Your stoma shouldn't stop you from travelling. However, you may need a little extra preparation, especially in the beginning. Experiencing new things is often the reason for travelling — but when it comes to feeling secure and comfortable, it would be nice to keep the surprises to a minimum. Leaving your home base requires that you make some extra preparations for both your journey and stay – but it doesn't have to hold you back.
Travelling with a stoma
Bring a changing bag
Whether you are travelling by car, ferry, train, or plane, it is important to pack a small changing bag where you can keep extra pouches and any other supplies you may need with you.
How to avoid seat belt chaffing
If you travel by car you might find it helpful to bring a small cushion. Place it in your lap between the seat belt and your pouch. That way you can avoid having the seat belt rub against your pouch.
Do you need additional insurance?
Before you travel abroad, you need to check how your condition and circumstances are covered by your travel insurance policy. Maybe you need to look for additional insurance coverage – if so, make sure to declare your ostomy.
It shouldn't result in a large premium. The insurance company will probably be more concerned about the condition that led to your ostomy surgery in the first place. In any case, be sure to ask more than one insurance provider, as specialist insurance companies might save you a lot of money on travel insurance.
Sometimes, crossing a certain threshold (e.g. 12 months since surgery) will make insurance significantly cheaper, so that could impact your travel plans.
Getting supplies and help at your destination
It is also well worth the trouble to find out in advance where and how you can get medical assistance at your travel destination.
If going on a longer trip, you should check whether it is possible to get the stoma care supplies you need locally where you're going. Your regular supplier might even arrange delivery abroad for you – if you ask well in advance.
Get a travel certificate
In order to explain your condition to people when traveling abroad, you can bring a travel certificate with you.
A travel certificate is a document which explains in several different languages the reason for you carrying your ostomy appliances. You can show this to security personnel when going through the security check-in.