Overlooked Holiday Health Costs and How to Avoid Them

Medically reviewed by Michele Eggers, supervisor of quality health integration-clinical at Network Health
12/12/2025

The holidays are a joyful time, but they can also come with some unexpected health-related costs. Between travel, indulgent meals and seasonal illnesses, it’s a time of year when we may not always feel our best.

Plus, small costs can add up quickly. Planning ahead can help you avoid surprises, while keeping your health and budget on track. Let’s look at some commonly overlooked health costs around the holiday season and how you can prepare to avoid them.

Seasonal Illnesses During the Holidays

It’s no secret that winter is the season for the cold and flu. Why does it get so bad this time of year? Well, holiday gatherings certainly play a role.

Even with precautions, these viruses are more common in the winter. When people get together for the holidays, they can easily spread even faster. Even if the illness remains mild, this can result in doctor visits and medications, all of which add up in terms of cost.

How to prepare:

• Keep a basic medicine cabinet stocked with essentials like pain relievers, cold medicine and tissues.
• Make sure your flu shot is up to date. Prevention is often cheaper than treatment.

[Know where to go: Primary Care vs. Urgent Care vs. Emergency Room]

Holiday Travel Health Expenses

Whether it’s gas, plane tickets or hotel rooms, traveling for the holidays gets to be expensive. If you have to add in last-minute medications or urgent care visits, the costs can go up a lot more.

If you need to see a doctor while you’re away from home, that can’t be helped, but there are some things you can do to try to keep these costs minimal.

How to prepare:

• Set aside some budget for travel health essentials ahead of time.
• Pack a travel first-aid kit.

Special Diets and Food Allergies

If you have a dietary restriction, meals during the holiday and while traveling can be tricky, leading you to spend more money than you might like on food. Moreover, specialty ingredients or allergy-friendly foods often cost more.

How to prepare:

• Plan meals ahead and shop early to find better prices.
• Consider bringing your own dishes to gatherings if needed.

Mental Health and Stress

The holiday season isn’t merry and bright for everyone. They can be emotionally and mentally taxing. Counseling sessions, stress-relief activities or wellness subscriptions can add unexpected costs.

How to prepare:

• Include mental health in your budget
• Explore free or low-cost options like meditation apps, virtual support groups or community wellness events.

[Read more: Understanding Season Mental Health… It’s More Than Just Winter Blues]

The holidays are meant to be enjoyed, not dreaded because of surprise costs. By planning ahead and being mindful of your health-related spending, you can take a step toward protecting your well-being and your wallet.