When you plan and pay for a package holiday with First Choice, you imagine sun, safety, and relaxation. You save for months, maybe even years. You dream of the beaches, the pool, the food, and most importantly, the break from routine. So when that dream turns into a nightmare – whether through an accident, injury, illness or another problem that wasn’t your fault – it can feel devastating.
What’s worse is when you return home with medical bills, trauma, and a ruined holiday experience, unsure of whether you can do anything about it.
The good news? You can take action.
Under UK law, you may be able to claim compensation from First Choice (part of the TUI Group) for your pain, suffering, and financial losses – and in this article, you’ll find out exactly how to do that.
Who Can Claim Against First Choice?
If you booked a package holiday through First Choice or a partner company, and you were injured or became unwell due to negligence during the trip, you could be eligible to make a claim.
Your injury or illness must have happened as a result of someone else’s failure to keep you safe. That might be:
- Hotel staff not cleaning properly
- Unsafe conditions in a swimming pool
- Food served at the wrong temperature
- A tour or excursion that wasn’t managed responsibly
These are just examples, but the key point is: if the operator or their suppliers abroad didn’t meet proper safety standards, and you were harmed, you have the right to seek compensation.
What Is a Package Holiday – and Why It Matters
The UK Package Travel Regulations 2018 protect people who book more than one part of their trip as a package. If your booking included at least two elements – such as accommodation and flights – paid for together or arranged through the same provider, then your holiday likely falls under this protection.
Even if you clicked “flight” and “hotel” separately but paid for both in one transaction on the First Choice website, it may still count as a package holiday.
That’s important because it means you can hold First Choice responsible, not just the hotel abroad.
Accidents and Illnesses You Can Claim For
There’s no official list, but here are some of the most common types of claims people make after a bad holiday experience with First Choice:
Food Poisoning
Hotel buffet food that’s been left out too long, undercooked meals, or dirty kitchen conditions can all lead to illness. If you suffer from vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, or dehydration due to poor hygiene, you can claim.
Slips and Falls
Wet floors without warning signs, uneven tiles around the pool, broken steps, or poorly lit areas – all of these can cause serious injury.
Swimming Pool Accidents
Sharp edges under water, slippery surfaces, or missing safety measures like lifeguards or signs can lead to cuts, broken bones, or worse.
Sporting or Excursion Injuries
Water sports, hiking, skiing, and boat tours come with risks. If the activity wasn’t properly managed, or safety briefings were skipped, it could be negligence.
Road Traffic Accidents Abroad
Accidents involving transfer buses, taxis, or rental cars (especially those in poor condition) may also lead to valid claims.
Hotel Hazards
Gym equipment that hasn’t been maintained, dirty rooms that cause infections, or loose wires – all can lead to injury or illness.
What Can You Claim Compensation For?
You’re not just claiming for the physical injury. A ruined holiday affects many areas of your life. Your claim can include:
Pain and Suffering
This includes not only the injury itself but the emotional distress, anxiety, and inconvenience it caused.
Loss of Enjoyment
You spent money and time planning a holiday you couldn’t enjoy. You can claim for that too.
Medical Costs
Doctor visits abroad, prescriptions, hospital stays – all are recoverable, including treatment once you’re back in the UK.
Travel Expenses
Did you have to change flights or arrange emergency transport? Keep receipts – you can claim these back.
Loss of Earnings
If you had to take unpaid time off work due to your injury, that can be added to your claim.
Care or Childcare Costs
If someone had to help you with daily activities, or you had to pay for childcare, these are claimable expenses.
Rehabilitation or Therapy
Whether it’s physiotherapy or psychological support, these costs can be included.
How Much Compensation Could You Receive?
Every case is different. The amount depends on the severity of your injury, the impact on your life, and any financial losses. But here are some typical compensation amounts:
| Injury or Impact | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Minor injury (recovered in 28 days) | £525 – £1,050 |
| Moderate food poisoning | £3,000 – £7,250 |
| Severe food poisoning with long-term effects | £29,000 – £40,000 |
| Back injury (minor) | £6,000 – £9,500 |
| Loss of earnings | £10,000 – £400,000 |
| Pain and suffering | £1,000 – £200,000 |
Please remember – these are guidelines only. A solicitor can give you a more accurate figure based on your specific situation.
Is There a Time Limit to Make a Claim?
Yes. In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident or illness to start your claim.
However, there are some exceptions:
- For international flights, the limit is 2 years
- For cruise or sea travel, also 2 years
- For children, the 3-year clock starts when they turn 18
It’s always best to start the claim as soon as possible while the details are fresh and evidence is easy to collect.
What Evidence Will Help Your Case?
The stronger your evidence, the higher your chances of success. Try to gather:
- Photos or videos of the scene and your injuries
- Medical records, both abroad and back in the UK
- Receipts for anything you had to pay for (medication, taxis, treatment)
- Witness details (names, phone numbers)
- A copy of the incident report from the hotel or tour rep
Even if you don’t have everything listed, don’t worry – a solicitor can help guide you through.
Do You Need Travel Insurance to Claim?
Surprisingly, no. While travel insurance helps with emergency costs at the time, your legal right to compensation is separate. If your injury or illness was caused by someone else’s negligence, your claim is made against the tour operator, not your insurance provider.
What If You Didn’t Report the Incident at the Time?
You should always report an accident while you’re still on holiday. But if you didn’t – don’t panic. You can still claim, especially if you have medical records or other supporting evidence.
That said, if you’re reading this and you are still abroad, tell your First Choice rep or hotel manager right away. Ask for the incident to be written down and request a copy of the report.
How Do You Start Your First Choice Holiday Claim?
It’s easier than you might think.
- Speak to a specialist solicitor – many offer a free, no obligation consultation
- If your case is valid, they’ll offer to represent you on a no win, no fee basis
- You’ll be asked to share basic details and any evidence
- A medical assessment may be arranged if needed
- Your solicitor will handle all negotiations with First Choice and guide you through every step
You don’t need to chase documents or deal with complicated forms on your own. Most claims are settled without going to court.
Final Thoughts
A ruined holiday is more than just a few days lost. When your wellbeing is impacted – physically, mentally, and financially – you deserve to be treated fairly.
If you’ve suffered an injury or illness on a First Choice package holiday, and it wasn’t your fault, you can claim compensation. Whether it was poor hotel hygiene, a dangerous pool, bad food, or a poorly run excursion, you have rights under UK law.
The sooner you act, the better. Speak to a solicitor, gather your evidence, and take the first step towards getting the compensation – and justice – you deserve.