Epilepsy travel insurance

Epilepsy is a condition which affects the brain and can cause seizures. According to Epilepsy Action, 1 in 100 people in the UK have epilepsy. Epilepsy shouldn't stop you from being able to travel, but it's important to know what steps to take before a trip away. Here's everything you should know about epilepsy travel insurance.

Can I get travel insurance if I have epilepsy?

Yes, absolutely, your epilepsy shouldn't stop you from getting away. Travel insurance for epilepsy might be more expensive due to increased risk, but most people should be able to find cover.

Do I have to declare that I have epilepsy when getting a quote?

Yes, you should always declare that you have epilepsy. If it's not disclosed and you need medical treatment for your epilepsy while away, you might not be covered.

If you're not covered, you'll have to pay for any treatment out of your own pocket. This can end up costing thousands of pounds.

Do I need to declare that I have epilepsy even if I no longer have seizures?

Yes, even if your condition is well managed through medication, you still need to let your insurer know.

You may not have been to hospital or had a seizure in years, but declaring your condition is still important. If you don't declare it and require treatment for it while away, your insurance probably won't cover your medical costs.

What should I do if I can't find an insurer that will cover me?

If you can't find suitable travel insurance to cover epilepsy through us, don't panic! The Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) has a directory of insurers through their brand MoneyHelper that covers customers with pre-existing medical conditions. This includes offering travel insurance for people with epilepsy.

You can also call the Money and Pensions Service for free, impartial advice on 0800 138 7777.

Can I get epilepsy holiday insurance if my doctor has advised me not to travel?

No, insurers are unlikely to provide cover if a doctor has told you not to travel. You need to be considered 'fit to travel,' so a doctor advising you not to travel would count against this. If you travel anyway, your insurance policy may be invalidated.

If you've bought insurance before being advised not to travel, you might be covered for cancelling the trip under the cancellation cover included in the policy.

Our cancellation cover guide can tell you what is and isn't covered under this type of policy. It's important to also check with your insurer to be sure what's covered.

What questions will I have to answer about my epilepsy when getting quotes?

Medical screening is included in the quote form - this allows us to match you with suitable quotes that offer the cover you need. For epilepsy, we ask the following:

• Have you been prescribed medication, received treatment or had a consultation with a doctor or hospital specialist for any medical conditions in the past 2 years?
• Are you currently on a waiting list for treatment or investigation?
• If awake, do you normally lose consciousness during a seizure?
• In the last 4 weeks, how many seizures causing loss of consciousness have you had?
• In the last 6 months, how many seizures causing loss of consciousness have you had?
• In the last 12 months, how many unplanned hospital admissions have you had for epilepsy/seizures?
• In the last 12 months, how many unplanned non-inpatient hospital admissions have you had?
• How many different medicines do you take for your epilepsy?
• How long ago was your first seizure?
• What causes your epilepsy?

What does epilepsy travel insurance cover?

• Emergency medical treatment, including for epilepsy, as long as you declare it when buying insurance.
• Repatriation, if a doctor decides you'd be better treated at home in the UK.
• Cancellation and curtailment. If unexpected circumstances mean you have to cancel or cut short your trip.
• Baggage cover. Travel insurance can cover the cost of replacing your things if they're lost, stolen or damaged.
• Travel disruption, if bad weather, mechanical issues or strikes mean you can't make your onward travel arrangements.

How can I manage my epilepsy while I'm travelling?

Here's how you can manage your epilepsy while travelling:

• Wear a medical ID bracelet or carry an epilepsy card.
• Set reminders to take your medication.
• Travelling to a different timezone can make it easy to forget to take your medication on time. Speak to your doctor about how to adjust when you take your medication. Changes to the time that you take your medication can increase your risk of seizures.
• Be careful in extreme heat as it can increase the risk of seizures.
• When packing medication, make sure to bring the original packaging, clearly labelled with your name. It's also worth bringing your original prescription with you. Always check the rules for the country you're travelling to, as there are some epilepsy medications that are controlled.
• Try to stick to your normal routine. A lack of sleep, disturbed sleep, altitude changes and dehydration from flying can all increase your risk of seizures.
• Make sure you inform your airline that you have epilepsy. This way, they'll be aware of what to do and how to help you manage your condition.
• Consider applying for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) if you don't already have one. They're free and provide state-level healthcare at the same price a citizen would pay.

Do I need medical clearance from a doctor to travel with epilepsy?

You don't normally need clearance if your condition is managed. However, if you've had a seizure within 24 hours of travelling, you'll need a fit to fly letter from your doctor.

This letter confirms that your epilepsy has been assessed and isn't expected to be negatively impacted by flying.

Is travel insurance more expensive if I have epilepsy?

Pre-existing medical conditions can make travel insurance more expensive. This is due to your increased risk of needing medical help while travelling.

The price will depend on the severity of your condition, as well as things like:

• Age
• Destination
• Length of trip

Comparing quotes is the easiest way to find cheaper insurance. Just remember that the cheapest travel insurance might not offer you the cover you need. It's a good idea to read the policy documents before buying insurance to make sure you're getting suitable cover.

Epilepsy shouldn't affect you enjoying your time away. But it's important to make sure you've thought about the risks before you go. Making sure you're prepared will give you peace of mind, and ensure your break is stress free.