Getting sick can ruin a holiday, but being prepared will certainly help. Ella Walker maps out a coping strategy

Imagine saving up for a dream holiday - only to be struck by a dire sickness bug during it?

Unfortunately, it happens, as recent reports highlighted, when an outbreak of norovirus ruined the trip of a lifetime for more than a quarter of passengers on a luxury cruise ship travelling from Southampton to the US.

The poor holiday-makers were hit by the severe vomiting and diarrhoea bug, and it was so bad that the ship had to dock in Virginia to allow officers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to assess the situation.

Being trapped on a ship full of highly contagious sick people isn't exactly what most of us would call a holiday, so what steps should you take if you fall ill on vacation?

PACKAGE HOLIDAYS

When you sign up to a package holiday, there are usually levels of protection included within the deal so you can jet off, safe in the knowledge that if anything goes wrong, you'll be looked after and reimbursed.

What to do?

:: If you become sick or suffer an accident while using your resort's facilities or while on resort property, report it to your holiday rep immediately.

:: They will be able to advise on your nearest pharmacy/doctor's surgery/hospital and how those outlets operate.

:: If you can prove you feel ill or became injured because of negligence on the part of your hotel, you can claim compensation. Report it to your rep, your package holiday team's head office and the hotel management.

:: Contact your travel insurance company immediately, so they can advise on exactly what illness/accidents you are covered for.

:: Visit a doctor and keep track of all receipts/doctors notes for future reference and as evidence.

:: It is wise to note down the names and addresses of anyone who can verify what happened to you, in case you end up making a personal injury claim when you get home.

INDEPENDENT TRAVELLERS

If you're booking your holiday independently, you can't rely on a rep for help if you fall ill, so make sure you're fully prepared for any eventuality before jumping on a plane.

What to do?

:: Never travel without suitable, comprehensive travel insurance, which ideally would cover the cost of an air ambulance in a worst-case scenario.

:: Carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC); they're free and entitle you to state-funded medical care throughout most of Europe (though this is not a substitute for insurance).

:: Contact your travel insurance company immediately, so they can advise on exactly what illness/accidents you are covered for.

:: Speak to your hotel management - or the local tourist information office - for advice on your nearest pharmacy/doctor's surgery/hospital and how they operate.

:: If your illness will make it impossible to travel home, speak to your airline about switching flights.

In both cases, it is possible to claim for 'loss of enjoyment' when you get home from holiday, so always keep a record of what happened and how it came about, in case you wish to engage the services of a solicitor once you're better.