Download our leaflet
Travel Advice (440 KB)
Using medical appliances for your stoma and continence needs should not affect your ability to lead a normal life and that includes travel. Below are some handy tips for you to consider when travelling with a stoma.
It’s a good idea to make a checklist of your items before you travel. For a hassle-free journey, it’s crucial to obtain a travel certificate and fill in the details before your trip, especially if you’re travelling abroad. This document serves as a clear explanation to airport security about your stoma equipment, potentially reducing any unnecessary stress or delays.
If you have a Colostomy, it is a good idea to take some drainable bags with you to use if you experience loose output. If you experience any issues with bags sticking correctly, take extra products with you. Change your bag more frequently if you plan on going swimming or spending long periods in the water. It is wise to spread your supplies between your and your partner’s hand luggage, just in case your case gets lost in transit.
Ensure you follow regulations for carrying fluids/pastes/lotions. Ensure your scissors are packed in hold luggage. You will need to pre-cut any bags you may need for the flight. If you remove the stoma bags from the boxes and package them in zip-lock bags, they will take up less space.
Prior to your travel, it’s essential to reach out to the airline during the booking process. This proactive step allows them to arrange any necessary support and accommodations, such as extra hand luggage or an aisle seat near a toilet, ensuring a more comfortable journey for you.
When going through airport security, you may be asked to show the contents of your hand luggage. If you wish, you can ask to be taken to a more secluded area. It is a good idea to take a travel certificate with you. This will explain to the airport security officer that you are carrying stoma equipment.
Please follow current airline guidelines for carrying fluids. The scanner at the airport may pick up your stoma bag. You shouldn’t be asked to show your bag in public, remove clothing, or remove your bag. However, having a stoma doesn’t exclude you from the normal searches required by airport security. If security wants to examine you, you can ask to be taken to a private room.
There is a slight chance that your stoma bag might inflate or balloon when flying due to changes in cabin pressure.
Avoid food and drink that can cause excess wind, but don’t avoid eating before travelling; make sure you drink plenty of fluids. Once you are able, you can empty or change your bag in the plane toilet. If you have a Colostomy, you may want to wear a drainable bag when flying. Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your bag.
This can vary from one person to another and may depend on how long it has to recover from surgery. You need to be recovered from the operation before attempting to drive, which may take 4-6 weeks. You need to be able to move easily, be pain-free, and carry out an emergency stop.
Your Surgeon may advise when he feels it is appropriate for you to return to driving. If you have had keyhole surgery, you may be able to drive sooner. It is always a good idea to let your insurance company know that you have had abdominal surgery. Having a stoma does not stop you from driving. It would be best to wear your seatbelt at all times. There is no seatbelt exemption for people with stomas.
RADAR operates a key scheme to enable access to disabled toilets throughout the UK. You can obtain a RADAR key by calling 0800 378 846 or ask our Customer Service team for more information.
Fittleworth produces a handy pocket-sized stoma travel certificate, sometimes known as a stoma passport, which explains, in various languages, what your ostomy appliances and medications are for and why you are carrying them.
This can help to avoid awkward questions at customs checkpoints. It also ensures that any form of examination takes place in complete privacy. These are available free of charge to customers, simply request one from our Customer Service team or register as a new patient.
You can get travel insurance if you have a stoma, but it may be more expensive than you have previously paid. Only attempt to travel with insurance, as it can be costly if you need medical help abroad without it.
When buying travel insurance, it’s crucial to reveal any pre-existing medical conditions, recent surgeries, and ongoing treatments. This step is vital as it guarantees that your policy will adequately cover your specific medical needs. Remember to compare prices, as they can vary. Associations like Colostomy UK, The Ileostomy Association, and the Urostomy Association may be able to offer advice on companies offering more competitive rates.
If you are travelling within the EU there are reciprocal agreements which entitle you to free emergency treatment while abroad. To claim this you can apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which replaced the E111 form.
This card entitles the holder to state-provided medical treatment. To find out more and to register for a card, call 0845 606 2030 or visit www.ehic.org.uk. You may also be able to receive free or subsidised healthcare if you are travelling outside the EU provided that the country in question has a reciprocal healthcare agreement with the UK.
There are many countries which offer this including Australia, Barbados and New Zealand. The rules vary from country to country, and you will need to provide proof of your status as a UK resident such as your passport or driving licence. For a full list of countries and the different rules for each, visit www.nhs.gov.uk/healthcareabroad.
It is always best to be prepared and ensure you order your bags in good time and the correct quantities if you are going on holiday. You can request an extra month’s supply so that you have enough to take with you and have some for your return.
Take extra supplies so you have plenty if you have problems with the bags sticking in hot weather. You may be able to obtain emergency supplies from a local hospital or chemist; they may be different from the products you are using, but they may be similar.
Fittleworth has a service called World Assist Alliance. This service assists people abroad with emergency supplies of stoma bags and catheters in certain countries. This service does not send supplies to your destination before your arrival, nor does it send an emergency supply from the UK to your stay. The emergency products are obtained from a supplier in the country you are staying in. These products may not be the same, but they will be similar to what you use.
Fittleworth is an exclusive UK member of the World Assist alliance: a service that assists people whilst abroad with emergency supplies of stoma bags and catheters in certain countries.
This service does not send supplies to your destination ahead of your arrival, nor does it send an emergency supply from the UK to where you are staying. Emergency products are obtained from a supplier within the country you are staying in, and these products may not be the same but similar to those you are using.
Simply call your normal Fittleworth contact number with your details and we will do the rest.
Terms and Conditions apply, please see our leaflet for full information, or contact our World Assist Alliance Customer Services team on 01903 731244.
Travel Advice (440 KB)