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Can I get travel insurance if I’ve had gallstones?
Travel can be a meaningful way to enjoy what matters most – time with loved ones, exploring new places, or simply making memories. Living with gallstones shouldn’t stand in the way of your next trip.
Because we’re specialists in medical travel insurance, we can often cover gallstones and gallbladder conditions, including if you’ve had your gallbladder removed. Just let us know about your condition when you get a quote.
We know there are extra things to consider when taking a trip with a gallbladder condition, like managing pain, eating well, and the worry of needing urgent medical care if you develop gallstones abroad. But getting great travel insurance doesn’t have to be another challenge on that list.
With proper protection, you can focus on enjoying the activities you’ve looked forward to. And if something doesn’t go to plan? Our experienced medical advisors are available 24/7 during your trip to help you get the right care and cover the costs of emergency treatment.
Why get travel insurance for gallstones with Staysure?
We’re specialists in covering medical conditions, including gallstones or gallbladder conditions
We’re by your side day or night, with specialist medical advisors available 24/7 abroad during your trip
Includes all the benefits of our award-winning travel insurance, with luggage loss cover, cancellation cover and more
How Staysure gallstones cover works in three easy steps
To get cover, you’ll need to declare all your pre-existing conditions to us when getting a quote for travel insurance. We make it easy to tailor a quote to your trip and health.
1. Tell us about your trip
We’ll need a few quick details to get started:
If you need cover for one trip or multiple trips.
Who the insurance is for.
Where you’re going and how long for.
2. Let us know about your gallbladder condition
Our simple medical screening helps us understand you better.
Some of the things we’ll need to know about:
any past and future procedures
any further investigations or treatments
3. Get your quote
If you complete the screening and we can cover you, your tailored quote will be available to view online, and emailed to you. It includes travel insurance tailored to cover your condition(s).
Explore and choose from three levels of cover to suit your needs (as below).
Choose optional add-ons to tailor your quote to your trip, including winter sports or cruise plus benefits.
We understand the worry of medical emergencies abroad if you have gallbladder issues, like getting gallstones or an inflamed bile duct. We’re here 24/7 if you need to access a doctor or emergency care. Our Comprehensive and Signature policies cover you for unlimited medical expenses.
If something goes wrong while you’re abroad, we’ll help get you in safe hands day or night, locating your nearest appropriate services and covering the expense of getting there.
When you’re travelling with gallstones, you want to know you’ve got everything you need. But it can be tricky to track down medicines abroad.
If you ever find yourself short while you're away, we’re here to help. We can assist you in locating a nearby pharmacy that stocks your medication, so you’re not left searching in an unfamiliar place.
Just so you know, the cost of replacing medication isn’t something we cover – but we’ll still do what we can to make the process easier.
If your health means you need to cancel or cut your trip short, we’ll get you home safely without the extra expense. That includes travel to the airport, any medical assistance or accommodation you need en route, and cancellation costs up to the agreed amount of your cover level.
We’ll help with:
coordinating care with your medical team back home
accommodation if you need to extend your stay
taking care of your transport arrangements, including travel to your local hospital if needed
rebooking flights and transfers
Proud to be a part of BIBA's medical directory
For people who have trouble finding travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions, the British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA) has a directory of specialist insurers, like us!
To find out more, or if on the odd occasion we are unable to provide the cover you need, contact BIBA on 0370 950 1790. You can also search BIBA's medical directory online.
How much does travel insurance cost with gallstones?
Having a history of gallstones or a gallbladder condition shouldn’t have to mean paying the highest premium for travel insurance. Our offer is tailored to your individual circumstances and travel plans.
You can find out how much your tailored policy costs in minutes with our simple medical screening when you get a quote.
Whether it’s a road trip, a first-time cruise, or a transatlantic flight, gallstones shouldn’t be a barrier to travel.
“With some extra care in the planning process and the right travel insurance, you can enjoy new food and see the world without the worry of gallstones holding you back.
”
Other conditions we cover at Staysure
We’re experts in travel insurance for pre-existing health conditions. Just let us know your conditions when you fill out your quote, or contact us to amend an existing policy.
Most people with gallbladder conditions can travel just fine. But for some, taking time to prepare thoroughly can help give the confidence needed to enjoy time away from home.
Pre-travel checklist for travelling with a gallbladder condition
If you’ve recently had your gallbladder removed, had an episode of biliary colic (sudden attack of pain), or an infection, speak to your GP about your condition to make sure you’re fit to travel, and let us know about any recent procedures.
If you’ve been prescribed painkillers or antispasmodics, prepare enough for the entire journey with extras in case of delays.
Make copies of your prescriptions to take with you through security.
Research the local name of any over-the-counter medicine you’re taking such as for nausea, in case you need more.
Research the local food – are your food triggers commonly used ingredients?
If you’re travelling in Europe, get a GHIC – remember, this doesn’t replace travel insurance.
Certain medicines, such as strong painkillers, may need a signed doctor’s letter, which you can check with the embassy of the country you're going to. Some doctors may charge for this service. This isn't covered by travel insurance.
Always let us know if you’ve had problems with your gallbladder in the last two years.
“This is key for getting cover in case you have another episode or a related medical emergency during your trip. Keeping your policy updated with your full medical history helps make sure the right support is in place, so you can travel with confidence.
”
Tips for travelling with gallstones
If you take pain relief like ibuprofen or paracetamol to deal with gallbladder symptoms, check what these are called in the country you’re going to in case you need replacements.
It’s best to keep all your medication in its original packaging, along with copies of the prescription. You may also want to pack it in both your hand luggage and suitcase in case any baggage is lost or delayed.
If you’re travelling with any prescription medication, make copies of the prescriptions to take with you through security.
People with gallstones often feel discomfort on the right side of their abdomen. Here are some things you can do to ease discomfort and make your journey go a little more smoothly.
Wear loose-fitting cotton clothes, including undergarments, to take pressure off your abdomen and keep cool.
Use a hot pack or a heated wrap on the painful area.
Keep your painkillers and antiemetics on you so they’re within reach if you need them.
Avoid eating a large meal or drinking large volumes of liquid before your journey – bloating can put extra pressure on your stomach.
Prepare small snacks that you can take across borders, like granola bars, and drink small amounts of water frequently to stay energised and hydrated.
If you’re flying, book an aisle seat by the toilets – the change in position when you get up to walk can help with the pain.
If you’re on the road, plan plenty of rest stops so you can go to the toilet and get your body moving.
Take a walk after your journey. This will help you work out any remaining aches and pains and get your circulation going again.
Treating yourself shouldn’t be an issue when you’re away so long as you’re also having a healthy, well-balanced diet. You should continue to eat plenty of fibre, and fresh fruit and vegetables on your trip.
To help prevent pain, it’s also a good idea to avoid eating too many foods that are high in saturated fats and avoid drinking too much alcohol. Please note that medical problems caused by excessive drinking aren’t covered by travel insurance.
It may be worth researching the local cuisine before you go so you can avoid your triggers, and packing some healthy, non-perishable snacks like nuts, granola bars, and crackers to eat in-between meals.
Common questions for travelling with gallstones
If you’ve had symptoms, tests, treatments, medication, appointments or hospitalisation for gallstones or gallbladder conditions in the last two years, you need to declare it for travel insurance.
If we don’t know about it, or any other pre-existing medical condition you have, we won’t be able to cover you if you need to make a claim regarding your medical condition.
Find out what other medical conditions we can cover, or give a friendly member of our team a call.
Most people with gallstones can fly just fine but others may need to take certain precautions to make the journey more comfortable.
Some things you might find helpful:
Wear loose-fitting cotton clothing, including undergarments
Use a heated pad to ease the pain in your abdomen
Prepare snacks you can take across borders, like granola bars that you can slowly eat during your flight to avoid bloating
Everybody’s recovery process is different and depends on the type of surgery received.
You must talk to your doctor before you book your trip to make sure you’re well enough to travel and enjoy the activities you want to do. This includes flying.
Remember – you need to declare any recent procedures when getting travel insurance.
If you currently have gallstones, you’ll need to speak to your doctor about the right time to take a trip abroad. While it’s often possible to travel, this may depend on how the condition is affecting you and whether you need surgery.
Hopefully your trip won’t be interrupted by a medical emergency. But it’s worth being prepared in the unlikely event that it does happen.
If you or someone on your policy has a gallbladder condition, be sure to know the signs of an infected or inflamed gallbladder, which need urgent medical attention.
In an emergency, call the local services and 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.
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 gallbladder conditions, you’ll want to look out for what’s covered and what’s not.
The right travel insurance for gallbladder conditions should:
agree to cover your gallstones and any other pre-existing conditions you have
cover medical expenses, including necessary emergency travel home
have a high medical cover limit
help you 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.
Stay in control of your account with My Staysure
You can make changes to your policy, online and in your own time with My Staysure.
It’s quick and easy to make changes to your policy online. If you need to make simple changes such as updating traveller details or renewing a policy that’s details are staying the same, just visit your My Staysure account.
Up to unlimited emergency medical expenses
