising in cover for pre-existing medical conditions. Policies are tailored to the customer’s needs and medical screening is available both online at www.staysure.co.uk and over the phone.
Staysure is a Staysure Group brand. A trading name of TICORP Limited, Staysure Group also owns Avanti Travel Insurance, Payingtoomuch.com, ROCK and Petsure.
Staysure’s industry awards include:
- British Travel Awards – Best Travel insurance Provider (2024, 2023, 2022, 2020 to 2016)
- UK Broker Awards – Marketing and Customer Engagement (2019)
- UK Broker Awards – Personal Lines Broker of the Year (2018, 2016)
- Moneywise Awards – Most Trusted Travel Insurance Provider (2018, 2017),
- Which? Recommended Provider – Travel Insurance (May 2018)
Staysure is a trading name of TICORP Limited. Staysure Travel Insurance is arranged by TICORP Limited which is registered in Gibraltar company number 111526. Registered office: First Floor, Grand Ocean Plaza, Ocean Village, Gibraltar. TICORP Limited is authorised and regulated by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission and trades into the UK on a freedom of services basis, Financial Conduct Authority FRN 663617.
Staysure Travel Insurance is administered by Howserv Limited which is registered in England and Wales number 03882026. Registered office: Britannia House, 3-5 Rushmills Business Park, Bedford Road, Northampton, NN4 7YB. Howserv Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority FRN 599282.
