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.
Do you need travel insurance for a hernia?
If you have a hernia and are jetting off on holiday, we want to make sure you have the best cover available. Most standard travel insurance policies don’t cover unexpected medical bills, and although hernias can be relatively symptomless they can often need treatment unexpectedly.
So whatever stage your hernia is at - or even if you’ve had one in the past - make sure you’re covered so you can enjoy your holiday without worrying about it.
Before you book, get the all-clear from your GP that you’re fit to fly. Advice from the NHS tells us that even with approval from your doctor, you should wait at least 48 hours before flying after keyhole surgery, or 10 days after an open surgical operation.
The good news? Finding travel insurance after a hernia operation (or if you haven’t yet had surgery) is easy with Medical Travel Compared. We’ve partnered with over 30 specialist providers to give you the best choice of policies - at the best prices.
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What does hernia travel insurance typically cover?
Whether you’ve had a hernia in the past, or are post-surgery, here’s what you’ll usually find included in a hernia travel insurance policy:
- Emergency medical expenses and repatriation - if you need medical attention because of your hernia, or have to be repatriated back to the UK in an emergency
- Lost, stolen or damaged personal belongings - including medication
- Cancellation and curtailment - insurance will cover you if you have to cancel your holiday or cut it short (usually for a medical reason)
- Travel delay - this isn’t always included, so check your policy
- Personal liability - if you cause accidental damage to someone else’s property or another person
Not every insurance company offers full cover for people with a hernia condition. But we’ve teamed up with specialist providers to help you find cover that does and the best part is that it’s really easy to compare all these in one place.
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Need a little extra? No problem - we can help you find a range of add-ons for your cover, depending on the type of trip you’re taking and your needs. These can include:
Do I have to declare a hernia on my travel insurance?
If you don’t tell your travel insurance provider about your hernia, you’re leaving yourself at risk of having to pay unexpected costs. Say your condition means you can’t fly, or it gets worse while you’re away and you need urgent medical attention. Without specialist cover, you might still have to pay for your holiday even if you can’t go on it, or find the money for medical bills and flights back home if you’re away.
Despite all this, we know the last thing you want is a long, complicated survey of questions. So we’ve designed our online medical screening tool to make telling us about your condition quick and fuss-free. The types of questions you might be asked include:
- What kind of hernia do you have? (e.g. hiatus, diaphragmatic, inguinal, etc.)
- Has your hernia been corrected by surgery?
- Have you ever had a procedure to widen a narrowing of the oesophagus (food pipe)?
Remember, we ask these questions to help you find the right cover for your health condition.
Tips and considerations for travelling with a hernia
Been given the all-clear by your doctor? Here are our top tips on how to keep yourself safe while you’re away.
- Consider the activity level of your holiday - don’t commit to anything too strenuous.
- Make sure you have enough medication to last the length of your trip - plus a few days extra, in case you’re delayed.
- Research the location of where you’re staying - are there reliable medical facilities, should you need them?
- Plan your journey. Contact your airline if you’ll need any help with your luggage at the airport, and think about whether getting a taxi would be better than using busy public transport.
- Double-check you’ve told your insurance provider about your condition, and have travel insurance with hernia cover in place.
For more travel advice, visit Hernia.org.
Get cheap hernia travel insurance quotes from specialist providers
Getting the right cover for your condition will give you the peace of mind you need to focus on the important things, like enjoying your holiday.
With us, finding a quote that works for you and your needs is quick and easy. From telling us about your condition to adding any optional extras for your trip, we’re with you every step of the way.
And because we partner with over 30 specialist providers, you can rest assured that you’ll have a great range of options to choose from.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, we recommend getting travel insurance if you have a hernia or have had surgery in the past. A standard travel insurance policy typically does not cover medical expenses related to pre-existing conditions like hernias, which could leave you vulnerable if you need medical attention while abroad.
Hernia travel insurance can help cover emergency medical expenses and can give you peace of mind when you travel.
Our hernia travel insurance policies often include the following:
- Emergency medical expenses and repatriation if your hernia requires treatment or you need to return to the UK in an emergency.
- Lost, stolen, or damaged personal belongings, including medications.
- Cancellation or curtailment costs if you need to cancel or cut short your trip due to your condition.
Always check individual policies for exact details to ensure your specific needs are met.
Definitely! You can extend your policy with optional extras, like:
- Gadget cover for phones, laptops, or cameras.
- Cruise cover if your trip involves travelling by sea.
- Winter sports cover if you plan to hit the slopes.
Ask your provider about the extras available and whether they match your holiday plans.
Yes, declaring your hernia and any other pre-existing medical condition you may have, is essential. If you don’t tell your insurer about your hernia and related medical history, you might not be covered for unexpected situations related to the condition. Declaring it is simple with our online medical screening tool, which asks straightforward questions such as:
- What type of hernia do you have (e.g., hiatus, inguinal)?
- Have you had surgery for it?
By declaring your condition, you can ensure you get the right cover for your trip.
Yes. We can help you find travel insurance for many different types of hernia conditions, including:
- Diaphragmatic hernia
- Herniated vertebral disc
- Hiatus hernia
- Inguinal (groin) hernia
Yes, it is possible to find affordable travel insurance that covers hernia-related medical conditions. Many insurers offer competitive policies tailored to individual needs. Get a quote
If you have a hernia, it’s important to get clearance from your GP before travelling. Guidelines from the NHS suggest waiting at least 48 hours after keyhole surgery or 10 days after open surgery before flying. Your doctor can provide advice tailored to your specific condition.
For more guidance on travelling after an operation, read our guide here.
Yes, it’s possible to enjoy an activity holiday even if you have a hernia, but it’s essential to take precautions. Consult with your GP before planning any strenuous activities to ensure they are suitable for your condition.
High-impact or heavy-lifting activities may need to be avoided, depending on the type and severity of your hernia. Instead, consider low-impact options such as walking, swimming, or gentle yoga, which are often safer choices.
Always prioritise your health and listen to your body while enjoying your trip.
Generally, having a hernia does not mean you cannot travel, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind to ensure a safe and comfortable experience. Before travelling, consult with your GP or healthcare provider to confirm that you are fit to travel, particularly if you’ve recently undergone surgery for your hernia.
Start by using our online comparison tool to compare quotes from trusted providers. It’s quick and easy—no paperwork or endless phone calls. Find your policy today and travel with confidence.
* Price is based on 1 traveller aged 61, who has declared Hernia and is travelling to France for 7 nights. The price is correct as of January 2025. Prices may vary according to your individual requirements.
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If we're unable to help you find cover for a pre-existing medical condition, the Money Helper Directory has listings of companies that may be able to assist you. Further details can be found on their website.