Tommy has over 15 years experience within the insurance industry, and his primary focus is helping travellers find the right cover for their medical conditions.
Can I Get Travel Insurance if I Have Colitis?
Absolutely, living with a condition like Ulcerative Colitis doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the joys and memories that come with travelling. Whether you have been recently diagnosed or have lived with the condition for years, providers can review your symptoms, treatment, and management programme when assessing your application to offer the fairest, best options for your upcoming trip.
Research shows that 1 in 123 people in the UK live with Crohn’s or Colitis, a number that is also growing. Colitis can be manageable, but symptoms can change over time, and every person's condition presents differently, so insurers may need to understand how your Colitis is currently managed when assessing your application.
If you’re looking for information on another inflammatory bowel condition, then you may find our Crohn’s travel insurance page useful. Alternatively, take a look at our pre-existing conditions page for a variety of information on other medical conditions.
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Why Do I Need Specialist Travel Insurance for Colitis?
Travelling with Colitis can bring extra considerations, especially if you're managing ongoing symptoms, taking medication, or receiving regular treatment. While standard travel insurance policies may offer some cover, they often exclude claims related to pre-existing medical conditions unless you've declared them and the insurer has accepted them.
Specialist travel insurance for colitis is designed to account for your condition. This means you may be covered for emergency medical treatment abroad, flare-ups that require medical attention during your trip, and, where included under your policy terms, cancellation or curtailment if your condition prevents you from travelling.
What Does Colitis Travel Insurance Typically Cover?
The level of Colitis cover can vary between insurers, but specialist travel insurance for colitis is designed to protect travellers with a declared pre-existing medical condition. Once your Colitis has been disclosed and accepted by the insurer, a policy may typically cover:
- Emergency Medical Treatment: Cover in case you need emergency medical treatment
- Cancellation and Curtailment: Compensation if your condition prevents you from travelling or forces you to cut your trip short.
- Emergency Repatriation: If you need to be returned home for medical reasons.
- Lost or Delayed Medication: Replacement or compensation for lost or delayed medication.
- Personal Belongings and Baggage: Cover to protect you if your luggage, personal items, or travel documents are lost, stolen, or accidentally damaged during your trip.
What Will I Be Asked During Medical Screening?
When applying for travel insurance with Colitis, you'll usually need to complete a medical screening questionnaire. This helps insurers understand your condition and offer cover that reflects your individual circumstances.
You may be asked questions about:
- Whether you have Ulcerative Colitis or another form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- When you were first diagnosed
- Any recent flare-ups, symptoms, or hospital admissions
- Current medications and treatments
- Whether you've had any surgery related to your condition
- Any planned tests, investigations, or consultations
- Whether your condition is stable and under control
- Any other medical conditions you have in addition to colitis
My Guide to Travelling with Ulcerative Colitis
Dr Sarah Jarvis is the Clinical Director of the Patient Platform, an active medical writer, broadcaster, and the resident doctor for BBC Radio 2.
While having Ulcerative Colitis shouldn’t stop you from travelling, it could ruin your holiday if you discover certain aspects aren’t accessible to you. In this guide, I share my top tips for travelling with Colitis.
With tips on things to consider before you go, travelling with medications, and advice on how to make the most of your time away, these simple precautions can help you have the holiday you deserve.
READ MORE: Travelling with Ulcerative Colitis
Tips for Travelling with Colitis
Having Colitis doesn't mean you have to miss out on exploring new destinations. With a little preparation, you can enjoy your trip with greater confidence and peace of mind.
- Pack enough medication for your entire trip, plus extra in case of travel delays.
- Keep medications in your hand luggage and carry a copy of your prescription or a doctor's letter if required.
- Research medical facilities at your destination before you travel, particularly if you're visiting a remote area.
- Plan for flare-ups by knowing where toilet facilities are likely to be when travelling or sightseeing.
- Stay hydrated, especially in hot climates or if you're experiencing symptoms.
- Be mindful of food and drink choices if certain foods are known to trigger your symptoms.
- Consider travel-friendly accommodations with easy access to facilities and flexible dining options.
- Take out specialist travel insurance and ensure your Colitis and any related conditions have been fully declared before travelling.
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Compare Quotes from Specialist Colitis Travel Insurance Providers
Finding travel insurance with Colitis doesn't have to be complicated. At Medical Travel Compared, you can quickly compare quotes from 30+ specialist travel insurance providers, helping you find cover that suits your medical needs and travel plans.
Our simple online comparison service allows you to compare a range of policies in minutes, including options designed for travellers with pre-existing medical conditions such as Ulcerative Colitis. By comparing multiple providers in one place, you can save both time and money while finding cover that offers the protection you need.
Get a quoteFrequently Asked Questions
Yes, many insurers offer travel insurance for people with Ulcerative Colitis. You'll usually need to declare your condition and complete a medical screening questionnaire when applying.
Yes, Colitis is generally considered a pre-existing medical condition by travel insurance providers. This means you'll usually need to declare your diagnosis, along with any related symptoms, treatments, medications, or recent flare-ups, when applying for cover.
It can. Travel insurance premiums are based on factors such as your age, destination, trip length, and overall health, and having Colitis may increase the cost of cover.
Yes, it may still be possible to get travel insurance if you've recently had surgery related to Colitis. Insurers will typically ask for details about the procedure, when it took place, any ongoing treatment or follow-up appointments, and whether you've fully recovered.
If you don't declare your Colitis when applying for travel insurance, your insurer may refuse to cover claims related to your condition. In some cases, failing to disclose a pre-existing medical condition could result in a claim being rejected or your policy being invalidated altogether.
It may be possible to travel during a Colitis flare-up, but it's important to speak with your GP or specialist before you go. Travelling while symptoms are active can increase the risk of needing medical treatment abroad, and some insurers may restrict travel if your condition isn't considered stable at the time of booking or departure.
* Price is based on 1 traveller aged 61, who has declared Ulcerative colitis and is travelling to France for 7 nights. The price is correct as of August 2026. Prices may vary according to your individual requirements.
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