Travelling With A Stoma

Having a stoma doesn't mean putting your travel plans on hold. Whether you're planning a weekend city break, a beach holiday, or a long-haul adventure, thousands of people with a stoma travel confidently every year - and with the right preparation, so can you.

This guide brings together everything you need to know before you go, from packing your supplies and navigating airports, to documentation, insurance, and getting the most out of your time away.

How to prepare for travelling with a stoma

If you’re feeling a little apprehensive about your first trip away with a stoma, that’s completely understandable. Planning ahead is the best way to build your confidence and ensure everything goes smoothly. Here are some key things to think about before you travel:

• Make a checklist. Write down everything you’ll need and tick it off as you pack. It’s easy to forget something when you’re excited about a trip.
• Pack more than you think you’ll need. Take at least double your usual supply of stoma products. In warmer climates, changes in temperature and activity levels can mean you need to change your appliance more frequently than usual.
• Download helpful travel apps before you leave home - translators, offline maps, and local pharmacy finders can all be invaluable when you’re somewhere unfamiliar.
• Research your destination. It’s worth knowing in advance where the nearest pharmacist or medical centre is, just in case.

What documents do I need to travel with a stoma?: Medilink® Travel Certificate & Documentation

Always carry your Medilink® Travel Certificate when travelling. This is an official document that explains your medical condition and stoma care requirements to airport security staff, customs officials, and medical professionals - and it’s available in a wide range of languages, including:

• Arabic
• Croatian
• English
• French
• German
• Greek
• Polish
• Portuguese
• Spanish
• Turkish
• Welsh

As part of the Medilink® service, you can request the travel certificate from Medilink® by calling 0800 626388 or email enquiries@saltsmedilink.co.uk

Travel Insurance for ostomates: what do I need to know?

Before you travel, check that your holiday insurance policy covers your medical history and any pre-existing conditions, including your stoma. It’s important not to assume this is included automatically - contact your insurer directly if you’re unsure.

Travelling in Europe? Make sure you also have a valid UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) - the replacement for the EHIC - which entitles you to free or reduced-cost state medical treatment in most European countries. This is recommended alongside travel insurance, not instead of it.

You can apply for your GHIC online at www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-uk-global-health-insurance-card-ghic/ or by calling 0300 330 1350.

Airport Advice for Ostomates

Airports can feel stressful at the best of times, and travelling with medical supplies adds an extra layer of things to think about. A little preparation goes a long way.

• Liquids and security. Standard airport rules restrict liquids to containers of 100ml or less in your hand luggage. Where possible, opt for wipes rather than sprays for items like adhesive removers or barrier films. If you do need to carry larger liquid volumes for medical reasons, contact your airline in advance.
• Pack scissors in your hold luggage. Better still, have your wafers pre-cut before your trip - Medilink® offers a free wafer cutting service, so you don’t need to worry about this at all.
• Hidden Disabilities Lanyards. Many UK airports now offer a lanyard scheme for passengers with a hidden disability or medical condition. Wearing one discreetly signals to staff that you may need additional support, without you having to explain your situation. Ask at the airport whether this service is available.

You can also download the Hidden Disabilities Airport Support Report by the Civil Aviation Authority for further information.

DOWNLOAD HERE

How to pack your stoma supplies for holiday

How you pack your stoma supplies can make a real difference to your peace of mind throughout the journey.

• Split your supplies between bags. Keep a proportion in your carry-on hand luggage and the rest in your checked baggage - that way, if one bag is delayed or lost, you’re never without what you need.
• Ask about additional hand luggage allowances. Some airlines will permit an extra bag for medical supplies if accompanied by a letter from your GP. It’s worth checking with your airline before you travel.
• Think about your itinerary. Different activities may call for different bag sizes. Medilink® supplies all sizes - you might want a higher-capacity bag for a long-haul flight, and a smaller, more discreet option for swimming or active days out.

Medicines, prescriptions and your Medilink® Priority Card

Being organised with your medications and documentation before you travel can save a lot of stress further down the line. Here are a few essentials to sort before you go:

• It is handy to get a copy of your prescription from your GP to take with you on your travels.
• Carry your ‘No Waiting’ Medilink® Priority Card with you so that you can use this in case of a toilet emergency. It’s also a quick reference for your Medilink® Personal Number and the useful contact details, in case you need to get in touch.

Please contact your GP, stoma or urology nurse or call NHS 111 for advice if you are at all concerned.

Travelling with a stoma is something thousands of people do every day, all over the world. With the right preparation and the support of the Medilink® team behind you, there's no reason your condition should hold you back from the adventures you want to have. If you have any questions or need help with your supplies ahead of your trip, don't hesitate to get in touch with us on FREEPHONE 0800 626388 or email enquiries@saltsmedilink.co.uk.