Travel insurance for ulcerative colitis

Can you get travel insurance if you have ulcerative colitis?

Yes, you can get travel insurance if you have ulcerative colitis. Having the condition doesn't automatically mean you can't get cover. You'll just need to tell us about your ulcerative colitis when completing our medical screening questions.

According to Crohn's & Colitis Ireland, around 50,000 people in Ireland live with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

At JustCover, we have over 20 years of experience helping people with pre-existing medical conditions find suitable travel insurance.

Depending on your policy and medical screening, your cover could include:

• Unexpected flare-ups: Emergency treatment if your ulcerative colitis suddenly gets worse abroad.
• Hospital stays: Cover for eligible emergency hospital treatment and medical bills.
• Getting you home safely: Medical repatriation to Ireland if it's necessary and covered by your policy.

What about routine treatment? Travel insurance is designed for unexpected medical emergencies, so it won't cover planned appointments, routine treatment or elective procedures abroad.

Our aim is simple – to help you find suitable cover for your health needs, so you can spend less time worrying about insurance and more time looking forward to your holiday.

Why do you need travel insurance for ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis can be unpredictable, even when you're feeling well. An unexpected flare-up abroad could mean needing medical treatment, staying in hospital or cutting your holiday short.

Here's why having the right travel insurance matters:

• 16% experienced a flare-up while travelling: A study involving 94 people with IBD found that around 1 in 6 experienced a flare-up during international air travel.‍
• Up to 9% needed hospital care abroad: The 2026 European clinical consensus reported that between 4% and 9% of people with IBD in the studies reviewed needed hospital treatment while overseas.‍
• 60% faced financial difficulties: A report by Crohn's & Colitis Ireland found that 6 in 10 respondents living with IBD experienced financial difficulties because of their condition.

If your ulcerative colitis causes unexpected problems while you're away, travel insurance could help with:

• Emergency medical bills if you need treatment abroad.
• Hospital stays if a flare-up requires urgent care.
• Getting you home if medical repatriation is necessary.
• Cancelling your holiday if you're medically unfit to travel because of an unexpected flare-up.
• Coming home early if you need to cut your trip short.

At JustCover, we understand that everyone's experience with ulcerative colitis is different. That's why we ask about your health during medical screening, helping you find cover that suits your needs.

Why choose JustCover for ulcerative colitis Travel Insurance?

Living with ulcerative colitis can mean planning around your health, but finding suitable Travel Insurance shouldn't be another challenge. At JustCover, we understand that everyone's experience with the condition is different, which is why we help you find cover that reflects your individual needs.

Here's why travellers across Ireland choose us:

• Over 20 years of experience: We've been helping people with pre-existing medical conditions explore the world for more than two decades.
• 1,300+ medical conditions considered: From ulcerative colitis to other ongoing health conditions, we understand that your medical history is unique.
• Protection for unexpected flare-ups: Our policies can include emergency medical treatment, hospital stays and repatriation if your ulcerative colitis is accepted for cover.
• 24/7 emergency assistance: Medical support is just a phone call away if something unexpected happens while you're abroad.
• No upper age limit: Your age alone won't stop you from applying for our Single Trip or Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance.
• Rated highly by our customers: 98% of customers rate JustCover as 'Excellent' or 'Great'.¹

From answering your medical screening questions to choosing the right policy, we're here to make arranging Travel Insurance straightforward – no jargon, no hassle.

Can you get travel insurance for ulcerative colitis if you're having treatment or waiting for surgery?

You may still be able to get travel insurance if you're receiving treatment for ulcerative colitis or waiting for surgery. It depends on your individual circumstances, so it's important to tell us about your health when applying.

During medical screening, make sure you tell us if you:

• Have ongoing treatment: Take regular medication, including steroids, immunosuppressants or biologic therapies.
• Experience flare-ups: Have recently had symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea or bleeding.
• Have had surgery: Have undergone a colectomy, stoma formation or another procedure related to your condition.
• Are waiting for treatment: Have upcoming surgery, medical tests or investigations, or are waiting for results.
• Have other medical conditions: Live with Crohn's disease or another condition alongside ulcerative colitis.

Being on a waiting list doesn't automatically mean you can't get travel insurance. We'll assess your circumstances to see what cover may be available, although restrictions or exclusions could apply.

Remember, declaring your condition doesn't mean it's automatically covered. Always check that your ulcerative colitis and any related complications have been accepted before you travel.

How much does travel insurance cost for people with ulcerative colitis?

The cost of travel insurance for ulcerative colitis depends on your health and holiday plans. Everyone's circumstances are different, so your premium will be based on your individual needs.

Here's what can influence the price:

• Your age: Your age can affect the cost of your travel insurance.
• Your destination: Medical treatment can be more expensive in countries like the USA.
• Your trip length: Longer holidays may cost more to insure.
• Your medical history: Recent flare-ups, hospital stays and ongoing treatment can affect your premium.
• Your level of cover: The policy and optional extras you choose can influence the final price.

Want to know how much your cover could cost? Complete our straightforward online medical screening to get a personalised quote for your travel insurance.

Will an EHIC cover you abroad if you have ulcerative colitis?

Yes, your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can help with medically necessary public healthcare if you experience an ulcerative colitis flare-up while travelling in Europe. However, it doesn't cover everything, so it's important to have suitable Travel Insurance too.

If you're an Irish resident with a valid EHIC, you can access eligible state-provided healthcare in the EU, EEA, Switzerland and the UK, under the applicable local rules.

What won't your EHIC cover?

While your EHIC can help with certain medical costs, there are some important gaps:

• Private medical treatment: Your EHIC only applies to eligible state-provided healthcare. JustCover may cover private emergency treatment, depending on your policy.
• Medical repatriation: If you need to be brought home to Ireland following a serious flare-up, your EHIC won't pay for it. Suitable travel insurance may cover medically necessary repatriation.
• Holiday cancellations: If an unexpected flare-up means you're medically unfit to travel, your EHIC won't reimburse your holiday costs. Travel insurance may cover eligible cancellations.
• Cutting your trip short: Your EHIC won't reimburse unused accommodation or travel costs if you need to return home early. JustCover may cover these expenses for insured reasons.
• Treatment outside EHIC-covered countries: Travelling further afield? You'll need suitable travel insurance for eligible emergency medical expenses in destinations such as the USA or Australia.

Do you need both an EHIC and travel insurance?

The Department of Foreign Affairs recommends travelling with both a valid EHIC and comprehensive travel insurance. Your EHIC can help with eligible public healthcare costs, while travel insurance offers additional protection if an unexpected ulcerative colitis flare-up disrupts your holiday.

Before you go, make sure your ulcerative colitis has been declared and accepted for cover. Check your Policy Wording and exclusions so you know exactly what's included.

How do you travel with colitis medication and biologic treatments?

If you take regular medication for ulcerative colitis, a little preparation can help you manage your treatment while you're away. This is particularly important if you use biologic medicines that need to be kept at specific temperatures.

Before travelling, remember to:

• Pack enough medication: Bring sufficient supplies for your entire holiday, plus extra in case of unexpected delays.
• Keep medication in your hand luggage: This helps you access your treatment during your journey and reduces the risk of it going missing with checked baggage.
• Check storage requirements: Some biologic treatments need refrigeration. Speak to your pharmacist about suitable storage and transport options.
• Carry a medical letter: Ask your GP or specialist for a letter explaining your condition and listing your medication, particularly if you're carrying injections or medical equipment.
• Check destination rules: Some countries have restrictions on bringing medication into the country, so check before you travel.
• Review your travel insurance: Make sure your ulcerative colitis is declared and accepted for cover, and check any policy limits relating to medication.

Speak to your IBD team before travelling, especially if your treatment involves regular injections or hospital appointments.

What should you do if you experience an ulcerative colitis flare-up abroad?

An unexpected ulcerative colitis flare-up can be unsettling, especially when you're far from home. Knowing what to do beforehand can help you get the medical attention you need.

If your symptoms worsen while you're away, follow these steps:

1. Get medical help when needed: Don't delay seeking treatment if you experience severe abdominal pain, significant bleeding, dehydration or other concerning symptoms.
2. Contact our 24/7 emergency assistance team: Call the number in your policy documents as soon as possible, particularly if you need hospital treatment. In an emergency, seek immediate medical attention first.
3. Follow your treatment plan: If your IBD specialist has provided instructions for managing flare-ups, follow their advice and seek medical guidance if your symptoms change.
4. Keep your medical documents: Save hospital reports, prescriptions and receipts in case you need to make a travel insurance claim.
5. Check before changing your travel plans: If you need to extend your stay or return to Ireland early, contact our emergency assistance team to discuss the next steps.

Need help finding medical care abroad? IBD Passport provides travel information and resources for people living with inflammatory bowel disease.

Can you travel with a stoma after ulcerative colitis surgery?

Yes, many people travel with a stoma following ulcerative colitis surgery. Having an ileostomy or colostomy doesn't automatically mean you can't enjoy holidays abroad. However, it's worth making a few extra preparations before you leave.

Here are some practical tips:

• Declare your stoma: Tell us about your ulcerative colitis, stoma and any related medical conditions or complications during medical screening.
• Pack extra supplies: Eakin Ostomy Ireland recommends bringing twice your usual amount of stoma supplies to allow for unexpected delays.
• Keep essentials close: Carry stoma bags and other important supplies in your hand luggage. Coloplast Ireland also recommends splitting additional supplies between your hand luggage and checked baggage.
• Carry a travel certificate: The Irish Stoma Care Nurses Association recommends carrying a travel certificate to help explain your medical needs discreetly at airport security.
• Plan for warmer weather: Heat and sweating can affect how well your stoma pouch stays in place. Ask your stoma nurse about suitable products and staying hydrated.
• Check your travel insurance: Make sure your ulcerative colitis, stoma and any related complications have been declared and accepted for cover.

Recently had stoma surgery? Speak to your surgeon or stoma nurse before booking your holiday to check when it's suitable for you to travel.

Tips for travelling with ulcerative colitis

Before you travel

• Speak to your IBD specialist: Check that you're well enough to travel, especially if you've recently experienced a flare-up or changed medication.
• Check your vaccinations: Some live vaccines may not be suitable if you take immunosuppressants or certain biologic treatments. Speak to your doctor and check the HSE's travel vaccination guidance before travelling.
• Plan your toilet stops: Look into public toilets near your accommodation and attractions. A toilet-finder app or a Crohn's & Colitis Ireland No Wait Card may also be helpful.
• Pack a flare-up kit: Keep spare clothing, wipes, medication and other essentials within easy reach, particularly during long journeys.

While you're away

• Keep medication close: Carry essential ulcerative colitis medication in your hand luggage, ideally in its original packaging, and check any storage requirements.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially in warmer destinations. Follow local food and water safety advice to reduce the risk of stomach infections.
• Give yourself flexibility: Allow time for toilet breaks, meals and rest rather than packing too much into each day.
• Know who to call: Save JustCover's 24/7 emergency assistance number in your phone so it's easy to find if you need medical help abroad.