Travel Insurance for Febrile Seizures

What are febrile seizures?

A febrile seizure is a fit brought on by a high temperature. It mostly happens to young children, usually between about six months and five years old, when an infection such as a cold, ear infection, or tummy bug sends their temperature up quickly. The child may go stiff, twitch or jerk, and lose awareness for a short while. It sits with other neurological conditions on our site, although for most children it isn’t a lasting problem.

Seeing one is frightening, but most febrile seizures stop within five minutes and cause no long-term harm. Many children only ever have one, and most grow out of them by school age. A small number have longer or repeated seizures and need follow-up. The NHS page on febrile seizures explains what to do during one and when to call for help.

Why do I need to declare febrile seizures for travel insurance?

Febrile seizures count as a pre-existing medical condition for the child who has had them, even if it was a single episode linked to a high temperature. We need to know because young children pick up fevers easily on holiday, and a child with this history is more likely to need an urgent check by a doctor if another seizure happens. A recent seizure could also lead to a trip being called off.

If a recent episode isn’t declared, a related claim could be refused or paid at a reduced 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 for a child who has had febrile seizures?

Usually, yes. Whether cover is offered for the child depends on the medical screening, and a single short seizure some time ago is seen quite differently from seizures that keep happening or are still being looked into. If a doctor has since diagnosed epilepsy, that is screened separately.

What we’ll ask about febrile seizures

Our online screening is easy to follow, and will simply ask a few questions about your child’s febrile seizures. When you’ve declared this condition, carry on with any other relevant pre-existing medical conditions.

Finishing the medical declaration takes you through to the quote page. Provided your child’s febrile seizures and other declared conditions can be covered, you’ll be presented with a list of quotes. The premium you see already includes cover for your medical, and if we cannot provide cover, you’ll know before going ahead.

If your health changes before travelling

Children can have another seizure while they’re in the age range for them. If your child has a new seizure, is admitted to hospital, starts a new medicine, or is referred for tests between now and departure, 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 febrile seizure travel insurance cover?

When febrile seizures have been accepted on the policy, a seizure abroad can be treated as a medical emergency like any other. Say your child picks up an ear infection in Portugal, spikes a temperature and has a seizure. The ambulance, hospital assessment and emergency treatment can be covered, as can bringing them home with medical support if that’s needed. That is subject to the policy terms, exclusions, limits and excess.

If your child falls ill just before you leave and their doctor says they shouldn’t travel, you may be able to reclaim non-refundable costs through cancellation cover.

There are limits. Planned check-ups or treatment abroad aren’t covered, and nor is anything connected to a condition that wasn’t declared. The policy wording sets out the details.

Will febrile seizures affect the cost of travel insurance?

Possibly. A history of febrile seizures can make a difference to the price, but how much is down to what online screening shows. Expect a few questions about how the seizures were treated and whether they’re now under control. The child’s age, your destination and the length of the trip also have a bearing on the quote, which you can look at before deciding.

Single trip or annual cover with febrile seizures

For one family holiday, single trip cover is straightforward. If you go away more often, including weekend breaks in Europe, annual travel insurance may suit you better. Annual cover depends on the screening result.

Travelling with febrile seizures: practical tips

The points below are general advice for families. They aren’t part of the insurance.

Pack a digital thermometer and the fever medicine your child usually has, in a form they’ll actually take. Ask your pharmacist which children’s products are suitable and how to give them. Lowering a temperature can make a child more comfortable, though it isn’t guaranteed to stop a seizure, so the bigger aim is spotting illness early and getting help if you’re worried.

Hot destinations need some thought. Keep your child out of the midday sun, dress them in light layers and offer drinks often. Flights and long car journeys can be dehydrating, so keep water within reach.

If rescue medicine has been prescribed, carry it in your hand luggage along with the written instructions from the hospital or GP. Make sure whoever is looking after your child knows where it is and how to use it.

Some travel vaccines can cause a mild fever afterwards. Talk to your GP or a travel clinic early so vaccines can be spaced sensibly before you go, and look at TravelHealthPro for advice on your destination.

1. save the local emergency number in your phone before you land
2. find out where the nearest children’s hospital or emergency department is
3. learn the basics of what to do during a seizure, such as timing it and placing your child on their side

How to get a quote

Add everyone travelling, answer the screening questions for your child, and choose the cover you want. The price is shown before you pay.

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.