Travel Insurance for Motor Neurone Disease (MND)

What is motor neurone disease?

Motor neurone disease, or MND, affects the nerves that carry messages from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles. As these nerves stop working, muscles weaken and waste. It’s a progressive neurological condition, and it can affect walking, gripping, speaking, swallowing, and over time, breathing.

The way MND develops differs from person to person. Some people notice a weak hand or slurred speech first, others trip more often. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and keeping people as comfortable and independent as possible, usually with a team of specialists. See the NHS motor neurone disease page for more.

Why do I need to declare motor neurone disease for travel insurance?

Motor neurone disease is a pre-existing medical condition, and we need to know about it because of the knock-on risks while you’re away. Weak breathing muscles make chest infections more serious, swallowing problems can cause choking, and reduced strength raises the chance of a fall. Changes in the condition before you leave could also mean cancelling.

If MND isn’t declared, a claim linked to it, not only to the condition itself, 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 with motor neurone disease?

Travel insurance may be available. The screening works out whether MND can be covered, and the kind of support you rely on and how quickly the condition has changed lately both feed into what is offered.

What we’ll ask about your motor neurone disease

It only takes a few minutes to get through the online medical screening. You may be asked about how long you've had the condition, and some questions about your mobility and breathing. Once that’s done, carry on declaring any other relevant pre-existing medical conditions.

Once everything is declared, you’ll reach the quote page. If cover is available for your motor neurone disease and your other conditions, you’ll see a choice of quotes, each with the cost of your medical cover included in the premium. Should we be unable to cover you, you’ll know before proceeding.

If your health changes before travelling

MND can change over a few months. If, before your trip, you start using breathing support, you’re admitted to hospital, your medication changes, or you’re referred for anything new, 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 motor neurone disease travel insurance cover?

If MND is accepted, emergency medical care abroad connected to it can be covered. For example, if you develop a chest infection in Malta and need hospital treatment, the costs can be covered, along with repatriation with medical support if your doctors and the assistance team agree it’s needed. This is subject to the policy terms, exclusions, limits and excess.

If your condition worsens before you leave and a doctor advises you not to go, cancellation cover may let you claim back non-refundable costs.

The policy doesn’t pay for planned treatment abroad, ongoing care, or equipment you take with you unless the wording says so. Anything linked to an undeclared condition won’t be covered.

Will motor neurone disease affect the cost of travel insurance?

Yes, a diagnosis of MND can affect the cost of your travel insurance. This depends on the outcome of your medical screening, alongside the duration of your holiday, your destination, and the age of travellers. You’ll see the final figure before buying.

Single trip or annual cover with MND

Single trip cover is designed to cover just one holiday, so your cover ends when you return to the UK. Annual multi-trip options are also available, however a progressive medical condition like motor neurone disease can impact might mean that this cover is unavailable.

Travelling with motor neurone disease: practical tips

The tips below are general and don’t form part of your cover.

Speak to your MND care team well before you book. They can help you think through the journey, from seating on the plane to managing fatigue, and can write a letter describing your needs and equipment.

If you use a ventilator or other breathing equipment, contact the airline early. Most need advance notice and details of battery type and life, and some will only accept certain devices. Allow plenty of spare battery power for delays.

Mobility equipment needs planning. Tell the airline about your wheelchair, including its size, weight and battery, and ask how it will be handled. Request assistance at both airports. A shorter flight and a destination with good accessible transport can make the whole trip less tiring.

Check that your accommodation is genuinely accessible. Ask for photos or measurements of doors, bathrooms and bed heights rather than relying on a symbol on a website. Hiring equipment such as a hoist or shower chair at your destination may be possible.

1. carry medicines, feeding supplies and spare tubing in hand luggage
2. take a copy of your care plan and any advance decisions
3. note the nearest hospital with a respiratory unit

Our pages on multiple sclerosis and travelling with a disability may also be useful.

How to get a quote

Enter your trip details, answer the screening questions on MND and any other conditions, then choose the cover. You can see the price before you decide.

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.