Travel Insurance for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

What is irritable bowel syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a long-term condition that affects how the gut works. Symptoms include stomach cramps, bloating, wind, diarrhoea, constipation or a mix of the two, and they tend to come and go. It’s one of the most common digestive conditions in the UK, and while it can be uncomfortable and disruptive, it doesn’t damage the bowel.

Nobody knows exactly what causes IBS. Stress, certain foods, and changes in routine often set off a bad spell. Many people manage with diet changes, such as a low FODMAP approach, plus medicines for cramps, diarrhoea, or constipation. IBS is different from inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease and colitis. You’ll find more on the NHS IBS page.

Why do I need to declare IBS for travel insurance?

Once you’ve been diagnosed with IBS, it’s considered a pre-existing medical condition for insurance purposes. A bad spell is usually unpleasant rather than serious, but unfamiliar food, disrupted routines, and travel stress can bring one on, and severe pain or dehydration from diarrhoea can sometimes need a doctor or a hospital visit abroad.

Leaving IBS off your policy means a related claim might be declined, or the payout 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 IBS?

Yes, usually. IBS is a common condition and is often accepted after screening. Well-managed IBS is generally viewed quite differently from symptoms that are still being investigated, or that have led to hospital visits recently, and those are the situations where cover may be more limited.

What we’ll ask about your IBS

The online medical screening is short and easy to get through. You may only be asked a couple of questions about treatment or medication. 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 IBS 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

Bowel symptoms can change over time. If your medication changes, you have a hospital admission, you’re referred for bowel tests, or you’re diagnosed with something new before you travel, you must let us know. Your cover might need another look, your medical situation may have to go to the underwriters, and in some cases we may not be able to continue with cover. A future claim can be affected or denied if a change in your medical isn’t reported.

What can IBS travel insurance cover?

Most IBS flare-ups are unpleasant rather than dangerous. Occasionally, though, severe pain or diarrhoea leads to dehydration and a trip to hospital. If IBS is on your policy and that happens in Thailand, emergency medical treatment can be covered, and repatriation too if you need medical help to get home. Cover is subject to the policy terms, exclusions, limits and excess.

If a bad flare shortly before you leave means your doctor advises against travelling, cancellation cover may help with non-refundable costs.

The policy won’t pay for planned treatment abroad or for anything related to conditions you didn’t declare.

Will IBS affect the cost of travel insurance?

Whether IBS makes a difference to the premium is something your screening result settles. Our online medical screening asks a few questions about how you treat your IBS and how well your symptoms are controlled, then works out the effect on cover. Like any quote, the figure also reflects your age, trip length and where you’re heading. You’ll see it before paying a penny.

Single trip or annual cover with IBS

Single trip cover works well for one holiday. If you travel several times a year, annual cover can be more convenient and may cost less overall, subject to your screening result.

Travelling with IBS: practical tips

These are general ideas that people with IBS often find helpful. They don’t form part of your insurance.

Plan around toilets. Book an aisle seat on the plane, and on coach trips or long drives check where the stops are. A “just can’t wait” card can help in shops and cafes. In the UK, a RADAR key opens many accessible toilets, and some airports run a sunflower lanyard scheme for hidden disabilities.

Keep your diet as close to normal as you can. It’s tempting to try everything, but rich sauces, lots of fried food and unfamiliar dishes all at once can bring on symptoms. Pack a few safe snacks for travel days. If you follow a low FODMAP diet, learning a few words for onion, garlic and wheat in the local language goes a long way.

Stress is a common trigger, and travel days are stressful. Leave plenty of time for the airport, keep meals regular and allow a quiet first evening after you arrive.

If constipation is more of a problem for you than diarrhoea, flying and a change of routine can make it worse. Drink water steadily on the plane, keep up your usual fibre where you can and get out for a walk each day once you arrive.

Be careful with water and food hygiene, because a stomach bug can make IBS symptoms much worse for weeks. Pack oral rehydration sachets and your usual remedies in your hand luggage, since familiar brands may be hard to find abroad.

How to get a quote

Start with your trip details, answer the questions about IBS and any other conditions, then select your cover.

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.