Travel Insurance for Interstitial Cystitis

What is interstitial cystitis?

Interstitial cystitis, also called bladder pain syndrome, is a long-term condition that causes pain or pressure in the bladder and pelvis. It is one of the urinary conditions that can be hard to pin down, because tests often come back clear even though the symptoms are very real. People commonly need to pass urine often and urgently, including at night.

Nobody knows exactly what causes it. Symptoms tend to come and go, and certain foods, drinks, or stress can set off a bad patch. Treatment varies from diet changes and bladder training to medicines and treatments put directly into the bladder. The NHS page on interstitial cystitis explains the options.

Why do I need to declare interstitial cystitis for travel insurance?

Because it’s a long-term condition, interstitial cystitis is considered pre-existing when you buy cover. Flare-ups can be painful and unpredictable, and a bad one could mean seeing a doctor abroad or deciding not to travel at all.

We ask about it so your cover can take that risk into account. If interstitial cystitis isn’t listed on your policy, a claim related to your bladder may not be paid in full, or at all.

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 interstitial cystitis?

Yes, plenty of people with interstitial cystitis travel regularly. Symptoms that are settled with a routine you know well are likely to be seen differently from recent hospital treatment, procedures under anaesthetic, or tests that are still going on to rule out other causes. These details shape whether it can be covered.

What we’ll ask about your interstitial cystitis

The online medical screening is short and easy to get through. You may only be asked a question or two, like whether you've needed hospital treatment. When you’re done declaring this condition, 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 interstitial cystitis 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

Bladder symptoms can change from month-to-month. If your medication changes, you have a stay in hospital, you’re referred to a specialist, or you receive a new diagnosis before you travel, you must let us know. Your cover may need reviewing, we may need to refer your medical situation to the underwriters, and in some cases we may not be able to proceed with cover. If you don’t let us know of any changes in your medical, a future claim can be affected or denied.

What can interstitial cystitis travel insurance cover?

When interstitial cystitis is accepted on your policy, an emergency linked to it can be covered like any other. For instance, if you developed severe pain or could not pass urine while in Crete and needed hospital care, emergency treatment could be included, and so could getting you home with medical help if needed. That is subject to the policy terms, exclusions, limits and excess.

A bad flare just before you leave can also be a problem. If your doctor says you shouldn’t travel, cancellation cover may help you reclaim money you can’t get back.

Routine treatment you have arranged abroad isn’t covered, and neither is anything connected to a condition left off your policy.

Will interstitial cystitis affect the cost of travel insurance?

Interstitial cystitis may or may not affect the cost, and your screening result is what decides. Our online medical screening may ask how you treat the condition and how well your flare-ups are controlled. Your age, where you plan to go and the length of the trip are part of every quote as well. If the price works for you, you can buy once you’ve seen it.

Single trip or annual cover with interstitial cystitis

Single trip travel insurance covers one holiday. If you go away more often, annual cover might be worth a look, though it depends on your screening result.

Travelling with interstitial cystitis: practical tips

These tips are general suggestions for travelling. They don’t form part of your policy.

Book seats with easy toilet access. On a plane an aisle seat near the toilets saves a lot of climbing over people, and on coaches and trains it pays to check whether there is a toilet on board at all. For long road trips, plan stops in advance rather than hoping for a services.

Diet triggers are personal, but common ones include coffee, alcohol, fizzy drinks, citrus and spicy food, all of which are easy to come across on holiday. Packing a few safe snacks helps. Keep drinking water steadily too, since cutting right back to avoid toilet trips can make urine more concentrated and irritating.

Some people find a hot water bottle or heat pad eases a flare, so it can be worth packing one. If you use a catheter or bladder instillations, take enough supplies for the whole trip and a few extra, as you may not find the same products abroad. Our guide to travelling abroad with medication covers carrying medicines and supplies.

Interstitial cystitis can be mistaken for a urinary tract infection, and a real infection on top of it can make things worse. If you have a fever or blood in your urine while you are away, get it checked rather than waiting until you are home. A short letter from your GP explaining your condition can help a doctor abroad.

How to get a quote

Tell us about your trip, answer the questions about your bladder condition and anything else you need to declare, then choose a level of cover.

Get a Quote

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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.