Disabled Travel Insurance

When you get a quote for holiday insurance for disabled people, insurers will ask you their own questions to clarify your medical risk. Some common things they ask for include:

• Your diagnoses.
• If you have needed any treatment or advice from a medical professional in the past 2 years. 
• If you take any medication, which medication, and what dosage. 
• If your illness is considered terminal.
• If you are currently on any waiting lists, undergoing testing, or waiting for a diagnosis, that could interrupt or postpone your travels. 
• If you are travelling against the advice of a medical professional. 
• If you have refused tests or medical investigation for a condition, whether it was diagnosed or undiagnosed.

However, you should also take your own steps to make sure your conditions and needs are clear to the insurer, including:

• If you use mobility aids like a cane, scooter or wheelchair, check if your travel insurance offers enough to cover the cost of this equipment if it is stolen or damaged. Be aware that compensation for damage on an airline is usually capped at around £1,300*.
• Some holiday insurance for disabled adults and children will allow you to add a carer to the policy. This could be cheaper than insuring them on a separate policy, and may have the added benefit of offering a replacement carer if they can no longer come on the trip. 
• Equally, if you are travelling with a service animal, it is a good idea to check if travel insurers offer coverage for risks to them or their travel costs, or if they provide a replacement animal when required.

Cancellations or curtailment

This covers the money you could lose if you need to cancel or delay your trip last minute because of reasons outside of your control. Typically, these would be things like bereavement, or new illness or injury. However, disability travel insurance will cover you if the delay is caused by reasons relating to your disability, too. 

Theft and loss of personal items

This covers your personal possessions if they are lost or stolen. However, insurers usually set a maximum amount you can claim for a single item. If you have expensive equipment or aids that exceed these limits, you can speak to the insurer about increasing the coverage. 

Medical cover 

Other travel policies only cover the cost of treatment for medical emergencies relating to completely new injuries or illnesses. But holiday insurance for disabled adults will also include the pre-existing conditions you have declared to your insurer.

Lost of delayed luggage

This can provide an allowance for essential items if your baggage is lost or delayed. It can also be extended to include medications that you have packed to help manage a medical condition.

Repatriation

If you need to be returned to the UK for medical treatments, or in the event of your death, travel insurance will cover these costs. 

Personal injury

This provides compensation if you suffer from an accident or illness that causes long-term debilitation. Examples would include losing a limb, blindness, or death. 

Liability protection

If you cause accidental harm to others or damage to their property or possessions, this can help with the associated legal costs or compensation you are liable for.