Travel Insurance for Dementia

What is dementia?

Dementia isn’t one single illness, and is used more often to describe a set of symptoms. Memory problems are the best known sign, but dementia can also affect planning, language, judgement, mood, and how someone finds their way around. The most common type is Alzheimer’s disease, although diagnoses can include vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, and frontotemporal dementia. Symptoms usually get worse over time, though the pace varies a lot from one person to the next. The NHS dementia pages have more on the different types and the support available.

Why do I need to declare dementia for travel insurance?

Dementia is a pre-existing medical condition and has to be declared. We need to know because being away from home can increase confusion, which raises the chance of falls, wandering, or a hospital stay abroad. Health can also change between booking and departure, so a trip may need cancelling. If dementia isn’t declared, a related claim could be refused or reduced, whether it’s for treatment or for travel costs lost because the trip couldn’t go ahead.

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 for someone with dementia?

Often, yes. Whether cover is offered depends largely on how advanced the dementia is, whether the person needs help with everyday tasks, whether they’ve had recent falls or hospital admissions, and whether they’re travelling with someone. Many people answer the screening on behalf of a parent or partner, which is fine as long as the answers are accurate.

What we’ll ask about dementia

Our online medical screening is quick and straightforward, and you’ll just need to answer a handful of questions about your dementia. Once this condition is done, carry on and declare any other relevant pre-existing medical conditions.

When the medical declaration is complete, you’ll move on to the quote page. Where dementia and any other conditions are coverable, a list of quotes appears, with the cost of covering your medical already built into the premium. If cover isn’t possible, you’ll find out before you proceed.

If your health changes before travelling

Symptoms can move on in a matter of weeks. If, before your trip, your medication changes, a fall leads to a hospital admission, you’re referred for further tests, or you receive a new diagnosis, you must let us know. We may have to review your cover and refer your medical details to the underwriters, and sometimes we may not be able to proceed with cover. If changes in your medical go unreported, a future claim can be affected or denied.

What can dementia travel insurance cover?

Once dementia is accepted, emergency medical treatment abroad can be covered, along with repatriation if a doctor decides the person needs to come home with medical support. A typical example is someone who becomes very confused on holiday in Cyprus because of a urine infection, and needs a few nights in hospital. That kind of emergency can be covered, subject to the policy terms, exclusions, limits and excess.

If their health gets worse before you leave and a doctor advises against travelling, cancellation cover may help with non-refundable costs. It’s worth checking whether a travelling companion’s own policy would cover them cutting a trip short too.

Planned care abroad isn’t covered, and nor is anything linked to a condition that wasn’t declared.

Will dementia affect the cost of travel insurance?

Dementia can be reflected in the premium, depending on how the screening turns out. Our online medical screening may ask how the dementia is treated and how well it’s controlled, and many people complete it on behalf of a relative. The traveller’s age, destination and length of trip are considered too. Before anything is bought, the price is set out on screen.

Single trip or annual cover with dementia

A single trip policy suits most people planning one holiday. If you travel several times a year, annual travel insurance is often easier, however due to the progressive nature of a condition like dementia, this option may not be available.  Remember to declare any change in health during the year.

Travelling with dementia: practical tips

The following is general guidance for carers and families. It isn’t part of the insurance.

Familiar places tend to work better than new ones. A hotel you’ve stayed in before, a shorter journey or a self-catering apartment where you can keep a home routine can all reduce confusion. Long layovers and late arrivals are best avoided where you can.

Airports can be overwhelming. Most UK airports offer assistance for hidden disabilities, and many recognise the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard. Book special assistance through the airline at least 48 hours ahead. Staff can help with security, a quieter place to wait and boarding.

Keep an up to date photo and a card with the person’s name, your phone number and the hotel address in their pocket or bag. Some families use a GPS tracker or a medical ID bracelet as well. Agree what to do if you get separated.

Pack all medication in hand luggage with a printed list of what’s taken and when. Keep to home time for doses if you can, and ask the GP or pharmacist how to handle a big time difference. The travelling abroad with medication guide has more practical detail.

Heat, dehydration and infections can all make confusion worse very quickly. Keep drinks close by, build in rest, and don’t be afraid to see a doctor early if something seems off. You may also find our Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia pages useful.

How to get a quote

Enter the trip details, then work through the medical questions for dementia and anything else that needs declaring. The price appears before you pay.

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.