Tummy pain falls mainly in Spain

Spain may reign supreme in Europe when it comes to football - but according to new findings from Halifax Travel Insurance, the country is the worst offender where British tourists are most likely to suffer from ‘Delhi Belly', or a dodgy holiday tummy.

Nationwide research among 2,000 British tourists found that around a quarter (23%) had suffered from some form of food poisoning when holidaying there - more than any other country in the world - followed by Greece (13%), Turkey and Egypt (both 11%).

Nearly a third (28%) of UK tourists have suffered at one time of another from the dreaded ‘Delhi Belly' when travelling abroad, yet only one in five UK tourists take out any form of travel insurance which could cover them for loss of holiday due to illness

Of the unfortunate holidaymakers affected by food poisoning, almost two out of five (38%) were sick for two or more days, losing around £42.42 per person a day off the cost of their holiday

Almost half the Brits who travel overseas - even when only nipping over the Channel to Northern Europe - refuse to trust the local tap water and only drink the bottled kind

One in five take packaged or tinned food from home when holidaying abroad to try to prevent food poisoning

With the opportunity to visit distant and exotic locations becoming increasingly accessible by an increase in flights available and package holiday deals, the likelihood of travellers being exposed to contaminated food and water has increased in recent years, yet still only around one in five travellers take out any form of travel insurance. Delhi Belly can be caused by ingesting food or water tainted by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Unhygienic handling of food, unpurified water, raw fruits and vegetables, and improperly stored cooked foods are the usual culprits which cause the illness.

Vicky Watson, spokesperson for Halifax Travel Insurance, said: "Spain has long been a favourite holiday destination for Brits, and it's most likely down to its sheer popularity that over the years many people have suffered from tummy trouble while visiting the country."

Not only does Delhi Belly have ramifications for the unlucky individuals that get infected, it causes a burden to others as well. The research also reveals that more than three out of 10 (31%) who have been struck down by food poisoning said it affected the enjoyment of fellow travel companions.

To avoid ruining a much anticipated holiday with an upset stomach, Halifax Travel Insurance offers the following top five tips for tourists when holidaying abroad:

Drink bottled water. Bottled water is generally safe, but be mindful of its packaging and check for a secure seal to increase safety. If you prefer not to spend on bottled water, make sure you boil water thoroughly before you drink it.

Avoid drinks with ice. It may be tempting to have ice in your beverage, especially if you are enjoying your holiday in a hot climate; but ordering ice in your drink increases your chances of getting sick because it often comes from unsafe tap water.

Avoid eating raw vegetables and fruits. Raw vegetables and fruits may have been ‘cleaned' with unsafe tap water. Also, eat fruits that you have peeled yourself. The advantages of this are that you will be able to tell more easily if the fruit has gone off and this also reduces the risk of consuming any traces of harmful pesticides on the skin of the fruit.

Go to clean, popular, tourist-friendly restaurants. Ask staff at your hotel or some affable locals where you can go for a meal. Even better, choose a restaurant where you can see your food being cooked. This way, you can see for yourself whether the food has been hygienically prepared and cooked.

It may sound surprising, but shower with your mouth closed and ensure you do not swallow tap water when you brush your teeth. Even a small amount of water can lead to a serious case of Delhi Belly in some countries.

Halifax Travel Insurance includes £50 a day compensation for holidaymakers who are either hospitalised or confined to their room due to sickness. It also covers medical expenses, return travel should you have to return early or extend your trip, and accommodation expenses for your traveling companion should you be delayed travelling home due to sickness. Travellers should keep copies of doctor's notes, prescriptions, medical bills or dentists receipts in order to assist them should they need to make a claim.

Vicky Watson added: "Having a long-awaited holiday dominated by the dreaded Delhi Belly is nothing to look forward to. Make sure that you do some online research and preparation before travelling by planning to go to restaurants with positive reviews from other travellers, and taking out comprehensive travel insurance before you reach your destination.

"Our research reveals that nearly one in five Brits had to visit a local hospital when on holiday as a result of food poisoning, which is not fun - so it's important to cover all your bases such as research and insurance before you embark on your trip."