Travelling with a Hernia

What is a hernia?

A hernia is when part of an organ or fatty tissue pushes through a weak spot in the muscle wall that normally holds it in place. Most appear in the tummy or groin as a soft lump that may get bigger when you cough or strain and shrink back when you lie down. Hernias are listed in our digestive conditions section because many involve the bowel or stomach.

The common types are inguinal (groin), femoral (upper thigh), umbilical (belly button), incisional (through an old surgical scar), and hiatus (where part of the stomach moves up into the chest). Some cause little trouble and are simply monitored. Others are repaired with surgery, especially if they hurt or grow. The NHS hernia page describes each type.

Why do I need to declare a hernia for travel insurance?

A hernia you know about is a pre-existing medical condition, and so is a repair you’ve had recently. We ask about it because a hernia can occasionally become trapped or strangulated, cutting off its blood supply, and that turns a manageable lump into an emergency operation. Lifting heavy cases and long journeys don’t help either.

If you travel without declaring it and then need surgery or treatment abroad because of the hernia, the claim could be refused or cut back.

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 a hernia?

Yes, in a lot of cases. A small hernia that’s simply being watched, or one repaired some time ago with a good recovery, is often straightforward to screen. Cover may be harder to find where the hernia has recently caused severe pain or a blockage, or where an operation is booked for around the time you plan to travel.

What we’ll ask about your hernia

Declaring your hernia online doesn’t take long. The screening asks about where your hernia is and whether you’re waiting for surgery. After that, carry on declaring any other relevant pre-existing medical conditions you have.

Once you’ve finished the medical declaration, you’ll go through to the quote page. If your hernia and your other conditions can be covered, you’ll see a list of quotes, and the premium shown includes the cost of cover for your medical. If we can’t provide cover, you’ll know before going any further.

If your health changes before travelling

Hernias can move from watch-and-wait to surgery quite quickly. If you’re given an operation date, you start new medication, you go into hospital, or you’re referred to a surgeon between now and departure, you must let us know. We may need to review your cover or refer your medical situation to the underwriters, and occasionally we may not be able to proceed with cover. Any change in your medical you don’t tell us about could mean a future claim is affected or denied.

What can hernia travel insurance cover?

A hernia that becomes trapped (strangulated) is a medical emergency and usually needs surgery straight away. If your hernia is accepted on the policy and this happens while you’re in Florida, emergency treatment there can be covered, along with repatriation if you need medical help to get home. Everything is subject to the policy terms, exclusions, limits and excess.

If your hernia gets worse before you leave and your doctor tells you not to travel, you may be able to claim non-refundable costs through cancellation cover.

Travel insurance won’t pay for a hernia repair you choose to have abroad, or for routine treatment that could wait until you’re home. Claims linked to an undeclared hernia are also likely to be excluded.

Will a hernia affect the cost of travel insurance?

Declaring a hernia might add something to your premium. How much depends on what comes back from our online medical screening, which may ask how your hernia has been treated and how well it’s being controlled or monitored. Destination, trip length and your age also play a part in shaping the figure. You can look at the full quote before you commit to anything.

Single trip or annual cover with a hernia

If you’re travelling once before your operation, single trip cover may make sense. For several trips a year, annual multi-trip cover is worth comparing, though it depends on your screening result.

Travelling with a hernia: practical tips

The advice below is general and isn’t part of your policy.

Luggage is the obvious risk. Heavy cases put strain on the tummy and groin, so choose a suitcase with four wheels, pack lighter than usual and ask for help lifting bags onto scales, racks and overhead lockers. Many airports offer assistance if you book it in advance.

If you’ve recently had a repair, your surgeon or GP can tell you when it’s sensible to fly and when you can carry bags or swim again. Keyhole and open repairs heal at different speeds, so go by the advice you were given rather than a general rule.

Constipation makes straining worse, and travel often brings it on. Drink plenty of water, eat some fruit and fibre, and keep moving during long journeys. If you wear a support garment or truss, pack it in your hand luggage.

Learn the warning signs before you go: sudden severe pain at the hernia, a lump that turns firm, tender or red and won’t push back, vomiting, or being unable to pass wind or poo. Any of these needs urgent help.

If your hernia is a hiatus hernia with reflux, our heartburn and acid reflux page has tips on eating and sleeping comfortably while away.

How to get a quote

Add your trip details, then answer the hernia questions and anything else the screening asks. You can compare cover levels before buying.

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.