Disability travel insurance

Disability travel insurance is designed to cover you if you have a disability and wish to travel. Disabilities can occur in many forms and can be short term or life long which is why our policies are tailored to suit you and your individual needs. This type of insurance offers you support and cover for cancellations and medical emergencies, even those related to COVID-19.

Travelling with disabilities

Travelling with a disability need not put a dampener on your plans. Many destinations are accessible to disabled people and according to ABTA, under European law (regulation 1107/2006), all passengers who have a disability can receive assistance when they fly, free of charge. So travelling with a disability of any means shouldn’t hinder your holiday.

Of course, getting adequate disability travel insurance for your needs is an important part of ensuring a worry-free holiday. AllClear can offer specialist disability holiday insurance, which means travellers can go abroad knowing that they are fully covered should the unexpected occur.

In the past, some travellers might have encountered barriers to participation in tourism due to travelling with a disability. Now, travel operators are obliged to meet accessibility standards. So from safaris in Africa to Caribbean beaches, with the right travel insurance, the world is your oyster when it comes to your next holiday destination.

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1. Call us or click a quote button on our site

2. Complete our simple medical screening process

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What to prepare for before air travel

As mentioned above, airlines must offer assistance to disabled passengers free of charge. Whether you have a mobility issue, visual impairment or some other need, you’ll need to plan ahead to ensure you can get the right service for you.

Ask whether the plane has wheelchair accessible areas, and where your carer (if you have one) will be seated. If these areas aren’t available, will your wheelchair be stored within the cabin or the cargo bay? If the latter is the case, what help will be available in locating it?

For travellers hard of hearing, airlines should provide all facilities accessible to the average traveller by providing telecommunication devices for the deaf or text telephones.

Find the right medical travel insurance

Travel Insurance for pre existing conditions and disabilities can be difficult to find. However, specialist travel insurance will provide peace of mind in case anything were to happen while overseas. Arranging an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) if travelling within the EU can provide low cost, or even free, healthcare if travelling within the EU. A card can be ordered at no charge via the NHS’ website. It’s important to note this card is not a substitute for comprehensive medical insurance, though, so you should arrange both before travelling.

Speak to your healthcare provider

If you feel the journey might be uncomfortable for you speak to your GP or medical healthcare provider and see whether they can suggest anything to help make the journey more tolerable. If you take medication for your condition ask for a prescription to cover the time you’ll be away, as well as a little extra in case your flight is delayed for any reason. If your airline requires a Fit For Travel note, or a letter from your doctor authorising you to carry certain medications, arrange this with plenty of time to spare.

Accommodation

Research beforehand whether the accommodation is suitable for your needs, and the needs of those travelling with you. Don’t feel you must stick to staying in hotels, many lodges on safari feature fully accessible and adapted rooms and even some tented camps are suitably modified. As always, it’s important to ensure you thoroughly discuss all your requirements with your travel company. From igloos to tipis, thorough research will open a world of travel possibilities.

Article References:

1. Publication Office of the EU: Regulation (EC) No 1107/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council
2.  Civil Aviation Authority: Information about your rights and how to access special assistance

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