Travel insurance for disabled people

The more things the policy covers, the more expensive it is. Some people find that the cost is higher to cover certain health conditions.

It is against the law for a company to refuse to insure you or offer worse terms because you are disabled. But they can charge you more or apply special conditions if they believe you’re at a higher risk of making a claim.

You may need to answer personal questions about your medical history to get a quote. Depending on your condition or impairment, the insurer may ask about your medical history, such as:

• prescription medication you take
• mobility equipment you use
• any hospital admissions or surgery in recent years
• ongoing or planned treatment
• any hospital referrals, tests or results you are waiting on
• relapses or a decline in your health

You may need to contact your doctor if there are questions you cannot answer.

The insurer might use words and phrases you are unfamiliar with. Ask as many questions as you need until you are sure you understand each other clearly.

Travel insurance jargon buster (Endsleigh)

Comparison websites might not allow you to say what condition or impairment you have. Or their questions might be too broad. Some insurers only let you list conditions they cover.

This can make it difficult to get insurance. You might be able to get quotes from an insurance company’s own website or by calling them.

Travel insurance if you have a pre-existing medical condition or disability (MoneyHelper)

Specialist insurers for pre-existing conditions (Mind)

The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free.

If you have a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), it will be valid until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you will need to apply for a GHIC to replace it.

GHIC and EHIC do not replace travel insurance.

Get healthcare cover abroad with a UK GHIC or UK EHIC (NHS)

Make a list of things you want your policy to cover. You may want things like:

• medical and dental costs for emergency treatment abroad
• getting home if you become ill, usually called ‘repatriation’
• luggage and equipment protection
• cancellation if you cannot go or have to cut your trip short

You can also consider covering:

• delays or missed departures that are out of your control
• your money and passport if lost or stolen

Check that the company has 24-hour assistance that you can access during your trip, especially if you’re travelling to different time zones.

What does a good travel insurance policy look like? (MoneyHelper)

Compare prices from several insurers before you buy. Make sure that they can cover the things you need. You can also check with your:

• bank to see if travel insurance is included with your account
• with your credit card company to see if insurance is included if you pay with your credit card

Best travel insurance if you have a medical condition (Which?)

You will need to provide details of any conditions you have to get a quote. It is important to be honest, even about things you think are small. They may call or email you for more details.

Some insurance companies specialise in helping people with pre-existing conditions. These specialist providers may be more familiar with your condition and able to give you a better price. These include:

• AllClear Insurance
• Fish insurance

Check with your friends, family and support group to see which companies other people with similar needs are using.

Get travel advice from other disabled people

See how others rate your insurer on Trustpilot

You can also use an insurance broker who will shop around for quotes for you. You may have to pay extra for this service. Remember that you know your condition best. The company you use and what your policy covers is still your decision.

Find a specialist insurer (The British Insurance Brokers’ Association)

If you are travelling with family or friends, group policies are based on the person the insurer believes is the highest risk. This could be the oldest person in the group or someone with pre-existing conditions. It may be cheaper to buy separate policies.

The excess is the maximum amount of money you will have to pay if you make a claim. The insurer should pay the rest. If what you need to pay is lower than the excess, you will not get any money from the insurer.

Companies may set different excess amounts.

Always read the terms and conditions before you buy. You may find a list of things that are not included in your policy.

Once you buy travel insurance, you must tell the insurer if there are any changes in your health or condition. They may ask you for a letter from a healthcare professional to show that you are still fit to travel.

Buying insurance if you're ill or disabled (MoneyHelper)

Before you travel, make sure you have:

• your insurance policy number
• the insurer’s support line number and email address
• instructions of what to do if something happens on your trip

Planning accessible holidays abroad