How to buy travel insurance if you have Crohn’s disease
It is still possible to get travel insurance if you have Crohn’s disease, but there are a few extra things to consider. Our Q&A helps to explain all you need to know.
Key takeaways
Even is your Chrohns disease isn't severe, make sure to disclose it to your insurer to avoid invalidating your policy
Consider that medical costs differ from country to country
You may need a letter from your doctor, including a fit-to-fly letter, stating your ability to travel
Arrive early at the airport if carrying medication in hand luggage
Crohn’s disease is a lifelong condition and is believed to affect more than 100,000 people in the UK. However, it doesn’t have to be a barrier to travel. Here, we answer some of the most common questions from those living with Crohn’s.
Can I get travel insurance if I have Crohn’s disease?
Yes, but because Crohn’s is classed as a pre-existing medical condition, you may need a specialist policy to get covered for your next holiday.
It is important to disclose any conditions you have during your travel insurance application process to ensure you are covered should anything happen during your holiday and you need treatment.
Should I tell my insurer that I have Crohn’s disease?
As with all pre-existing conditions, you’ll need to tell your insurer you have Crohn’s disease when you get your quote. Let them know even if it isn’t a severe case, otherwise your policy is likely to be invalid.
You’ll be asked about your medical history when you take out your policy. This is where you should let the insurer know you have Crohn’s.
What does your insurance provider need to know?
It is likely that most insurance providers will have their own screening process when it comes to discussing your Crohn’s disease. Although this can seem intrusive, it’s important to be honest. This way, your condition will be properly covered by the policy.
Questions may include how many operations you’ve had and when, what medication you are on, when you last experienced any symptoms, and whether you’ve recently been admitted to hospital. They may also ask you whether you are waiting for the results of any tests or investigations.
What happens when I tell my insurer I have Crohn’s?
Once you have given them the information about your condition, the potential insurer will either
refuse to cover any medical costs relating to Crohn’s but cover you as standard for any other issues that may arise during your travels
offer cover but add restrictions to your policy
offer full cover with a higher premium and/or higher excess
decline your application
What will my travel insurance policy cover?
Once your policy is in place, you should be covered for the same criteria as a standard travel insurance policy.
This normally includes coverage for medical emergencies and repatriation, baggage claims, cancellation or lost or stolen cash.
It might also extend to personal liability and legal protection, connection flight cover and gadget cover, or you can often add these as additional cover to your policy.
Am I limited in where I can travel because I have Crohn’s?
No, but because medical costs differ from country to country, you should think carefully before setting your maximum cover limit.
You need your travel insurance for Crohn’s disease to be high enough to cover potential medical bills. But the higher the cover limit, the higher your premium.
Will I need a letter from my doctor before I can travel?
You may require a letter from your doctor stating you’re able to travel, sometimes this may include a fit to fly letter from your GP. Check the terms of your travel insurance policy.
Will a GHIC help if I am travelling with Crohn’s disease?
An EHIC - and its new replacement the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) - allows you to access state-provided healthcare in EU countries on the same terms as a local resident. This may mean a reduced cost or sometimes for free. UK residents can still get a free GHIC through the NHS and it will continue to be accepted, even though the UK is no longer part of the EU.
But it is not a replacement for travel insurance, and it will not cover you for treatment at a private hospital.
If you need treatment, head to a state medical facility first and then tell your insurance provider. You’ll then be advised on what additional private treatment might be covered by your policy.
What else do I need to consider when travelling with Crohn’s disease?
Make sure you keep your policy and your insurance provider’s contact details to hand when you are on your trip. If you change travel plans, be sure to update your insurer so it can be reflected in the policy.
You may also need a doctor’s letter. In fact, you should always have clear instructions of the medication you need to take while you are on your travels.
Make sure you have enough medication to see you through your trip and take note of when you need to take your medication. This is particularly important if you are travelling through and visiting countries in different time zones.
If you need to transport the medication in your hand luggage while flying, arrive at the airport early. This way, you can explain the situation as necessary.
Will I be covered by travel insurance for Crohn’s disease if I’m still waiting for treatment?
The truth is that there is no universal answer to this question – each insurer has their own policies. But overall, you may find it more difficult to get cover if you’re awaiting tests, results, or treatment.
Some insurers will only offer limited cover. Others, instead, could offer you more protection. Therefore, make sure to compare multiple options and choose the one that best fits your needs.
Travel cover with pre-existing medical conditions
Travel insurance lets you explore the world with confidence, even with a pre-existing medical condition such as diabetes or cancer – as long as you tell your insurer about it. We can show you prices from a panel of specialist insurers that offer medical travel insurance covering a wide range of medical conditions to ensure you’ll be covered should a condition flare up while you’re away.
If you're still struggling to find suitable cover, the MoneyHelper website provides a list of specialist insurers to help you get adequate cover, or you can call the British Insurance Brokers Association on 0370 950 1790.
Compare travel insurance for Crohn’s disease sufferers
Comparing travel insurance quotes on MoneySuperMarket is a quick and easy way to find cover. Just tell us a little about yourself, including any pre-existing medical conditions you have. Let us know where you’re going and how long for, and we’ll search the market for a list of deals.
You’ll be able to compare quotes by the overall price you’ll pay, the level of cover you’ll get, and the excess payment required to make a claim. Once you’ve found the one you want, just click through to the provider’s website to finalise your purchase.
As with any insurance policy, keep in mind the cheapest quote isn’t always the best. You should try to balance the cost with the cover you’ll get, so you know you have the protection you need at the best available price.
