Disability travel insurance

Having a disability shouldn't stop your travel plans. But having the right policy in place can give you the peace of mind that you have the cover you need for your trip.

But, what insurance should you get if you have a disability? If you're asking yourself this question, you're in the right place. Below, you'll find helpful guidance for travelling with a disability, including what insurance options are available to you. Read on.

Travelling with a disability

If you have a disability, you're legally entitled to support when travelling by air. This is under European law and is often called 'Special assistance.'

According to this law, airlines and airports must provide assistance at no extra cost to you. For example, like helping you get to your seat safely, or locating your mobility aid if it's been placed in cargo. In other words, the assistance is there to make your journey as enjoyable and comfortable as possible.

Other travel operators are legally required to meet accessibility standards, too. So, if you're travelling by road, train, or sea - you'll also be entitled to any assistance you need free of charge.

Can I get travel insurance if I have a disability?

Absolutely. Just because you have a disability doesn't mean you shouldn't be able to go out and explore new places!

Many insurance providers can cover certain disabilities as pre-existing medical conditions. This can mean a higher premium, but it's worth it for peace of mind. When you get a quote for a standard travel insurance policy, declare your disability and we'll show you quotes from providers that can cover it.

If you can't get coverage with a standard policy, don't worry. You may need a specialist policy instead. If you can't get one through us, the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) might be able to help. They have a directory of travel insurance providers for serious medical conditions. You can also give MaPS a ring on 0800 138 7777 for free advice.

What does disability travel insurance cover?

Disability travel insurance usually covers:

• Cancellation cover. This can provide cover for your flights or accommodation if you need to cancel your trip unexpectedly.
• Medical treatment. If you need to receive emergency medical treatment while you're abroad.
• Theft, accidental damage or loss. If any of your luggage or personal items are accidentally lost, damaged, or stolen.
• Emergency repatriation. If you need to return home to the UK to receive medical treatment. This could cost thousands of pounds without an insurance policy in place.
• Travel disruption. If you experience travel disruption for a reason beyond your control.

If you've decided to take out a specialist policy, you might also be able to get cover for extras like:

• Mobility scooters and wheelchairs. A specialist disability policy could offer specific mobility scooter and wheelchair cover. In some cases, it could also cover the cost of hiring a replacement if anything happened to yours.
• Replacement carers. Some policies can offer replacement carer cover. If your original carer can't continue to care for you, this can cover the cost of a replacement.
• Loss of medication. Most specialist travel insurance policies can offer loss of medication cover as standard. It can cover the cost of getting extra prescription medication if you've run out. For example, because you've had to extend your stay. But this can vary from insurer to insurer. So, you should check your travel insurance policy to be sure.

What isn't normally covered by disability travel insurance?

Disability travel insurance won't normally cover:

• Travelling against government advice. If the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) recommends not to travel to a destination, but you go anyway.
• Undeclared pre-existing medical conditions. Pre-existing medical conditions need to be declared when taking out a policy. Otherwise, any claims made won't be valid.
• Incidents that happen while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Tips for travelling with a disability

• Let your airline or travel operator know about your assistance needs in advance. This is so your airline or operator can cater to your needs on the day you'll be travelling. If you're travelling by sea, rail, or road, you'll be protected by the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA). They have a form you can fill in before your trip so your travel agent or operator can understand your unique needs.
• Research what assistance you're entitled to in the country you're visiting. There's some countries around the world that have no accessibility requirements. In places like the UK and USA, accessibility assistance is free for airport travel. But, this isn't always the case in other countries, so it's worth checking what you can get before you go.
• Make sure the accommodation you're planning to stay at can cater to your requirements. Not all accommodation offers accessibility facilities. So, it's a good idea to research beforehand to ensure your chosen place can meet your requirements.
• Check with your GP to see if you need any extra immunisations. Some countries require you to have certain vaccinations to enter. Check with your GP to see if you'll need any additional immunisations.
• Request a telecommunication device if you or someone you're travelling with is deaf or hard of hearing. This can make communicating with staff much easier. For example, as you go through the check-in, security, and boarding processes.
• If you have a bad experience, you can make a complaint. If you're unhappy with the service provided by your airline or travel operator, you can make a complaint. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has guidance on how to voice your concerns.

Travelling with a hidden disability

We understand that travelling with hidden disabilities can often feel challenging.

But, there's a few ways travelling with one can be made easier:

• Contact your airline or hotel for any special assistance needs you have. It's a good idea to let your airline or hotel know in advance what assistance you'll need. Most airlines ask that you let them know no later than 48 hours before the flight.
• Wear a sunflower lanyard. The sunflower lanyard is recognized as a symbol of hidden disabilities. Wearing one can alert airport staff that you might require extra support or help.
• Any medication you may need could require a prescription. Certain medications may need a prescription or a doctor's note to pass security.
• Go to the special assistance desk. When you arrive at the airport, it might be worth visiting the special assistance desk. They'll be able to answer any questions you have and assist you with anything you need.

Travelling with mobility aids

If you're travelling with a mobility aid, travelling can feel more complicated. But, it doesn't have to be.

Let your transportation provider know in advance you'll be bringing a mobility aid. This is just to make sure they can make the necessary arrangements. Some planes also have wheelchair-accessible areas. So, you might be able to take your wheelchair on board the plane.

If your airline requires you to store your wheelchair in the cargo hold, don't worry. Just make sure to provide any specific storage instructions or handling requirements to ensure it stays in tip-top condition. It's also a good idea to ask the airline where and when your wheelchair will be returned to you after landing.

Top tip: If you use different mobility aids, think about what you'll need at your destination. You might want to bring a walking stick or other aids for different terrains. Planning ahead can make your trip much more comfortable and enjoyable.

Travelling with an assistance dog

You can travel with your assistance dog.

But, before you set off with your four-legged friend, there's a few things to be aware of:

1. You need to make sure your assistance dog is officially trained and registered.

This is important for a few reasons.

In some cases, you might need to prove to an airline that your dog is an assistance dog. This is usually an Assistance Dogs UK (ADUK) identification booklet.

If your dog wasn't trained by ADUK, you might be asked to prove your dog is a recognized assistance animal in another way. For example, with an identifying harness or jacket.

2. You must comply with the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) if you're travelling within the European Union (EU).

This scheme lets you travel within the EU without your pet needing to spend time in quarantine. The current rules of this scheme are:

• Your assistance dog must be microchipped. Your dog must be microchipped and have correct details on the chip.
• Your assistance dog must be vaccinated against rabies. Your dog may need to have a blood test to prove it has had this vaccination in certain destinations.
• You're travelling with either their pet passport or health certificate. You'll need to travel with these documents and show them to a member of staff.
• Your assistance dog has been given tapeworm treatment. Your assistance dog might need tapeworm treatment. This depends on which country you're going to, so make sure to check.

3. If you're travelling to a destination outside of the EU, you must comply with quarantine rules.

The rules for travelling with an assistance dog can vary outside of the EU. So, the best thing to do is check what the specific quarantine rules are for the country you're visiting. That way, you can ensure you comply with them.