Travel Insurance for Down's Syndrome

What is Down’s syndrome?

Down’s syndrome is a genetic condition. It happens when a baby is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21, and it’s present for life. It isn’t an illness, and it isn’t something that gets worse. It’s listed with our neurological conditions because it can involve some level of learning disability, which varies widely from person to person.

People with Down’s syndrome are more likely to have certain health conditions, such as a heart problem present from birth, an underactive thyroid, hearing or sight problems, sleep apnoea, and recurrent chest infections. Plenty of people have none of these, or have them well managed. The NHS Down’s syndrome page has more information.

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

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.

On this basis, this means that if there are no ongoing checkups, medication, or newer diagnoses in relation to the Down's syndrome, it's unlikely that you will need to declare it. Some people with Down’s syndrome have heart conditions, thyroid problems, or a tendency to chest infections, and these can raise the chance of needing treatment abroad or of cancelling if health changes before the trip.

If something isn’t declared and a claim is connected to it, the claim could be refused or reduced.

Can I get travel insurance with Down’s syndrome?

In most cases, yes. Whether cover is offered usually depends more on related conditions than on Down’s syndrome itself.

What we’ll ask about Down’s syndrome

Declaring Down’s syndrome online doesn’t take long. The screening asks about any heart or breathing conditions linked to it and the medication taken. 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 Down’s syndrome 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 needs can change as time goes on. If there’s a new diagnosis, a hospital stay, a change to medication, or a referral to a specialist between now and departure, 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 Down’s syndrome travel insurance cover?

When the declared conditions are accepted, emergency medical treatment abroad can be covered, along with repatriation if medical help is needed to get home. For example, if a chest infection turns into pneumonia during a holiday in Lanzarote and a hospital stay follows, that can be covered, subject to the policy terms, exclusions, limits and excess.

Illness just before you leave is another worry for families. If a doctor says the trip shouldn’t go ahead, cancellation cover may let you claim back non-refundable costs.

Routine or planned treatment abroad isn’t covered. Nor is anything linked to a condition that was left off the screening.

Will Down’s syndrome affect the cost of travel insurance?

Down’s syndrome can have a bearing on cost. Our online medical screening works out how much, and it may ask how Down’s syndrome and any linked conditions are treated and how well they’re controlled. Other parts of the quote, including age, destination and trip length, matter as well. You can see what the policy costs before you buy.

Single trip or annual cover with Down’s syndrome

A single trip policy covers one holiday. If the family travels a few times a year, annual cover might suit better, subject to the screening result.

Travelling with Down’s syndrome: practical tips

Here are some general tips from families. They aren’t part of the insurance.

Preparation helps a lot with new places. Photos of the airport, the plane and the hotel, or a simple picture schedule of the day, can make travel feel less daunting. Some airports publish visual guides or offer a practice visit before the trip.

Book special assistance with the airline in advance. Many UK airports offer a quieter route through security and recognise the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard. Ask for seats together, and check whether a companion ticket or extra baggage for equipment is available.

If there’s a heart or breathing condition, ask the cardiologist or GP about flying and about any destinations at altitude. Our page on congenital heart disease has more on travelling with a heart condition. People who use a CPAP machine for sleep apnoea should check the airline’s rules for carrying it on board and pack a travel adaptor.

A few other things to think about:

1. pack sunscreen and a hat, as skin can be sensitive to the sun
2. keep medication in hand luggage with a copy of the prescription
3. check vaccinations with a travel clinic, as chest infections can be more serious
4. bring familiar snacks, toys or headphones for the journey

The TravelHealthPro country pages list health advice for each destination.

How to get a quote

Start with the trip details, then answer the medical questions for Down’s syndrome and any linked conditions. You’ll see the price before buying.

Get a Quote

Other Useful Neurological Pages

• ADHD Travel Insurance
• Alzheimer's Travel Insurance
• Autism Spectrum Disorder Travel Insurance
• Bell's Palsy Travel Insurance
• Benign Brain Tumour Travel Insurance
• Cerebral Palsy Travel Insurance
• Cluster Headaches Travel Insurance
• Dementia Travel Insurance
• Down's Syndrome Travel Insurance
• Encephalitis Travel Insurance
• Epilepsy Travel Insurance
• Febrile Seizures Travel Insurance
• Head Injuries Travel Insurance
• Huntington's Disease Travel Insurance
• Migraines Travel Insurance
• Motor Neurone Disease Travel Insurance
• Multiple Sclerosis Travel Insurance
• Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Travel Insurance
• Neuropathy Travel Insurance
• Parkinson's Disease Travel Insurance
• Restless Leg Syndrome Travel Insurance
• Trigeminal Neuralgia 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.