Slipped Disc Travel Insurance

A slipped disc indicates that you may have damaged one of the discs of cartilage in your spine and this is pressing on your nerves. We have circular pads of connective tissue known as cartilage in between each vertebra that are called discs. Inside these discs is an inner gel-like substance and a tough outer case. Their function is to help maintain flexibility and the wide range of movement we have. When you experience a slipped disc, this will cause back and neck pain. Other symptoms include numbness, a tingling sensation and weakness in other areas of the body.

Slipped discs are more likely to affect men rather than women and are common in people aged 30 - 50. They often occur in the lower back and although a third of adults in the UK experience lower back pain, fewer than 1 in 20 have slipped a disc. Treatment is usually completed with a variety of techniques including physiotherapy such as massage, exercise and medication to relieve pain.

Tips and advice for travelling with a Slipped Disc

• Check with your Doctor that you are fit and well enough to travel
• If you are flying to your destination, aim to get an aisle seat as you will be able to stretch out more easily and may make the journey more comfortable
• If you can, invest in a suitcase on wheels so it is easier for you to transport. Also try not to fill your luggage too full especially if you need to carry it
• Whilst flying try to avoid falling asleep as you may end up in an uncomfortable position and aggravate your condition. Take compression packs with you so you can alleviate the pain
• Travel in comfortable clothing so that you can move easily
• Take extra medication with you in case of travel delays and/or lost/stolen luggage
• Drink lots of water as you can get dehydrated when travelling at high altitudes
• If you are travelling to Europe, then it is essential that you carry an EHIC – European Health Insurance Card. You can apply for a free card by following the link www.nhs.uk/ehic

Booking your Slipped Disc Travel Insurance

By booking your travel insurance with Direct Travel we may be able to offer cover to customers with slipped discs as a pre-existing condition, provided it is declared at the medical screening stage of the booking process. Please have to hand information about your condition, any medication you are currently taking and any treatment you have received. Unfortunately, it is harder to arrange travel insurance if you are awaiting a diagnosis or treatment, depending on which type of slipped disc condition you have. You should also talk to your Doctor / Consultant before confirming travel plans.

To provide peace of mind for patients, a policy which covers family members, and/or a carer may be suitable depending on your circumstances to ensure that everyone is covered appropriately. If, due to complications relating to your slipped disc you are unable to travel you may be able to make a claim for cancellation. Our policies also provide a 24-hour medical assistance line, expenses relating to ambulance and hospital costs and repatriation to the UK amongst others.