First Steps to Take When You Feel Unwell at a Festival
Music festivals in Europe are amazing. The lights, the loud music, and the vast crowds dancing together make it feel like a dream. People travel from all over the world to attend major festivals like Tomorrowland in Belgium or the Ibiza festival in Spain.
But while festivals are fun, they can also be tough on your body. You might be out in the hot sun all day, not drinking enough water, or not getting enough sleep. Sometimes people get sick from the food or from drinking too much. And if you’re in another country, it can be scary if you don’t know how to get help.
That’s why this guide is here. It will show you exactly what to do if you get sick or hurt at a music festival. Whether you're trying to figure out how to get medical help at Tomorrowland or worried about how to get medical help at Ibiza festival, we’ll walk you through exactly what to do, who to talk to, and how to stay safe without missing the moment.
We want you to have fun and stay safe while doing it. Knowing what to do beforehand allows you to enjoy the music without worry.
|
Symptom |
Possible Cause |
Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
|
Dizziness, hot skin |
Heatstroke |
Move to shade, hydrate, get medical help |
|
Vomiting or diarrhoea |
Food poisoning, virus |
Rest, hydrate, visit the medical tent |
|
Confusion, passed out |
Drug/alcohol reaction |
Get urgent help, call festival medics |
|
Fever + lower back pain |
Possible UTI or kidney infection |
See a doctor immediately |
What to Pack & Prepare Before the Festival
Music festivals in Europe are exciting and full of fun. However, being around large crowds, hot weather, and lots of dancing can make you feel unwell or exhausted. That’s why it’s smart to prepare before you go. Here’s what you should do to stay safe and healthy.
1. Get the Right Travel Insurance
Travel insurance helps pay for doctors or hospital visits if you get sick or hurt during the festival. Good insurance should cover:
- Medical emergencies (like a bad injury or illness)
- Getting you home safely if you’re too sick to travel on your own
- Festival cover, in case you miss the event because you’re unwell
If you’re going to Europe, also bring a GHIC or EHIC card. These give you access to local healthcare, but they won’t cover private doctors or flights home.
Pack a Simple Medical Kit
A small medical kit in your backpack can help. Pack these items:
- Painkillers like paracetamol
- Allergy tablets
- Electrolyte powder to help if you get dehydrated
- Hand sanitiser
- Plasters and wipes for cuts or blisters
- Any medicines you usually take (bring a note from your doctor if needed)
Here’s a helpful list from the CDC: Pack Smart for Travel
Learn a Few Health Words
If you're in a country like Spain or Belgium, doctors might not speak English. Learn a few helpful phrases:
In Spanish:
- “Necesito un médico” – I need a doctor
- “No me siento bien” – I don’t feel well
In Dutch:
- “Ik heb een dokter nodig” – I need a doctor
- “Ik voel me niet goed” – I don’t feel well
You can find more here: Dutch Health Words
Or download a translation app before you go!
Add ICE Contacts to Your Phone
ICE stands for “In Case of Emergency.” It helps people call family or friends if they get hurt.
On iPhones:
- Go to the Health app
- Tap your picture > Medical ID > Edit
- Add your emergency contact and turn on “Show When Locked.”
On Android:
- Go to Settings > About Phone > Emergency Info
Getting ready before the festival means you can have fun and feel safe. A little planning goes a long way!
Festival Health Risks: Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
Festivals are full of fun, dancing, sunshine, and non-stop music. But they can also be tiring and sometimes even dangerous if you're not careful. Knowing the signs when your body is telling you something's wrong is essential.
Here are some common problems people face at festivals and how to tell when you need to get help:
1. Heatstroke
If you spend too much time in the sun and become too hot, your body can overheat. This is called heatstroke. Look out for:
- Feeling dizzy or confused
- Headache
- Hot and dry skin (not sweating)
- Feeling sick or being sick
- Fainting
If this happens, move to a shady or cool area, drink water, and seek help immediately.
NHS: Heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Dehydration
At festivals, it’s easy to forget to drink enough water, especially if it’s hot or you’re dancing a lot. Signs of dehydration:
- Dry mouth
- Feeling very thirsty
- Dark yellow pee
- Tiredness or dizziness
- Try to drink water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
Food Poisoning
Food from stalls or food left out too long can make you sick. Watch for:
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Fever
If you're still sick after a day or feel unwell, go to the medical tent.
NIDDK: Food Poisoning Symptoms.
Reactions to Substances
Sometimes, people get sick from taking drugs or drinking too much alcohol. Warning signs include:
- Acting confused
- Trouble breathing
- Passing out
If this happens to you or a friend, please notify a staff member or visit the nearest medical tent immediately. Don’t wait.
Red Flag Symptoms – When to Get Help
You should always get medical help if you have:
- A high fever
- Vomiting that doesn’t stop
- Breathing problems
- Feel very weak or tired
- Can't keep fluids down
It's better to be safe than sorry. Festival medical teams are there to help, and it's always okay to ask for help, even if you're unsure.
Getting Medical Help Outside the Festival
If you're sick and the festival's first aid tent can't help, you may need to visit a doctor or hospital outside the event. Don't worry—many people do this when travelling, and most European countries have good healthcare. This guide will help you understand what to do.
How Healthcare Works for Visitors
1. If You’re Not from the EU
If you're visiting from outside the European Union, you can still receive medical assistance, but it may not be free. Most countries will treat you first in an emergency and ask for payment afterward. Some places might ask you to pay before seeing a doctor. Always keep a copy of your travel insurance and passport with you, just in case.
2. Where to Go
There are different places to get help, depending on how bad you feel:
- Pharmacy: Good for mild problems like headaches, coughs, or a bad stomach. The pharmacist may also suggest medications that you can purchase.
- Walk-in Clinic: This is great if you need to see a doctor, but it’s not an emergency. You usually don’t need an appointment.
- Hospital (A&E): Go here for serious issues, such as high fever, chest pain, or if you have fainted.
How Much Does It Cost?
1. Paying for Care
You may need to pay for your visit. Depending on the country, a doctor's visit could cost between €20 and €100. If you need medicine, it will cost extra.
2. Using Travel Insurance
Travel insurance can help cover these costs. Make sure your insurance covers:
- Doctor and hospital visits
- Getting flown home if you're very sick
If you pay at the clinic, keep all the receipts. Later, you can ask your insurance company to pay you back. Call or email them as soon as possible to tell them what happened.
Going to the Pharmacy
1. Buying Medicine Without a Prescription
You can buy basic medicines like painkillers or diarrhoea tablets at most pharmacies. But the brand names might be different from what you know. If you’re unsure what to ask, try using a translation app or write down what you need in the local language.
Example:
- “I have a sore throat” → “J’ai mal à la gorge” (French)
- “I feel sick” → “Ich bin krank” (German)
2. Getting Prescriptions
If you need special medicine, you'll have to see a local doctor. Most pharmacies won't accept prescriptions from other countries, so the doctor will write a new one that you can use there.
How to Get There
- If You’re Feeling Too Ill to Walk
You don’t have to go alone. Here are some ways to get to a clinic or hospital:
- Taxi or ride app (Uber, Bolt) – quick and easy
- Festival shuttle – some festivals help you get to town or a medical centre
- Ask your hotel or host – they may call a doctor or help with transport
- Call 112 – this is the emergency number across all of Europe
Always tell a friend or someone you trust where you're going. Please share your phone location so they can check that you're safe.
Managing the Festival While Sick
Getting sick at a festival doesn't always mean you have to leave right away. Sometimes, you feel well enough to stay and enjoy part of it at a slower pace. This guide will help you make informed choices, take care of yourself, and know when to return home.
If You Want to Stay
Take It Easy
You can still enjoy some of the festival if you're not feeling too bad. Just don't do too much.
- Rest in quiet, shady spots.
- Watch shows from the back.
- Avoid big, noisy crowds
Drink Lots of Water
Being sick can cause you to lose water quickly. Always keep a water bottle with you and drink often. Avoid fizzy drinks or alcohol—they can make you feel worse.
Find Shelter
If it’s hot, sit in the shade. If it’s cold or raining, wear warm clothes and stay dry. If necessary, find covered areas to rest.
Keep Clean and Stop Germs
Wash Your Hands
- Use soap and water or hand sanitiser
- Don’t touch your face too much
- Throw away used tissues right away
Don’t Spread Germs
- Don’t share drinks or snacks
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands
- Let your friends know you're not feeling well, so they can help
Monitoring Your Health
Signs You’re Getting Better
- You feel a bit stronger
- You can eat or drink more
- Your fever is going down
Signs You’re Getting Worse
- High fever or shaking
- Feeling dizzy or very weak
- Being sick (vomiting) or having bad diarrhoea
- Chest pain or difficulty breathing
You must see a doctor or get help if you notice these.
When to Leave Early
Trust Your Gut
Leaving the festival early is okay if you're too sick to walk, eat, or enjoy anything. Rest is more important.
What to Do Next
- Tell your friends or someone you trust
- Go back to your hotel or tent to rest
- Call for help if you need it—112 is the emergency number in Europe
Remember: It’s okay to miss some of the fun. Your health matters most. There will always be more festivals in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Sick at Music Festivals
1. What should I do if I get food poisoning at a music festival?
Stay hydrated, rest, and visit the medical tent if symptoms such as vomiting or fever persist for more than 24 hours.
2. Can I use travel insurance for a doctor visit in Europe?
Yes — keep receipts and contact your insurer as soon as possible. A GHIC/EHIC also helps for public care.
3. What if I need antibiotics at a festival?
Use a telemedicine service like Mobi Doctor to speak to a doctor online. They can prescribe treatment digitally.
4. Is it safe to stay at the festival if I feel sick?
It depends. Mild symptoms may improve with rest, but fever, dizziness, or weakness are signs to seek care immediately.
5. What if I don’t speak the language?
Use translation apps and pre-learn phrases like “I need a doctor” in the local language. Most major festivals have English-speaking staff.
Final Expert Tips and Takeaways
Getting sick at a music festival can feel scary, but it doesn’t have to ruin everything. If you take care of yourself, you can feel better and enjoy the festival too. Before you go, pack a small first-aid kit. Include items such as plasters, pain relief medication, hand sanitiser, and any other medications you typically take. Ensure you have a photo of your passport and travel insurance saved on your phone, and also carry a printed copy. Try to learn a few simple health words in the local language, like how to say “doctor” or “I feel sick.” Upon arrival at the festival, locate the medical tent. Always carry a water bottle and drink lots of water, especially hot water.
If you start feeling unwell, don’t ignore it. Rest and tell a friend how you’re feeling. If you feel worse, visit the medical tent or find a doctor.
If you're at a music festival in the EU, you can also use Mobi Doctor. It’s an online service that allows you to speak with a doctor on your phone. You don’t even have to leave your tent! This can be helpful if you don’t know the nearest clinic.
Remember, it’s okay to slow down. You don’t need to see every act or stay out all day. Your health is more important. There will always be more music festivals in the future. Rest now, and you’ll feel better soon. You’re doing the right thing by looking after yourself!
