Travel Insurance for Alzheimer's Disease

What is Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia in the UK. Proteins build up in the brain and gradually damage the nerve cells, which affects memory, thinking, and over time, everyday tasks. It’s a neurological condition, and it’s progressive, so symptoms slowly get worse.

Early signs are often forgetting recent conversations or events, repeating questions, or losing things. Later, people may become confused in unfamiliar places, struggle with planning and find changes in mood or behaviour. There’s no cure yet, but medication and support can help with symptoms for a time. The NHS Alzheimer’s disease page gives a full overview.

Why do I need to declare Alzheimer’s for travel insurance?

Alzheimer’s is a pre-existing medical condition and must be declared. We need to know because confusion can increase in unfamiliar places, which raises the chance of a fall, getting lost or needing a hospital stay abroad. A change in health before departure might also mean the trip has to be cancelled. If Alzheimer’s isn’t on the policy, a related claim could be refused or reduced, and that can include an accident brought about by disorientation.

You won’t need to declare every medical condition you’ve ever had or been diagnosed with, only those that fall into the initial set of medical questions.

Can I get travel insurance with Alzheimer’s?

Many people with Alzheimer’s can get cover, particularly in the earlier stages. Whether it’s offered depends largely on how the condition is affecting the person now. The stage of the disease, how much day to day help is needed, any recent falls or hospital admissions, and other health conditions all tend to be looked at.

What we’ll ask about Alzheimer’s

The online medical screening is short and easy to get through. It asks a few things about Alzheimer’s, when you were diagnosed and the medication you take. When you’re done declaring this condition, carry on declaring any other relevant pre-existing medical conditions.

After the declaration, you’ll be taken to the quote page. You’ll be shown a list of quotes if Alzheimer’s and your other conditions are coverable, and each premium includes the cost of cover for your medical. If we’re unable to offer cover, you’ll be told before you proceed.

If your health changes before travelling

Alzheimer’s can change over a few months. If there’s a change of medication, a hospital admission, a referral for further tests, or a new diagnosis before you travel, you must let us know. Your cover might need another look, your medical situation may have to go to the underwriters, and in some cases we may not be able to continue with cover. A future claim can be affected or denied if a change in your medical isn’t reported.

What can Alzheimer’s travel insurance cover?

Once Alzheimer’s is accepted, emergency medical treatment abroad that’s connected to it can be covered. If a sudden bout of confusion leads to a fall in a hotel in Tenerife, for instance, hospital treatment can be covered, as can bringing the traveller home with medical support. All subject to the policy terms, exclusions, limits and excess.

If health gets worse shortly before the holiday and a doctor says it isn’t wise to go, cancellation cover may help recover non-refundable costs. Check whether a travelling companion’s costs are included too.

Ongoing care or planned treatment abroad isn’t covered. Nor is anything linked to a condition that wasn’t declared.

Will Alzheimer’s affect the cost of travel insurance?

The price can be affected by Alzheimer’s, and it’s the screening that works out how far. Our online medical screening may include questions on how the condition is treated and how well controlled it is, and it’s fine for a family member to help answer. Standard details such as age, destination and trip length are taken into account as well, and the premium is shown before anything is paid.

Single trip or annual cover with Alzheimer’s

Because Alzheimer’s changes over time, single trip cover is often the simpler choice, as the screening reflects health close to the trip. Annual cover may not be offered due to the nature of progressive conditions.

Travelling with Alzheimer’s: practical tips

These suggestions are general and aren’t part of the insurance.

Choose the trip with care. Somewhere familiar, a shorter flight and a simple itinerary usually work better than a busy tour with lots of hotel changes. Unfamiliar places can make confusion worse, especially in the evening, so plan quiet evenings and keep the usual routine for meals, medication and sleep as much as possible.

Nobody with Alzheimer’s should really travel alone once symptoms are noticeable. A companion who knows the person well can deal with check in, money and documents, and keep an eye out if they become disorientated.

Book assistance at the airport. Many airports offer hidden disability lanyards and quieter routes through security. Let the airline know in advance so staff can help on board.

A few simple precautions:

1. carry an ID card or bracelet with the hotel address and an emergency phone number
2. keep a recent photo on your phone in case you become separated
3. pack medication in hand luggage with a printed list and a few spare days’ supply
4. bring something familiar from home, such as a pillow or photos, for the bedroom

Talk to the GP or memory clinic about whether a trip is a good idea now, and about medication timing if you’re crossing time zones. Our general dementia travel insurance page covers other types too, including vascular dementia.

How to get a quote

Enter the trip details, work through the medical questions together, and check the quote before buying. Every traveller’s conditions need to be included.

Get a Quote

Other Useful Neurological Pages

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Don't worry if your condition is not listed above - we cover plenty more medical conditions.
* Please note that cover will vary depending on individual medical screenings.