Travelling with a Disability

Travel insurance when you have a disability

The word 'disability' covers a huge range of experiences. Some people use a wheelchair or walking aid, some have a sensory impairment such as sight or hearing loss, and others live with a learning disability or a long-term condition that limits what they can do day-to-day. Because the picture is so varied, this page is an overview. It sits within our other medical conditions section, and if your disability comes from a specific diagnosis you’ll find more detail on that condition’s own page.

For example, there are separate pages for cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, autism, and Down’s syndrome. People whose mobility is limited by joint problems may find the arthritis page useful too.

Why do I need to declare a disability for travel insurance?

A disability isn’t a medical condition in itself, but the diagnosis behind it usually is, and that counts as pre-existing. We ask because some conditions linked to disability bring a higher chance of chest infections, pressure sores, or other problems that could need treatment while you’re away, or could stop you travelling at all. If the condition and anything connected to it aren’t declared, a related claim could be refused or paid at a lower amount.

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 if I’m disabled?

Yes, in many cases. Being disabled doesn’t on its own stop you getting a policy, and plenty of people with physical or sensory impairments travel with cover in place. What decides whether it can be offered is the medical side: how stable the condition behind your disability is, and whether there have been recent admissions. A progressing condition or one with ongoing complications may be harder to include, though it’s still worth getting a quote.

What we’ll ask about your health

Declaring the condition behind your disability online doesn’t take long. The questions will vary depending on the condition you declare, but you may be asked about treatments, surgeries, waiting lists, and capabilities. After that, carry on declaring any other relevant pre-existing medical conditions you have.

Once you’ve finished the medical declaration, you’ll go through to the quote page. If the condition behind your disability and your other conditions can be covered, you’ll see a list of quotes, and the premium shown includes the cost of cover for your medical. If we can’t provide cover, you’ll know before going any further.

If your health changes before travelling

Health can change without much warning. If your medicine or dose changes, you have a stay in hospital, you’re referred to a specialist, or you’re diagnosed with something new between now and departure, you must let us know. Your cover may need reviewing, we may need to refer your medical situation to the underwriters, and in some cases we may not be able to proceed with cover. If you don’t let us know of any changes in your medical, a future claim can be affected or denied.

What can disability travel insurance cover?

When your conditions have been declared and accepted, emergency medical treatment abroad can be covered if you’re taken ill, including problems linked to those conditions. Say you develop a chest infection in Portugal and need a few days in hospital. Treatment costs can be covered, as can bringing you home with medical support if that’s needed. Cover is subject to the policy terms, exclusions, limits and excess.

If your health means you have to call off the trip before you leave, you may be able to claim non-refundable costs back through cancellation cover.

Planned treatment abroad isn’t covered, and nor is anything related to a condition you didn’t declare. Mobility aids such as wheelchairs may have their own limits under the baggage section, so check the policy wording if your equipment is expensive.

Will a disability affect the cost of travel insurance?

Being disabled isn’t a reason in itself for a higher price. Any change comes from the condition behind your disability and how it is assessed in our online medical screening, which may ask how that condition is treated and whether it’s well controlled. Like every quote, yours also takes account of your age, your destination and the length of the trip.

Single trip or annual cover

For one holiday, single trip cover is usually the obvious choice. If you go away more often, annual cover may suit you better, depending on your screening result.

Travelling with a disability: practical tips

The tips below are general suggestions. They aren’t part of your insurance.

Ask for assistance early. UK airports and airlines have to provide free help for disabled passengers and those with reduced mobility, but it works best when you request it at least 48 hours before you fly. You can usually arrange it through the airline when you book. Many airports also run the hidden disability sunflower lanyard scheme, which can help if your needs aren’t obvious.

Get the details on accommodation in writing. “Accessible” can mean very different things from one hotel to the next. Ask for door widths, whether there’s a step into the shower, how high the bed is, and whether the lift is big enough for your chair. Photos of the actual room help.

If you use a wheelchair or scooter, check the airline’s rules on batteries well ahead, and take a note of how to fold or disconnect it. Tape a set of simple instructions to the frame for the baggage handlers. Damaged equipment is one of the most common problems disabled travellers report, so photograph it before check-in.

Pack medication and any small medical equipment in your hand luggage, and read our guide to travelling abroad with medication. If you need specific equipment at your destination, such as a hoist or shower chair, local hire firms can often deliver to your hotel.

1. carry a letter from your GP or specialist that explains your conditions and treatment
2. check how accessible local transport and taxis are before you arrive
3. leave extra time for connections and transfers

How to get a quote

Enter your trip details, then tell us about each condition you need to declare in the medical screening. You’ll see the cover and the price before anything is paid.

Get a Quote

Other Useful Other Medical Pages

• Allergies Travel Insurance
• Anaphylaxis Travel Insurance
• Angioedema Travel Insurance
• Chronic Pain Syndrome Travel Insurance
• Disability Travel Insurance
• Endometriosis Travel Insurance
• Fibroids Travel Insurance
• Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke Travel Insurance
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Travel Insurance
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Travel Insurance
• Post-Viral Fatigue Travel Insurance

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.