Whether you’re planning a short break or a long-haul trip, travelling with a stoma is entirely possible with a little bit of preparation. At CliniMed, we’re here to help you travel comfortably, confidently, and stress-free.
Travel and holidays
Can I travel with a stoma?
You absolutely can travel if you have a stoma, in fact it’s easier than you think. We will answer some of the most common questions around travelling with a stoma and our guidance for a stress-free trip.
Learn what travel documentation you need, getting through airport security and travel insurance. See how many supplies we recommend taking, advice for storing supplies and our packing checklist with holiday essentials. Plus, download your free travel certificate to help explain your condition and medical supplies.
Preparing for your trip
Travelling with a stoma starts with a little bit of extra planning. From requesting extra supplies to researching your destination’s facilities, preparation helps ensure you can relax and enjoy your journey.
It sounds obvious but make sure you have enough supplies, in fact more than enough. It is better to have too many than not enough when staying away from home. A good guide is to pack twice your usual amount.
It’s also important to check how your stoma care products should be stored before you leave too. Stoma bags and accessories should be stored in a cool dark place to ensure they continue to work effectively.
Packing checklist
Travel documents
Passport, travel insurance, visa (if required) and travel certificate.
Usual supplies (twice the amount)
Stoma bags, any accessories you use (e.g. adhesive removers, flange extenders, mouldable seals), disposal bags and wet wipes.
Holiday essentials
Spare clothes, toiletries, wash bag and sun cream (if applicable).
Airport security with a stoma
To make airport security as simple and stress-free as possible, we recommend taking a list of all of your medications (including dosage and frequency) and a travel certificate. A travel certificate (also called a stoma passport) is a helpful tool that helps to explain your condition and why you need your supplies.
We offer a free, downloadable travel certificate that in English and translated into 10 additional languages.
If you are worried about airport security, you can find out what your rights are at the airport online.
Flying with a stoma bag
Flying with a stoma can feel daunting, especially if you’re travelling for the first time since surgery. Use these five tips to help the process feel easier:
Carry your stoma supplies in your hand luggage if you can – that way you have what you need if your checked bag gets lost!
See if your stoma accessories are available in wipe format, this will help with the 100ml liquid rule for some airports
Just like a usual holiday, read the baggage rules and restrictions for your airline
Before you get on the flight, change your pouch (if using a closed pouch) or empty your pouch (if using a drainable or urostomy pouch)
Consider access to the on flight toilet facilities when choosing a seat
Travel insurance with a stoma
Use these tips to help you find the best travel insurance:
Use comparison websites to help you compare insurance options and find the best policy
Declare your stoma and any other pre-existing conditions, even if they are unrelated – not declaring this can make your insurance void
Look into specialist medical insurers. They ask more questions to understand your condition and determine how much cover you really need
Use the British Insurance Brokers Association’s (BIBA) Travel Medical Directory to find approved specialist providers
Medical support in Europe
If you need medical assistance and you are travelling to a country in the EU, or Switzerland, you can use your UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This card gives you access to state-provided healthcare, including emergency treatment, visits to A&E and routine maternity care.
Your UK GHIC card will replace the existing European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). You can use your EHIC card until it expires.
If you don’t have a GHIC card you can request one via the NHS website. It may take some time for your card to be delivered so request this as early as possible.
Key takeaways
You can travel with a stoma! You just need to prepare a little bit more before your trip
Take double your usual amount of supplies so you have more than you need
Travel certificates make airport security easier by explaining your condition and supplies
Take your stoma supplies in your hand luggage if possible
Make sure to declare your stoma (and any other conditions) when buying travel insurance
UK Global Health Insurance Card and European Health Insurance Card give you access to state-provided healthcare in EU countries and Switzerland
Support and further reading
Find lots of helpful tips and downloadable guides to make travelling with a stoma stress free.
Diet and nutrition guide
Wondering what foods you should avoid with a stoma? This free, downloadable guide offers dietary advice for people with a stoma.
How to care for the skin around your stoma
Discover routines and products that can help maintain healthy peristomal skin, provide comfort and prevent complications.
Hydration guide
This guide developed by Stoma Care Nurses, Kevin Hayles and Louise Harrison explores the importance of hydration and the impact on your stoma.
Stoma travel FAQs
Being on an aeroplane shouldn’t have any impact on your stoma, or your stoma bag. It is a myth that your stoma bag inflates.
Yes, you can swim in the ocean, swimming pool or hot tub with a stoma. Stoma bags are made from strong, waterproof materials so your bag will not come off.
For extra security, we recommend the CliniMed range of flange extenders, HydroFrame or UltraFrame.
Request free samples of our flange extenders before your trip to see if they work for you!
The heat shouldn’t impact your stoma bag. You may find that the adhesive doesn’t last as long as it usually does and you need to change your bag more regularly.
Carry double the amount of supplies and pouches with you for your trip so you are prepared.
In most cases, drinking alcohol with a stoma is perfectly safe. Remember to drink responsibly and alternate alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to help to avoid dehydration.
Tip – Some alcoholic beverages can cause excess wind, for example beer/lager and sparkling wines.
Yes, you can sunbathe with a stoma bag. Remember to apply sun cream to protect your skin and do this once your pouch has been applied instead of before.
Drink plenty of fluids while you are out in the sun to avoid dehydration.