10% of men have had to panic buy condoms abroad.
The summer holiday season is in full swing, with many Brits eagerly packing their bags for short sunshine getaways.
Yet new research highlights a concerning lack of preparation when it comes to sexual health abroad.
A survey by LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor found that 60% of Brits do not know the rules around buying emergency contraception in Europe, despite 45% admitting to unplanned sex on holiday.
This confusion risks leaving many travellers unprotected and unsure where to turn if they need help.
The study of 1,000 adults revealed that half of men have had sex abroad without contraception compared to 32% of women.
Meanwhile, 35% of Brits admitted to at least one holiday fling, but only one in five always packs contraception when travelling.
One in eight Brits has needed emergency contraception while on holiday, while 10% of men have had to panic buy condoms abroad.
Alarmingly, nearly two-thirds admitted they are unaware of how or where to access the morning-after pill in their chosen destination.
The challenges do not stop there, as 13% said language barriers would prevent them from buying contraception, while 17% were discouraged by price.
This figure rose to 40% among Gen Z respondents, yet a quarter admitted they did not actually know the real cost abroad.
Dr Bhavini Shah, GP at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, said: “Emergency contraception is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex, but there are still some real barriers to access.
“Planning ahead and understanding your options, both in the UK and abroad, can make a big difference in feeling confident and prepared while travelling.”
Although emergency contraception is free for UK citizens at home, prices vary significantly across Europe.
The levonorgestrel pill (LNG) averages €9.71 across 34 countries but can cost up to €21 for citizens, while ulipristal acetate (UPA) averages €20.17 and costs as much as €37.94 in Malta.
France is the only country offering free emergency contraception to both citizens and tourists.
At the other extreme, Ireland is the most expensive, charging €40.47 for LNG and €57.82 for UPA.
For tourists overall, the average cost is €14.10 for LNG and €25.74 for UPA, making price an important factor to consider before travelling.
Dr Shah added: “The reality is that accessing emergency contraception abroad can be unexpectedly costly, and for many travellers – especially younger people or those on a budget – that can be a serious obstacle.
“Planning ahead by understanding local rules and bringing contraception, like condoms or oral contraceptives, with you can help avoid stressful and potentially expensive situations while you’re away.”
Misinformation also plays a role, with one in 10 young adults aged 18 to 24 wrongly believing emergency contraception costs between £30 and £50 in the UK.
Such misconceptions highlight the importance of raising awareness around actual costs and access.
Rules around access vary widely. In Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands and Norway, LNG is available over the counter in supermarkets or drugstores, though Norway restricts sales to those aged 18 and over.
In Ukraine, the pill is technically prescription-only, but often sold over the counter.
Cyprus only allows UPA to be bought without a prescription, while countries like Germany, Ireland, Italy, Belgium and Luxembourg offer free access to younger travellers through ID-based schemes.
Dr Shah explained: “Beyond the cost, one of the biggest challenges people face when trying to access emergency contraceptive pills abroad is simply knowing the rules.
“Differences can be confusing and stressful in the moment, which is why doing a bit of research before you travel can make all the difference.”
She concluded by urging travellers to practise safer sex by consistently using condoms, undergoing regular testing and maintaining open communication with partners.
For holidaymakers, the best advice remains simple: pack contraception, understand the rules, and know how to ask for help abroad.
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