Travel Insurance for Digestive and Bowel Conditions

What is a digestive or bowel condition?

Digestive conditions affect the gastrointestinal system, including the stomach, intestines, bowel, and other organs involved in digestion. They range from common issues like acid reflux and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) to more complex conditions like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and pancreatitis.

Some digestive conditions only cause occasional and temporary discomfort, while others can have a significant impact on everyday life. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, diarrhoea, or changes in bowel habits. Treatment varies too, from dietary changes and medication, to surgery or ongoing specialist care.

Depending on your diagnosis, treatment, and medical history, having a digestive condition may affect the travel insurance available to you.

We have individual guides for several digestive conditions, including:

• Acute Pancreatitis
• Appendicitis
• Chronic Pancreatitis
• Coeliac Disease
• Crohn’s Disease
• Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome
• Diverticular Diseases
• Gallstones
• Gastritis
• Heartburn and Acid Reflux
• Hernia
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Stomach Ulcer
• Ulcerative Colitis

There are many other digestive conditions we can consider. If yours isn't listed, you can search for it by name during medical screening.

Can I get travel insurance with a digestive condition?

Yes. Plenty of people with digestive and gastrointestinal conditions can get travel insurance, whether their symptoms are managed through diet, regular medication, or if they've had surgery.

What matters is your individual medical circumstances. For instance, someone managing occasional IBS symptoms may have different insurance requirements from someone receiving ongoing treatment for inflammatory bowel disease.

You'll need to declare any conditions that fall within our medical screening questions, even if your symptoms are well managed. This can include conditions you've received treatment for, had surgery for, or are waiting for further investigations into.

Certain circumstances, such as being on a waiting list for gallbladder surgery, may mean we're unable to offer travel insurance until treatment has been completed.

Not declaring a condition when required could affect a future claim.

The medical screening
When getting a quote, you'll be asked to enter your diagnosed medical condition and answer some questions about it. These questions might cover your medication, recent hospital admissions, previous surgery, or whether you're waiting for tests or treatment.

Your answers help us understand your medical circumstances and determine what cover we can offer. Your age, destination, and trip duration will also affect the premium, and you may have a choice between single trip and annual multi-trip travel insurance.

Changes to your health
Digestive conditions can sometimes change unexpectedly. If you experience a significant flare-up, require hospital treatment, start new medication, or are referred for further investigations after buying your policy, you must let us know.

We may need to review your cover or refer the changes to your policy's underwriter. It's important that your insurance reflects your medical circumstances before you travel.

What can travel insurance cover?

If your digestive condition has been declared and accepted, your policy can provide cover for unexpected medical emergencies relating to it while you're abroad.

For example, a severe Crohn's disease flare or bowel obstruction could require urgent hospital treatment. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to claim for emergency medical expenses and repatriation if medically necessary.

Cancellation cover may also help recover non-refundable holiday costs if your condition unexpectedly worsens before departure and you're medically advised not to travel.

Travel insurance won't cover planned medical treatment abroad, and claims relating to undeclared medical conditions may be refused or not fully paid. All cover is subject to your policy's terms, conditions, limits, exclusions, and excesses.

Travelling with a digestive or bowel condition

Unfamiliar food, changes in routine, and long journeys can sometimes make digestive symptoms more difficult to manage. Preparing for these possibilities can help make your holiday more comfortable.

If you have Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or another condition that causes unpredictable bowel symptoms, it's worth researching toilet facilities before travelling. A 'Can't Wait' card may also be useful if you need urgent access to a toilet.

Food and water hygiene are particularly important when visiting destinations where there's a higher risk of stomach infections. Stick to safe drinking water, take care with food preparation, and consider discussing suitable rehydration supplies with your pharmacist or medical team.

If you have coeliac disease or follow a restricted diet, look into local food options before departure. Translated dietary cards can help you explain your requirements in restaurants and avoid ingredients that could cause problems.

For anyone travelling with a stoma, remember to pack additional supplies in your hand luggage in case of delays. A travel certificate or letter explaining your stoma can also make airport security easier.

Finally, bring enough prescribed medication for your trip, along with any essential supplies. Our guide to travelling abroad with medication has more information about preparing for your journey.

Get a quote

Enter your trip details and complete the medical screening for any relevant pre-existing conditions. You'll be able to compare available travel insurance options and prices before deciding whether to buy.

Get a Quote