Travel Insurance for a Head Injury

What is a head injury?

A head injury is any knock, blow, or jolt to the head - from a bump that leaves you with a headache, to a serious injury that damages the brain. Concussion is the most common kind. Severe injuries, known as traumatic brain injuries, can have lasting effects on memory, balance, mood, or speech, and some people may develop seizures. Head injuries are grouped with other neurological conditions because of how they can affect the brain.

Most minor head injuries settle within a couple of weeks. Some people have symptoms that linger for longer, such as headaches, dizziness, tiredness, or trouble concentrating. The NHS head injury and concussion page lists the warning signs that need urgent care.

Why do I need to declare a head injury for travel insurance?

A recent head injury, or one that has left lasting effects, counts as a pre-existing medical condition. We ask about it because problems can surface later on. Headaches, dizziness, a seizure, or a delayed bleed might need checking abroad, and a slow recovery could mean you have to cancel. Any balance problems can also raise the risk of a fall.

Leaving it undeclared means a claim linked to the injury 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 after a head injury?

Often, yes. Whether cover can be offered depends on the recency of the head injury and any resulting symptoms or follow-up investigations. A concussion that cleared up some time ago is a very different picture from a brain injury that is still under review.

What we’ll ask about your head injury

The online medical screening is short and easy to get through. It asks a few things about your head injury, when it happened, and whether you’ve had any seizures since. 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 head injury 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 a head injury isn't always linear. If you have new symptoms or a seizure, you’re admitted to hospital, your medication changes, or you’re referred for more tests before you travel, 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 head injury travel insurance cover?

When your head injury is accepted on the policy, a related emergency abroad can be covered in the same way as any other. If you have a seizure in Tenerife, for example, and need to be taken to hospital, the emergency treatment can be covered, and so can repatriation with a medical escort if your doctors decide that’s the safest way home. All subject to the policy terms, exclusions, limits and excess.

If your recovery takes a turn before the trip and a doctor advises you not to travel, you may be able to claim for non-refundable costs under cancellation cover.

The policy won’t pay for rehabilitation or follow-up you had planned to have abroad, or for claims linked to an injury you didn’t declare. Some hazardous activities may also be excluded, so check the wording if you plan anything adventurous.

Will a head injury affect the cost of travel insurance?

A head injury may change what you pay. The amount depends on your answers in our online medical screening, which can include questions about how the injury has been treated and how well any lingering symptoms are controlled. Separately, your age, the destination and the length of your trip all feed into the cost. The price is shown before you commit to anything.

Single trip or annual cover after a head injury

A one-off holiday suits single trip cover. If you expect to travel several times, annual multi-trip cover is worth a look, although whether it’s available depends on your screening result.

Travelling after a head injury: practical tips

Here are some general pointers. They don’t form part of your cover.

Timing matters. If the injury is recent, ask the doctor treating you when it’s sensible to travel and to fly, especially after brain surgery, where trapped air can be a concern. Airlines can also ask for medical clearance, so check their rules early.

Fatigue after a brain injury is very real. Keep the plan loose, allow rest after travelling, and avoid long days of sightseeing back to back. Alcohol can hit harder than before and may make headaches or balance problems worse.

Avoid activities that risk another blow to the head while you’re recovering, such as contact sports, skiing without a helmet or scuba diving. A second injury before the first has healed can be serious. Your doctor can tell you when it’s reasonable to go back to them.

If memory or concentration is affected, write things down. A travel folder with your bookings, a list of your medicines and the details of your injury makes airports and hotel check-ins easier. Many airports offer free assistance if busy terminals are overwhelming.

If you’ve had seizures since your injury, our page on epilepsy travel insurance has more on travelling with them.

How to get a quote

Start with where and when you’re going, then complete the medical screening for your head injury and any other conditions. You’ll see your price before you commit.

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.