Travel Insurance for Gallstones

What are gallstones?

Gallstones are small, hard lumps that form in the gallbladder, which is a little pouch under the liver that stores bile. Plenty of people have them and never notice. Trouble starts when a stone blocks a duct, which can cause sudden, intense pain in the upper right side of the tummy, often after a fatty meal. Gallstones are among the digestive conditions people most often declare.

Sometimes a stone causes an infected gallbladder, jaundice, or pancreatitis, which need urgent treatment. If symptoms keep coming back, the usual treatment is keyhole surgery to remove the gallbladder. The NHS gallstones page explains the symptoms and treatment options.

Why do I need to declare gallstones for travel insurance?

Gallstones you’ve been diagnosed with, or had symptoms from, are a pre-existing medical condition. We need to know about them because a gallstone attack can cause intense pain and sometimes lead to serious complications, which may need hospital treatment abroad. An attack just before you travel could also mean cancelling. If gallstones aren’t declared, a related claim could be rejected or reduced.

You won’t need to declare every medical condition you’ve ever had or been diagnosed with, only those that fall into the initial set of medical questions.

Can I get travel insurance with gallstones?

Yes, in many cases. However, being on a waiting list for gallstone removal will mean that we cannot provide cover. If your gallbladder was removed some time ago and you’ve recovered well, that is viewed quite differently.

What we’ll ask about your gallstones

The online medical screening is short and easy to get through. Once you're finished declaring gallstones, carry on declaring any other relevant pre-existing medical conditions.

After the declaration, you’ll be taken to the quote page. You’ll be shown a list of quotes if your gallstones and your other conditions are coverable, and each premium includes the cost of cover for your medical. If we’re unable to offer cover, you’ll be told before you proceed.

If your health changes before travelling

Gallstones can flare up at short notice. If you have another attack, you start new medication, or you go into hospital before you travel, you must let us know. It may mean reviewing your cover or referring your medical situation to the underwriters, and in some cases we may not be able to proceed with cover. Not telling us about a change in your medical can lead to a future claim being affected or denied.

What can gallstones travel insurance cover?

With gallstones accepted on your policy, an unexpected attack abroad can be covered like any other medical emergency. If severe pain in Florida led to an emergency admission and scans, the medical costs can be claimed. Repatriation can also be covered if you need to come home with medical help. All of this is subject to the policy terms, exclusions, limits and excess.

An attack in the run-up to your holiday could stop you going. If a doctor confirms you can’t travel, cancellation cover may reimburse non-refundable costs. Bear in mind that an operation date clashing with a trip you’d already booked may be handled differently, so check your policy wording.

Planned surgery abroad isn’t covered, and nor is treatment for gallstones if you didn’t declare them.

Will gallstones affect the cost of travel insurance?

Gallstones can change what you pay. How much is down to your online medical screening result, and the questions may look at how the gallstones are being treated and whether your symptoms are controlled. General factors still apply, including age, where you’re going, and the length of the trip. Before anything is paid, the price is there for you to review.

Single trip or annual cover with gallstones

Going away just once? Look at single trip cover. For two or more holidays a year, annual cover can be handy, as long as your screening result allows it.

Travelling with gallstones: practical tips

Here are a few general tips for the trip itself. They are not part of the cover.

Food is often the trigger. Holidays tend to mean bigger, richer meals than usual, from fried breakfasts to heavy sauces, and that is when a lot of people get an attack. Smaller portions and lighter choices go a long way, especially in the first few days.

Learn the signs that mean you need medical help quickly: pain lasting more than a few hours, a high temperature, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or dark urine. Note the nearest hospital when you arrive. Pack any prescribed painkillers in your hand luggage with your prescription, and see our guide to travelling abroad with medication for country rules on carrying medicines.

Recently had your gallbladder out? Ask your surgeon when it’s reasonable to fly and to lift luggage, and give yourself time to get back to normal eating before a trip.

How to get a quote

It starts with a few trip details and the medical questions. You can then choose the cover that suits you and check the price first.

Get a Quote

Other Useful Gastrointestinal Pages

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

Don't worry if your condition is not listed above - we cover plenty more medical conditions.
* Please note that cover will vary depending on individual medical screenings.