The Summer heatstroke index

Reviewed by Alicia Hempsted

Updated: 16 Jul 2026

Thailand, Malta and Ibiza top the new MoneySuperMarket Summer Heatstroke Index, revealing the holiday destinations where Brits face the greatest risk of heat-related illness this summer.

Key takeaways

Thailand, Malta, Ibiza, Rome and Alicante rank among the highest-risk holiday destinations for heat-related illness in MoneySuperMarket’s Summer Heatstroke Index.
The index assessed popular holiday hotspots using July temperatures, peak heat, sunshine hours and humidity, with cooler destinations such as Belfast, Edinburgh and Dublin scoring much lower.
Experts advise avoiding peak sun hours, staying hydrated, seeking shade and recognising early symptoms of heat exhaustion to prevent serious health complications abroad.

With climate change driving increasingly extreme temperatures across Europe and beyond, many travellers are likely to be exposed to far higher temperatures and more intense sun than they are used to in the UK.

While sunshine is top of the wish list for many holidaymakers, prolonged heat and high temperatures can pose serious health risks.

From dehydration and heat exhaustion to heatstroke, a summer getaway can quickly turn into a medical emergency if travellers aren't prepared.
Research shows that extreme heat carries significant risks, with more than 175,000 deaths across Europe attributed to heat exposure each year.¹

This summer, many Brits travelling abroad may be exposed to far higher temperatures and more intense sun than they are used to in the UK, with some potentially underestimating the associated health risks.

To identify the destinations where travellers are most vulnerable, we analysed the UK's most searched-for holiday destinations, examining July’s average temperatures, peak temperatures, sunshine hours, and humidity levels to create

The Summer Heatstroke Index.

The research found that Thailand, Malta, Ibiza, Rome and Alicante rank among the destinations where travellers face the greatest risk of heat-related illness this summer, with temperatures in the mid‑20s to low‑30s.

While Thailand ranks highly for heat, the European destinations on the list stand out for their longer sunshine hours.

In contrast, cooler destinations such as Belfast, Edinburgh, and Dublin present a much lower risk, while Australia's winter season places it at the bottom of the index.

Alicia Hempsted
Insurance Expert

Heatstroke can lead to hospitalisation if you're not careful

Heat-related illnesses are a common holiday hazard, especially in destinations with very high temperatures and long sun hours.
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke can develop much faster than many people realise, particularly when people are spending extended time outdoors, not staying hydrated, or don't have easy access shade.
In more serious cases, this could result in needing medical treatment abroad, which can be expensive without the right travel insurance in place.
Older travellers, young children, and anyone with existing health conditions can be particularly vulnerable. While many heat and sun-related illnesses are preventable, it’s important to take precautions and plan ahead before travelling.

How to avoid heatstroke in high-heat destinations

Stay out of the sun

Avoid spending prolonged periods in direct sunlight. When you go out during the day, make sure you incorporate regular breaks in the shade, especially if temperatures are high.

Scope out shady spots when you're out and about and consider investing in a wide-brimmed hat to keep the sun off your face and shoulders.

If you want to go the extra mile, sunbrellas have risen in popularity this year, and bringing one with proper UV protection can provide you with a shield to reduce heat and UV exposure when the sun is especially harsh.

Keep hydrated

Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink water. Thirst is often one of the first signs of dehydration.

Instead, drink little and often throughout the day, particularly if you're active in the sun, with the aim to drink between 1.5 to 2 litres of fluids each day. You may need more than this, however, if you are exercising, pregnant, or recovering from an illness.

Packing both chilled and frozen bottles of water can help ensure you have access to cool fluids for longer periods. You can also rehydrate with water-rich foods like raw fruits and vegetables.

Avoid the hottest times of day

Seek shade or cooler indoor spaces during the hottest part of the day, particularly where air conditioning is available.

Avoid being in direct sun between 11am and 3pm, as this is generally the hottest part of the day.

If you’re planning activities such as hiking or cycling, aim to do these earlier in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are lower.

Drink responsibly

Be mindful when consuming alcohol and sugary drinks in hotter environments as they can cause dehydration, triggering heavy sweating and increased urination.

Drinking alcohol in high temperatures can put you at risk of not just of heatstroke but also alcohol-related accidents.

Drinking alcohol when you're dehydrated can significantly raise your Blood Alcohol Concentration, causing you to become intoxicated much faster.

If drinking alcohol, try to do so in cooler environments, drink slowly, and alternate each drink with water to help reduce dehydration risks.

Always know the signs of heat exhaustion – dizziness, headaches, excessive sweating, nausea, and fatigue are all signs to immediately move to a cool place, drink water, and rest.

If symptoms persist, worsen, or don't improve after cooling down and rehydrating, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly.

Heat-related illnesses can escalate quickly, and early treatment can help prevent more serious complications.

Alicia Hempsted
Insurance Expert

Make sure you have the right insurance protection

Before you travel, it’s worth checking your travel insurance policy carefully to understand what medical treatment abroad is covered, and any conditions or exclusions that may apply.
Travel insurance typically doesn't cover mild cases of heat exhaustion or sunburn, but if you find yourself hospitalised as a result of heatstroke, your policy may cover your medical expenses and emergency transport home if you're too ill to travel as planned.
The cover you get from a travel insurance policy can vary depending on your policy and provider, so you should always review the terms before you travel.

^Sources^1.^{United Nations}

Reviewer

Alicia Hempsted

Insurance Expert

Alicia is MoneySuperMarket's editorial content manager and deputy spokesperson. She specialises in insurance and personal finance, with a background in copywriting, digital marketing, and insurance...