Travel Insurance for Bell's Palsy

What is Bell’s palsy?

Bell’s palsy causes sudden weakness or paralysis on one side of the face. It comes on over a day or two, and the side that’s affected may droop, making it hard to smile, close the eye or keep food and drink in the mouth. It’s grouped with other neurological conditions because it affects the facial nerve.

The exact cause isn’t known, but it’s thought to be linked to the nerve becoming swollen, possibly after a viral infection. Most people get better within a few months, often helped by a course of steroids if started early. A small number are left with some weakness. Sudden facial weakness can also be a sign of a stroke, so it always needs checking urgently. The NHS Bell’s palsy page has more detail.

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

Bell’s palsy counts as a pre-existing medical condition while it’s recent, still being treated or has left lasting effects. We need to know because the eye on the affected side may not close properly, which raises the risk of dryness, irritation or damage, especially in sun, wind or air conditioning. Occasionally, symptoms come back. Any of these could mean seeing a doctor abroad. If Bell’s palsy isn’t declared, a related claim could be refused or reduced.

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 Bell’s palsy?

Usually, yes. Because Bell’s palsy often clears up, it can frequently be accepted. Whether cover is offered depends mostly on how recent it was and how far you’ve recovered. Someone who recovered fully two years ago is in a very different position from someone diagnosed last month, still on treatment or waiting for a follow-up appointment.

What we’ll ask about your Bell’s palsy

The online medical screening is short and easy to get through. It asks a few things about your Bell’s palsy, when it started and how well your face has recovered. 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 your Bell’s palsy 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

Recovery from Bell’s palsy can be gradual. If you start or stop medication, you have a hospital admission, you’re referred for tests, or you receive a new diagnosis before you travel, you must let us know. We may need to review your cover or refer your medical situation to the underwriters, and occasionally we may not be able to proceed with cover. Any change in your medical you don’t tell us about could mean a future claim is affected or denied.

What can Bell’s palsy travel insurance cover?

Once accepted, emergency treatment abroad linked to your Bell’s palsy can be covered. Imagine your affected eye becomes red and painful on holiday in Cyprus because it hasn’t been closing properly, and you need urgent hospital care. That treatment can be covered, as can repatriation if you need medical help to get home. It’s all subject to the policy terms, exclusions, limits and excess.

If you develop Bell’s palsy just before departure and your doctor advises you not to travel, you may be able to claim for non-refundable costs under cancellation cover. If you first get it while you’re away, that would normally be treated as a new illness rather than a pre-existing one.

Planned treatment abroad isn’t covered, and nor is anything connected to conditions you didn’t declare.

Will Bell’s palsy affect the cost of travel insurance?

Bell’s palsy might change the premium. Whether it does, and by how much, rests on your result from our online medical screening. You may be asked how the condition was or is being treated and how well your symptoms are controlled now. A few general things, like your age, destination and how long you’re away, also play a part. You’ll be able to see the price before buying.

Single trip or annual cover with Bell’s palsy

Single trip travel insurance covers one holiday. If you travel often, annual travel insurance can cover the whole year, depending on your screening result.

Travelling with Bell’s palsy: practical tips

This is general advice for the journey and your time away. It isn’t part of what the policy covers.

Look after your eye. If it doesn’t close fully, it can dry out and become damaged. Plane cabins are very dry, so use the eye drops or ointment you’ve been given more often on the flight. Your GP or eye clinic may suggest taping the eye shut at night, so pack medical tape.

Wind, sun, sand and chlorine all irritate an unprotected eye. Wraparound sunglasses help outdoors. Swimming goggles are worth taking if you plan to swim, and many people find it easier to avoid diving or putting their head under water until things improve.

Eating and drinking can be messy while the face is weak. Small mouthfuls, chewing on the stronger side and a straw for drinks all help. Clean your teeth carefully, as food can collect on the affected side.

Fatigue and feeling self conscious are common, especially soon after diagnosis. A quieter break, with fewer early starts, may suit you better than a packed itinerary.

Most importantly, if new symptoms appear, such as weakness in an arm or leg, slurred speech or confusion, get emergency help straight away, wherever you are.

How to get a quote

Enter your trip, answer the medical questions including your Bell’s palsy, and pick your cover. You’ll see the price before paying.

Get a Quote

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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.