More than 1,700 British holidaymakers are taking action after falling ill in Cape Verde. It’s a stark reminder that if you get sick abroad, knowing what to do, right away can make all the difference.
For many British holidaymakers, a week in Cape Verde was meant to be carefree, sunshine, all-inclusive food, and a break from everyday life.
Instead, hundreds came home seriously ill. Now, more than 1,700 people are taking legal action against Tui following reports of widespread gastric illness linked to holidays in the region. Allegations include poor hygiene standards and unsafe food or water, issues that, if proven, raise serious questions about responsibility.
It’s an extreme case, but it’s also a useful one, because it highlights that if you get ill on holiday, what you do next really matters.
Your holiday rights
If you booked a package holiday, meaning your flights and accommodation were sold together then you’re protected under UK law.
That means the tour operator is responsible for ensuring:
- Your accommodation is safe
- Food and drink meet proper hygiene standards
- Services are delivered as promised
So if your illness was caused by something like contaminated food or poor conditions, it may not just be “one of those things”. It could be grounds for a claim.
The biggest mistake people make
When illness hits abroad, most people wait, they assume it’s minor. They don’t want to disrupt the trip, so they hope it passes. And sometimes it does, but in situations like Cape Verde, many travellers later realised:
- Their symptoms were more serious than expected
- Other guests were also affected
- They had no official record of what happened
That last point is key, as no record makes it much harder to prove your case later.
What to do if you get ill on holiday
You don’t need to panic, but you do need to act.
Report it
Tell:
- The hotel
- Your tour operator rep
- Your insurer
Ask for it to be logged, as even a brief report can make a big difference later.
Get medical help
It’s not just about treatment, it’s about evidence.
A doctor’s report:
- Confirms your illness
- Provides a diagnosis
- Creates an independent record
Keep copies of everything, including any prescriptions and receipts for drugs or medications.
Document what you can
If something doesn’t look right, take a photo.
This could include:
- Food that seems undercooked
- Dirty buffet areas
- Poor hygiene practices
It might feel awkward, but it can help to build powerful evidence.
Keep a record of your symptoms
Write down:
- When you became ill
- What you ate or drank
- How long symptoms lasted
Memory fades quickly. Notes made at the time carry far more weight.
Hold onto receipts and paperwork
This includes:
- Medical costs
- Transport (e.g. taxis to hospital)
- Booking details
These help show both what happened and what expenses you covered.
Travel insurance vs compensation: What’s the difference?
This is where many people often get confused.
Travel insurance helps you in the moment.
It usually covers:
- Emergency treatment
- Hospital stays
- Getting you home
But it typically doesn’t cover:
- Poor hygiene
- Negligence
- A ruined holiday
That’s where a compensation claim may come in.
In short, think:
- Insurance = immediate support
- Compensation = holding someone accountable
Can you claim?
If your illness was caused by something the hotel or tour operator should have prevented, you may be entitled to compensation.
This can include:
- Medical costs
- Loss of enjoyment
- Ongoing health issues
In more serious cases, claims can be significant, particularly where long-term harm is involved.
How long do you have?
In most cases, you have three years to make a personal injury claim.
But waiting can weaken your case.
The sooner you act, the easier it is to:
- Gather evidence
- Recall details
- Support your claim
The bigger picture
The Cape Verde situation is unusual in scale, but not in principle. Holiday illness happens every year and while most trips go smoothly, problems can arise even in popular, well-known destinations. The key isn’t to worry, it’s to be prepared.
If you get ill on holiday:
- Don’t ignore it
- Report it
- Get medical help
- Keep evidence
- Check your insurance
- Know your rights
If your holiday didn’t go to plan, you can raise a complaint directly with your travel provider.
Resolver can help you:
- Draft and send your complaint
- Keep track of responses
- Escalate your case if needed
While you can’t always prevent illness, you can protect yourself if it happens.
If you have any thoughts on this topic, or any consumer issues you would like us to cover, feel free to get in touch at support@resolver.co.uk.