IBS Travel Insurance

Why use our IBS travel insurance?

IBS relates to a collection of symptoms that affect the colon or large intestine. According to the UK charity, The IBS Network, around one third of the UK population will get IBS at some stage in their lives.

It can cause abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation, erratic bowel movement and bloating of the abdomen. The National Health Service (NHS) says that symptoms make their first appearance between the ages of 20 and 30, often during times of stress or as a result of eating certain food. There is no cure for IBS, but it is possible to manage the symptoms by changing your lifestyle and diet.

On the bright side, being diagnosed with IBS should not prevent you from going on holiday. Providing your doctor has said you are fit enough to travel, we are happy to consider you for travel insurance. Simply complete our medical screening process online or via our friendly team of travel insurance specialists on 0800 033 4902 to see what level of cover we can offer you.

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Why do I need travel insurance for irritable bowel syndrome?

The short answer is to make sure that you are well looked after in the event of a medical emergency while away. We are a leading over 50s medical travel insurance provider, meaning you’ll have peace of mind so you can concentrate on enjoying your holiday.

Our policies include cancellation cover, extra flights and accommodation for both you and your travel companion, children or grandchildren if you have a medical emergency related to irritable bowel syndrome.

Furthermore, we can replace any lost or stolen medication that you need for IBS while away.

Tips for travelling with IBS

• Talk to your doctor about your travel plans beforehand if you have any health concerns
• If travelling by plane try and get an aisle seat near the toilet
• Learn the words for ‘where is the toilet?’ in the language of the country you are visiting. Alternatively, apply for the ‘Can’t Wait Card’ from the IBS Network here, which is translated into several languages and may help you get toilet access quicker in a foreign country.
• While on holiday have regular meals and take your time when eating
• Drink at least eight cups of fluid a day, especially water and non-caffeinated drinks
• Don’t drink more than three cups of tea or coffee a day
• Lower the amount of fizzy drinks and alcohol you drink
• Reducing stress helps lower the frequency and severity of IBS, so make sure you relax on holiday and don’t overdo it
• Other stress reducing activities include yoga, Pilates or Tai Chi. Alternatively, walking, running or swimming may help
• Take enough medicine for the length of your trip and some extra just in case you are delayed
• Write the names and doses down of any medicine you are taking and keep them somewhere safe like in your wallet or purse. That way if you lose any you can replace it quickly
• For eating tips to help manage your IBS, visit the NHS
• 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 it doesn’t cover other things, such as the cost of being flown back to the UK. Apply online here or call 0300 3301350.