Gallstones Travel Insurance

Gallstones travel insurance

Gallstones are hard, pebble-like deposits that form in the gallbladder. According to the National Health Service (NHS), they don’t usually need to be treated and show no symptoms. But if a gallstone gets trapped inside the gallbladder, it can cause intense abdominal pain lasting up to five hours.

Gallstones are very common and it’s thought that one in every ten adults in the UK has them – although only a small amount will go on to develop symptoms. Your risk of developing them increases if you’re overweight, female, over the age of 40 or if you’re a mother. Surgery is sometimes used to remove the gallbladder if the gallstones are causing pain. But the good news is that you can live a normal life without this organ.

What’s more, the condition should not stop you enjoying a holiday in the UK or abroad. But it’s a good idea to cover your trip with adequate gallstones travel insurance. To find out what level of cover we can offer you, simply complete our medical screening process online or call our friendly team of travel insurance specialists on 0800 033 4902.

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Why do I need gallstones travel insurance?

Not purchasing travel insurance means you are taking a risk with your health, especially if you have a pre-existing health condition. After all, a holiday is a big investment and you’ll want to enjoy it without the worry of what happens if you have a medical emergency while away.

Buying a Staysure policy means you can relax worry-free; we’re not only an award winning company, we are also leaders in the over 50s medical travel insurance field.

Our Comprehensive policies include cancellation cover, extra flights and accommodation for you, your travel companion, children and grandchildren if you have a medical emergency.

What’s more, we can replace any lost or stolen medication you may need to treat your gallstones while you’re away. All of the above can also be added to our Basics policy as an optional extra.

Tips for travelling with gallstones

If you have any medical concerns, make sure you speak to your doctor before booking a holiday
If you use painkillers, make sure you take enough with you for the duration of your holiday and keep them with you when eating out
Some health experts advise sticking to a healthy diet even when on holiday and avoiding fatty food to prevent pain
If you are on medication to treat gallstones or a related condition, make sure you keep a note of the medication’s name and keep it somewhere safe, such as in your wallet or purse. That way you can replace it more easily if it goes missing
If you are travelling to Europe, it’s a requirement with Staysure that you get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This gives you free or reduced cost medical treatment but amongst other things, it doesn’t cover the cost of being flown back to the UK if necessary. Apply online or call 0300 3301350.

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Common questions about gallstones travel insurance

Does having gallstones prevent me from getting holiday insurance with Staysure?

We pride ourselves on assessing every customer on a case by case basis, simply because something like gallstones can affect people in a manner of different ways. To find out what level of cover we can offer you will need to complete our medical screening process online here.

Simply call our medical emergency number if you have any questions about your health while away. What’s more, they speak the language in the country you are visiting and can arrange any medical treatment you need while outside the UK. If you need to be flown home for treatment, they can help arrange this too.
I had my gallbladder removed last year. Do I have to let you know about this operation?

Yes, when you phone us or complete the online medical screening process, you must declare any pre-existing medical conditions and this includes having your gallbladder removed.
My GP said I should not to travel at the moment. I don’t mind paying a higher premium – would you insure me?

Regrettably, no. If your doctor has advised you not to travel there’s probably a good reason for it. So with this in mind we can’t cover you.
As I have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), it is really necessary to get travel insurance?

While it’s not a legal requirement to purchase travel insurance, you are certainly taking an unnecessary gamble with your health by travelling without insurance. Although it’s true that the EHIC card will cover any medical treatment you need in countries where the reciprocal health agreement is in place, it will not cover you for extra accommodation or missed flights due to any medical emergencies.

It’s also worth noting that the National Health Service (NHS) advises all travellers to buy adequate travel insurance, using the EHIC as additional cover only.
Would you cover the cancellation of my holiday if I suddenly couldn’t go due to gallstone pain?

Yes you would be covered should a medical emergency prevent you from travelling. This is, of course, as long as you have declared any pre-existing medical conditions to us before purchasing your travel insurance and they have been accepted by our underwriter.