Ulcerative Colitis Travel Insurance

Living with ulcerative colitis can be difficult. It is a long-term condition which can flare up at any time, with the severity of the symptoms varying between episodes. In the UK approximately 1 in every 420 people has the condition, which is about 146,000 people. In most cases it is diagnosed in the young between the ages of 15 to 25 years old and is more common amongst white people.

Having a stress-free holiday could be just what you need. If you have your condition under control and its effectively managed, possibly with medication, there’s no reason why foreign travel cannot be top of your bucket list!

Tips and Advice for Travelling with Ulcerative Colitis

• If possible, try to travel when your conditions and symptoms are stable
• Take with you information from your specialist outlining your medication and medical history
• Ensure you take and use enough sun cream as some medications can make your skin more sensitive to the sun
• Pack an emergency travel kit with everything you need in case of a flare-up
• Listen to your body and plan your trip accordingly. Are you more prone to flare-ups in the morning or the afternoon? Plan your itinerary around your symptoms
• Take your own food with you for the journey so you can keep track of what you are eating
• Before you travel, research and make a note of where nearby toilet facilities are in case you need one quickly
• Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of bottled water
• If you are travelling to Europe, then it is essential that you carry an EHIC – European Health Insurance Card. You can apply for a free card by following the link www.nhs.uk/ehic

Booking your Ulcerative Colitis Travel Insurance

By booking your travel insurance with Direct Travel we may be able offer cover to customers with ulcerative colitis as a pre-existing condition, provided it is declared at the medical screening stage of the booking process. Please have to hand information about your condition, any medication you are currently taking and any treatment you have received. Unfortunately, it is harder to arrange travel insurance if you are awaiting a diagnosis or treatment. You should also talk to your Doctor / Consultant before confirming travel plans.

To provide peace of mind for patients, a policy which covers family members, and/or a carer may be suitable depending on your circumstances to ensure that everyone is covered appropriately. If, due to complications relating to your ulcerative colitis you are unable to travel you may be able to make a claim for cancellation. Our policies also provide a 24-hour medical assistance line, expenses relating to ambulance and hospital costs and repatriation to the UK amongst others.