Going on holiday is exciting as you get to escape daily worries, try new foods, and explore new places – but it can also be nerve-wracking, as unexpected problems, like a sudden fever, can catch up with you.
That’s why it’s important to identify what might make you sick during vacation and how to deal with it. Here’s a guide on what to do if you, touch wood, fall sick on a vacation – read on to stay safe out there.
Image for illustrative purposes only.
There are many reasons you could be feeling under the weather when you’re overseas – from the food you ate that made your stomach gurgle the wrong way, or the poor air quality that has your nose acting up.
Before you travel, make sure to pack essentials like Paracetamol, throat lozenges, anti-diarrhoea medication, or creams for insect bites if you’re heading somewhere warm and sunny. You can also check which vaccinations are recommended for your destination – common ones include flu, Hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus.
For minor issues like a mild headache, an upset stomach, or small cuts, it’s usually fine to self-treat. But if you have a persistent fever, severe diarrhoea, breathing difficulties, or any symptoms that don’t improve, it’s best to see a doctor ASAP.
We’re all guilty of binge-watching Netflix instead of sleeping.
Night owls who like planning early morning flights can relate to this. One common reason travellers fall sick is skimping on sleep – either before the flight, or by packing the itinerary so tightly that you don’t get enough rest each day.
The lack of sleep and rest compromises your immune system and reduces your body’s ability to fight viruses, making you more prone to infections such as the flu. So avoid booking red-eye flights if your budget allows, and consider packing some melatonin supplements if you have trouble sleeping.
For many travellers, consuming contaminated food or water is another common reason for falling sick during vacation. That’s why the day 1 grocery run almost always includes those gigantic 1.5-litre mineral water bottles, because we’ve all heard that tap water overseas isn’t safe to consume.
In case you didn’t already know, here are some countries where drinking water from the tap is generally not recommended:
| South, East, & Southeast Asia | India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Nepal |
| Others | Africa, Mexico, South America, Bulgaria, Romania, Russia |
Image credit: @pursuitofhappymess via Instagram
The fact is, we’re not used to foreign tap water because of the different bacteria and other components found in it. So it’s worth making a detour and heading to a supermarket or convenience store for something safer to drink, like bottled water.
Water aside, you’ve probably also heard of “Bali Belly”, a common term used to describe diarrhoea or stomach problems from contaminated food and water. Despite the name, it’s not limited to Bali and can happen anywhere, so it’s always wise to be cautious and take precautions while travelling.
To soothe an upset stomach, your best bet is to get ample rest and load up on isotonic drinks such as 100PLUS or Pocari Sweat to hydrate and replenish the electrolytes in your body. Medications like activated charcoal can also help to clear out the toxins and get you back on track.
Poor air quality
Image credit: @maevadi13 via Instagram
We went through a haze outbreak back in 2013, when Singapore’s Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) rose to dangerously high levels of up to 401. Thankfully, that was nearly 12 years ago, and it has taught us to look out for poor air quality in countries we plan to visit.
High PSI levels can irritate your eyes, throat and lungs, causing coughing and discomfort, especially if you have asthma. Worse still, long-term exposure can lead to more serious issues like bronchitis. Keep yourself safe by wearing a good mask and spending less time outdoors if possible.
To check the air quality of countries globally, you can head over to this Air Quality Index Visual Map website. Take note that the air quality on this site is measured in Air Quality Index (AQI), which uses the latest hourly data compared to PSI, which uses average data from the past 24 hours. This means you’ll get real-time data with an AQI.
AQI or PSI levels of 0 to 50 and 51 to 100 are generally considered safe, but levels of over 100 are when it gets unsafe to inhale the air around you.
As if avoiding dodgy food and poor air quality wasn’t enough, mosquito and insect bites are another thing to watch out for, especially if you’re travelling to warmer or rural destinations.
Diseases such as dengue, malaria, chikungunya, and Zika are still common in parts of Southeast Asia, South Asia, Africa, and South America. What makes them tricky is that symptoms often start off mild, like a slight fever, headache, or body aches, which many travellers dismiss as fatigue from walking too much or adjusting to a new climate.
If you’re heading somewhere with a higher risk of mosquito-borne illnesses, you should pack some insect repellent, opt for long sleeves and covered shoes in the evenings, and keep anti-itch creams handy.
Should you develop a fever after being bitten, don’t panic – but don’t ignore it either. Avoid ibuprofen or aspirin, as these may increase bleeding risks if dengue is suspected, and take Paracetamol instead. Rest up, hydrate with isotonic drinks, and seek medical attention if symptoms don’t improve within a day or two.
Although Covid-19 is no longer treated as a global emergency, it hasn’t vanished entirely – and travel naturally increases your chances of exposure. Crowded airports, packed flights, and public transport all make it easier to catch something, even if you’re careful.
Symptoms can range from a mild sore throat or runny nose to more uncomfortable flu-like signs, especially for those with asthma or weaker immune systems.
If you suspect you’ve caught Covid-19 while overseas, take an ART test and isolate where possible to avoid spreading it to others. Focus on resting properly, staying hydrated, and taking medication to manage symptoms like fever or cough.
However, if you experience worsening symptoms such as breathlessness or a persistent high fever, it’s best to seek medical help ASAP rather than toughing it out.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medication can typically be found on pharmacy shelves or in supermarkets, while stronger, prescription-only medication requires a doctor’s consultation. For minor issues like headaches, mild fevers, or stomach discomfort, OTC medication is often sufficient.
Many travellers keep essentials like paracetamol, anti-diarrhoea tablets, activated charcoal, antihistamines, and electrolyte sachets on hand – they don’t take up much space and can be a real lifesaver when you need quick relief.
Image for illustrative purposes only.
We all can relate to that groggy feeling when we’re unwell, and all we want to do is just flop in our beds all day – this is where telemedicine apps like Doctor Anywhere (App Store | Google Play) can come in handy.
The app allows you to consult a licensed doctor 24/7 via video call, which is especially helpful if you’re unsure whether your symptoms warrant a clinic visit.
Doctors on the platform can issue e-prescriptions, which you can then take to a local pharmacy. Medication delivery is available only in countries where the doctors are licensed, but the app is currently applicable for travellers in Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand.
As for whether you can use your Singapore telemedicine app overseas depends on both the provider and your insurance policy. Some platforms allow consultations while you’re abroad, but may not be able to prescribe medication locally, while others restrict services entirely once you leave Singapore.
Before your trip, it’s worth checking whether overseas consultations are allowed, if consultation fees are claimable under your insurance, and whether any e-prescriptions issued will be recognised at local pharmacies.
Image credit: Kuromon Market
Research pharmacies near your accommodation before your trip so you know where to go in an emergency. When in doubt, you can check with your hotel receptionists or Airbnb hosts to recommend a nearby pharmacy or clinic.
Make sure to describe your symptoms clearly so the pharmacist can recommend the right medication. It also helps to keep a list of common medications with their generic names, which makes translation easier.
If you have allergies or chronic conditions, you should carry a doctor’s note or prescription, know the location of the nearest clinic or hospital, and keep emergency contact details saved offline.
Pro tip: Do note that over-the-counter purchases without a consultation are often not claimable. Check your insurance’s T&C’s to make sure.
It’s especially important to get travel insurance if you’re travelling with vulnerable individuals like kids and the elderly, or if you’ll be participating in extreme sports.
Travel insurance isn’t just for lost luggage or flight delays – it also covers overseas medical expenses, which can add up quickly even for minor treatments.
They act as a financial safety net when things don’t go according to plan. You pay a premium upfront, and if something happens during your trip, your insurer reimburses you for covered expenses outlined in your policy.
Even short trips are worth insuring, as overseas medical bills can easily run into the thousands. Plans generally fall into categories such as single-trip, annual or multi-trip, and individual or family coverage.
Read our guide on how to choose travel insurance for your upcoming holidays.
GrabInsure is a budget-friendly travel insurance option that you can purchase directly through the Grab app (App Store︱Google Play), making it convenient if you want quick coverage.
Plans start from $3.90/day for trips within ASEAN. Despite its affordability, GrabInsure provides comprehensive protection, including overseas medical expenses up to $150,000, unlimited emergency medical evacuation, coverage for trip delays, and lost luggage.
The plan also includes 24/7 travel and medical assistance, so it’s worth considering if you prefer a straightforward policy without unnecessary add-ons or complications.
Image credit: My Income (Insurance) via Google Play
Income Insurance offers a more comprehensive approach with several plan options to suit different travel needs. Weekly premiums for ASEAN trips typically start from $70 to $100, depending on the level of coverage.
Their plans include Classic, Deluxe, and Preferred tiers, along with Enhanced PreX, which is specifically designed for travellers with pre-existing medical conditions. Among these, the Deluxe plan is often the most popular because it offers comprehensive coverage and it’s affordable. It includes generous limits for overseas medical expenses, trip delays, baggage loss, and personal accidents without being as expensive as the top‑tier plan.
For very short trips, Income also offers the FlexiTravel Plus plan, which allows hourly or daily coverage for your quick getaways to nearby countries such as Malaysia, Batam, or Bintan.
Visit Income Insurance’s website to get a quote or download the My Income Insurance App (App Store | Google Play).
Image credit: FWD SG via Google Play
FWD Travel Insurance is known for its flexible and straightforward claims process, making it popular among frequent travellers.
Entry-level plans start from $34 to $40/week for ASEAN destinations, with 3 main coverage tiers: Premium, Business, and First. The policy includes cashless outpatient visits at selected panel clinics upon return to Singapore, and you can choose optional add-ons such as COVID-19 coverage, pre-existing condition coverage, or “cancel for any reason” protection.
Visit FWD’s website or use the FWD SG app (App Store︱Google Play) to get a quote and discounted rates.
Once you’re back home, contact your insurer as soon as possible to start the claims process, as some providers require notification within 48 hours. You’ll need to submit all relevant documents online, including medical reports and itemised receipts.
Keeping both physical and digital copies of your documents makes this process much smoother, and responding promptly to any follow-up queries can help speed things along.
In many cases, yes. Outpatient clinic visits and prescribed medication are often covered, provided they fall under your policy terms and are supported by proper documentation. Always check your policy to be sure.
Most insurers accept scanned or photographed copies of receipts, though some may request original documents later. To be safe, keep both until your claim has been fully approved and paid out.
Insurance claims typically take between 2 and 6 weeks to process, depending on the insurer and the complexity of the claim. Missing documents or unclear information can cause delays, so it helps to submit everything in one go.
If you’re feeling too unwell to fly home, the first thing to do is visit a doctor and obtain a memo stating that you’re unfit for air travel.
Once you have this, inform your airline immediately to discuss rebooking options. At the same time, contact your insurer to check whether additional accommodation or transport costs are claimable.
It’s best to wait for confirmation from your insurer before rebooking flights or extending your hotel stay, so you don’t end up paying out of pocket for expenses that could have been covered.
Falling ill on holiday is never ideal, but being prepared can make a huge difference. From packing essential medication and knowing where to seek help, to having the right insurance in place, a little planning goes a long way in ensuring your trip stays enjoyable – even when things don’t go exactly as planned.
Read our other articles on travel tips:
Cover image adapted from: Kuromon Market
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