Travel insurance with Crohn’s disease

If you lose your medication while travelling, our Comprehensive and Signature policies offer a Personal Assistance Service for situations like this.  

 
Our 24/7 assistance team can help you locate replacement supplies: 

• We'll direct you to reliable local pharmacies 

• Help connect you with English-speaking medical professionals 

• Guide you through local requirements for obtaining medication 

• Support you in finding equivalent medications available locally 

Please note, the cost of replacement medicines is not a covered expense. 

If you need to cut your trip short or stay longer to receive treatment, we will cover repatriation costs, including additional travel/accommodation costs up to £2,000, as well as 

• Extra expenses for a qualified medical escort if required  

• Extended stay costs if medically unable to travel  

• Expenses for family member/companion to stay with you or travel from the UK if necessary  

While you’ll want to treat yourself and enjoy new foods, sticking to your regular eating habits can help keep symptoms at bay.  

Before travelling, check out the local cuisine of your destination. Make a note of the ingredients that are most commonly used so you know what to avoid. 

If you have particular dietary needs and you’re eating out, let the restaurant know. You may find it helpful to have a list of your triggers translated into the local language to show staff. 

It’s a good idea to let your accommodation know about any dietary needs in advance and ask if they have options suitable for you. You might prefer staying somewhere with cooking facilities so you can prepare your own meals.  

You may find our guide on travelling with food allergies helpful in navigating your food triggers away from home. 

Long journeys can be a worry for people with Crohn’s disease. With a little preparation in advance, the journey can be a bit more comfortable. 

• Book an aisle seat near a toilet if you’re flying, or plan plenty rest stops if driving 

• Avoid big meals before travelling, and drink water little and often rather than large volumes  

• If you have a stoma, consider using drainable bags as these can be easier to empty on the go 

• Consider taking an anti-diarrhoeal in advance or carrying some with you – this may not be suitable if you’re having a flare-up 

Travelling long-distance can be exhausting, so take the time to rest before and after your journey. If you’re going to a different time zone, this will help you with jet lag. 

Here are some things you might find helpful to reduce stress on your trip: 

• If you can, book an en-suite room 

• Make sure there are toilets close by when you’re out and about  

• Call your accommodation to make sure there’s a fridge in your room if your medication needs to be kept cool 

• Always allow plenty of time to get to and from places so that you’re not rushed or stressed 

It’s always a good idea to look up the local healthcare and emergency services and how to use them in advance. It may also give you some peace of mind to travel with a copy of them in your bag.  

Travelling with a stoma can seem quite daunting. But, with some careful planning, it shouldn’t hold you back from going on a trip. 

• Prepare plenty of stoma supplies – some people suggest twice as much as normal as the different food might mean frequent changes 

• Pack all your supplies in your hand luggage in case your suitcase is delayed or lost 

• Pre-cut your base plates in advance as scissors are usually prohibited in hand luggage 

• Consider a stoma with a filter if you’re flying as the difference in air pressure can expand gases in your body 

• Drainable stoma bags can be easier to empty when you’re on the go 

• Carry wet wipes and dissolvable hand soap sheets so your hands are clean when handling your stoma outside 

If you’re flying, you might want to get a travel certificate for your stoma supplies from Colostomy UK to show at security. It can also be translated to different languages.  

Many people with Crohn’s can travel just fine. But for some, taking the time to prepare in advance can really help ease their worries and fears about travel, especially around new foods or traveller’s diarrhoea.  

Always talk to your IBD team or doctor before you book a trip. They can help you plan a trip that is suited for you and your needs. 

Some important things to consider packing for your trip include: 

• All your medication, medical equipment, and any special foods you may need with copies of their prescription 

• Sun protection – wear high SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat, especially if you take immunosuppressants 

• Rehydration salts – some new foods may not sit right with you  

Always talk with your IBD team before you travel for essential items you need to bring with you for your needs and comfort. 

Food can be a huge source of worry when travelling for people with Crohn’s. Preparing in advance can help ease some of that worry so you can get the most out of the local food. 

• Research the local cuisine – what ingredients are commonly used? 

• Avoid any foods, sauces, and drinks that you’re unsure about 

• Look up restaurant menus to make sure there’s something you can eat 

• Don’t be afraid to speak to restaurant staff – carry a translated note of your condition with a list of triggers you need to avoid 

Speak with your dietician or IBD team before you go so they can offer guidance tailored to suit your needs. 

Hopefully your trip won’t be interrupted by a flare up but it’s important to be prepared in the unlikely event it does happen. 

Always follow the actions in your flare up plan. If your symptoms are severe or not going away, your first line of contact is the local emergency service. 

Then, call our 24-hour emergency helpline. Our team will help arrange your care, find the most appropriate place for treatment and follow up care. 

Our helpline is open 24/7, 365 days a year: 

• Calling from outside the UK: +44 1403 288 414 

• Calling from USA or Canada: +1 844 780 0639 

• Calling from Mexico: +1 819 780 0639  

• Calling from the UK: 01403 288 414 

If you or someone on your policy is admitted to hospital or your outpatient treatment is likely to cost more than £350, contact us as soon as possible. Where you have a valid claim, and your medical expenses exceed £350 we will look to settle the bill directly with the medical provider where possible. 

If you have a non-urgent medical concern, such as sickness, headaches, or mild pain, contact our helpline first for advice on where to go for assistance. 

As good as travel insurance is, some things can’t be covered.  

You’re not covered for: 

• Travelling against your doctor’s advice 

• Claims for pre-existing medical conditions you haven’t told us about  

• Routine check-ups, planned treatment or non-emergency care 

• Travel for medical procedures abroad  

• Reimbursement for lost, damaged or stolen medicines or equipment 

• Incidents related to alcohol or controlled substances 

• Strike action that was common knowledge at the time of booking 

• Choosing private treatment when suitable public facilities are available 

• Choosing not to travel 
   

Discover more about what travel insurance covers. Always check your policy documents carefully to understand exactly what you’re covered for. 

When comparing travel insurance policies for Crohn’s disease, you’ll want to look out for what’s covered and what’s not.  

The right travel insurance for Crohn’s disease should: 
 

• Agree to cover your Crohn’s disease and any other pre-existing conditions you have 

• Cover medical expenses, including necessary emergency travel home 

• Have a high medical cover limit 

• Help replace lost, stolen or damaged medications

• Cover you for cancellations or interruptions during your trip 

• Include 24/7 emergency assistance services while abroad 

Learn more about what’s covered under our medical insurance for pre-existing medical conditions, or get a quote.