Can I get travel insurance with a disability?
Key takeaways
You can still get travel insurance with a disability, but you have to declare it
Travel insurance costs are usually higher for people with disabilities and pre-existing conditions
Specialist disability travel insurance policies can financially protect you from problems like lost medication, damage to mobility aids, or a carer becoming unavailable
Does travel insurance cover disabilities?
Standard travel insurance will not cover many disabilities. But lots of people with disabilities can get specialised travel insurance cover for pre-existing conditions.
Having the right cover can provide peace of mind that you’re protected in case of hospitalisation, holiday cancellation, or repatriation if you fall ill while away.
If you have a disability, or any pre-existing medical condition, it’s important to declare it to your insurer, and to make sure that your policy covers your specific circumstances. Failure to declare a disability can result in a claim being denied.
What does standard travel insurance cover?
Travel insurance is designed to protect you from financial losses and logistical headaches associated with a wide range of travel-related incidents. While policies vary, common cover includes:
Emergency medical expenses: Medical cover is perhaps the most critical component of a travel insurance policy, covering costs if you become sick or injured during your trip.
Trip cancellation or curtailment: Reimburses you for non-refundable expenses if you have to cancel or cut short your trip due to reasons like illness, natural disaster, or a family emergency.
Baggage loss or delay: Provides compensation if your luggage is lost, stolen, or delayed.
Travel delay: Covers expenses like accommodation and meals if your trip is delayed for a specified period.
Emergency evacuation: Arranges and pays for your transport to the nearest suitable medical facility or even back home if medically necessary.
24/7 assistance: Many policies include access to a helpline for emergency support, medical referrals, and travel assistance.
What does travel insurance for people with disabilities cover?
People with disabilities sometimes have additional needs, and so may require more comprehensive insurance policies. If you have a disability, you may want to look out for a travel policy that includes:
Medical treatments for your specific condition: Accessing appropriate medical care abroad, especially for pre-existing conditions or disability-related needs, can be complex and expensive. An insurer that guarantees cover for medical treatments relating to your specific circumstances ensures that your needs will be taken care of.
Replacing medicines if yours are lost, damaged, or stolen: Many people with pre-existing conditions require daily medication. Travel insurance with medication protection covers the costs of replacing these medicines if necessary.
Equipment protection: Mobility aids like wheelchairs, scooters, and other adaptive equipment are often vital for independent travel. Travel insurance can cover the repair, replacement, or even rental of such equipment.
Replacement carers: If your travel companion or carer becomes unable to travel, some insurers will cover the cost of replacement carers to accompany you.
Will having a disability impact the price of my travel insurance?
Having a disability or other pre-existing medical condition usually makes holiday insurance more expensive. This is because insurers think you’re more likely to make a claim. But the exact price will depend on the insurer, and on the nature and severity of your condition.
The table below shows the average prices paid by MoneySuperMarket customers for single-trip and annual multi-trip travel insurance.
With a medical condition | No medical condition |
|---|---|
£16.66 | £13.55 |
How do I get travel insurance with a disability?
Getting the right level of cover to travel with a disability can be daunting. Use this checklist to help you find the best policy for you.
Make a list of what you want your policy to cover
As a starting point, make a list of everything you want your policy to cover. This can be things usually included in a standard policy — like lost luggage and holiday cancellation cover — or may be things specific to your disability. This could include lost medication cover if you take prescription medicines, or cover for damaged walking aids if you have limited mobility.
Compare quotes
You can compare travel insurance quotes to find the right policy for you using a comparison tool. Remember, price comparison tools may not always be able to take your specific condition into account, so it’s worth researching each option in detail to see if your condition is covered (or can be covered as an add-on).
Research specialist insurers
Sometimes, a specialist insurer might be the best option for disability travel insurance cover. Organisations like Scope and MoneyHelper can help recommend trusted insurance providers for people with disabilities.
Declare all pre-existing conditions
When applying for travel insurance, you must be completely honest and thorough about all your medical conditions, diagnoses, and medications, even if they seem minor. Failure to declare a pre-existing condition, and subsequently needing treatment for it during your trip, will almost certainly lead to your claim being denied.
Be prepared to complete a medical screening
Your insurer will likely want to know about your medical history in more detail. It’s helpful to have the following information on hand:
Details of diagnosed medical conditions
A list of any medication you take
Details of any mobility equipment you use
Details of any ongoing treatment
Details of any planned treatment or tests and referrals you are currently on a waiting list for
Details and dates of recent hospital admissions
Read your policy through carefully
Check your policy wording for specific mentions of mobility aids, adaptive equipment, and disability-related medical care. Does it specifically cover the repair or replacement of a wheelchair, scooter, or prosthetic limb? Are there specific provisions for necessary medical supplies? Some insurers are more attuned to the needs of disabled travellers than others.
Check excess and exclusions
It’s important to understand what you'll have to pay out-of-pocket (the excess) before cover kicks in. You should also carefully review the limits and exclusions. This lists what the insurance won't cover. For example, some policies exclude certain adventure activities such as winter sports, or certain medical treatments.
Some policies may also have limits — for example, certain medications might not be covered, or there could be a limit on how much an insurer will pay out for a damaged mobility scooter.
Ask direct questions
If you have concerns, you can call the insurance provider directly and speak to a representative. Prepare a list of specific questions related to your disability and your planned trip. For example:
"Does your policy explicitly cover the replacement of a power wheelchair valued at X amount?"
"If I have a flare-up of [specific condition] while abroad, will it be covered, given I declared it?"
"What is your definition of 'medically stable' for pre-existing conditions?"
"What is the process for arranging accessible emergency medical transport?"
Tips for travelling with a disability
Beyond insurance, proactive planning can significantly enhance your travel experience. You should:
Research accessibility: Thoroughly research the accessibility of your chosen destination, accommodation, transportation, and attractions. Look for specific information regarding ramps, accessible restrooms, elevators, and transportation options if needed.
Medical preparedness: Carry all medications in their original packaging, along with copies of prescriptions and a letter from your doctor explaining your conditions and medications. Pack extra supplies for any medical devices.
Communicate needs: Inform airlines, hotels, tour operators, and cruise lines of your specific needs well in advance. Confirm these arrangements closer to your departure.
Contingency plans: Have a "Plan B" for potential challenges. What if your accessible taxi doesn't show up? Where is the nearest accessible pharmacy or hospital?
Disability travel organisations and online communities can help you plan your travels. They offer invaluable advice, recommendations, and support from experienced travellers. Scope has many resources and provides travel advice for people in the UK.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as a pre-existing medical condition?
A pre-existing medical condition is any health issue that you’ve had before you take out an insurance policy. This can include a chronic illness, a mental health issue, or a disability. If you have sought medical advice or received treatment for any health issue, it may be considered a pre-existing medical condition.
What if I am diagnosed with a medical condition after I’ve taken out insurance?
If you are diagnosed with a health condition after you’ve taken out travel insurance, or if your health changes, you must inform your insurer straight away. Failure to do so may invalidate your policy, and could leave you paying for medical expenses out of pocket.
Do I need to tell my insurer about medication?
You should declare any over-the-counter or prescription medications you are taking to your insurer. Failure to do so may invalidate your policy in the event of a medical emergency.
Will my travel insurance cover me if I travel against medical advice?
Your travel insurance usually won’t cover you if you travel against medical advice. Most policies contain an exclusion for claims that result from travelling against the advice of a medical professional. To avoid invalidating your policy you should always follow the advice of your doctor.
What if I’m denied travel insurance because of my disability?
If your insurer won’t cover you because of a disability or pre-existing medical condition you can usually find an alternative insurer. Try to look for a specialist insurer that is used to dealing with people with a disability or pre-existing condition.
You are entitled to a clear explanation for why the insurance was refused. If you think that the decision is unfair, you can also complain to the company involved, and to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Is a learning disability considered a pre-existing medical condition?
Yes, for the purposes of insurance a learning disability is considered a pre-existing medical condition and should be declared to the insurance company.
Author
Beth Leslie
Senior Insurance Content Editor
Beth is an experienced writer and editor who specialises in financial and economic content. She is currently the Senior Insurance Content Editor for MoneySuperMarket. Beth is passionate about making...
Reviewer
Katie Bishop
Insurance writer
Katie Bishop is an author and journalist with a decade of writing and editing experience. She has previously worked as an economics editor at Oxford University Press, and her business and finance...
