Travel Insurance for Multiple Sclerosis

What is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition where the immune system attacks the protective coating around the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. As a result, the signals travelling along those nerves is disrupted.

MS is a lifelong neurological condition and it can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, numbness, problems with vision, balance and walking, and bladder trouble.

Most people are first diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS, where symptoms flare up in relapses and then ease off. Others have progressive MS, where things change more steadily. Disease modifying treatments can reduce relapses for many people. The NHS multiple sclerosis page has more on types and treatment.

Why do I need to declare MS for travel insurance?

MS counts as a pre-existing medical condition. We need to know because a relapse abroad might need assessment or treatment, and some disease modifying treatments lower immunity, so infections can become more serious. Mobility problems can also increase the risk of a fall, and a relapse shortly before you go could mean cancelling.

If MS isn’t declared, a related claim could be refused or the payout reduced.

You won’t need to declare every medical condition you’ve ever had or been diagnosed with, only those that fall into the initial set of medical questions.

Can I get travel insurance with MS?

In many cases, yes. Whether cover is offered depends on the medical screening, and the type of MS and how active it has been lately are central to that.

What we’ll ask about your multiple sclerosis

The online medical screening is short and easy to get through, and questions about MS might be about relapses or mobility aids. When you’re done declaring this condition, carry on declaring any other relevant pre-existing medical conditions.

After the declaration, you’ll be taken to the quote page. You’ll be shown a list of quotes if your multiple sclerosis and your other conditions are coverable, and each premium includes the cost of cover for your medical. If we’re unable to offer cover, you’ll be told before you proceed.

If your health changes before travelling

MS can be unpredictable. If you have a relapse, your treatment changes, you’re admitted to hospital, or you’re referred to a new specialist before you travel, you must let us know. We may have to review your cover and refer your medical details to the underwriters, and sometimes we may not be able to proceed with cover. If changes in your medical go unreported, a future claim can be affected or denied.

What can MS travel insurance cover?

When MS is accepted on the policy, a relapse abroad can be dealt with as a medical emergency. If you lose strength in your legs while you’re in Lanzarote and need to be seen in hospital, the emergency treatment can be covered, and so can repatriation if you need help getting home. Subject to the policy terms, exclusions, limits and excess.

A relapse shortly before departure that leads your doctor to advise against travelling could be a reason to claim under cancellation cover.

Planned infusions or other treatment abroad aren’t covered. Nor is anything linked to a condition you didn’t declare.

Will MS affect the cost of travel insurance?

Yes, having an MS diagnosis can change the cost of cover. Things like your age, the place you’re visiting and the length of your stay are factored in as well. There’s no obligation, and the price is shown before you go ahead.

Single trip or annual cover with MS

Single trip insurance works for one holiday. If you’re planning several breaks, annual multi-trip cover can be better value, though availability depends on your screening result.

Travelling with MS: practical tips

These are general tips rather than part of the insurance.

Heat is a common problem. Many people with MS find their symptoms get temporarily worse when they’re hot, an effect known as Uhthoff’s phenomenon. Choose air-conditioned rooms, travel in cooler months if you can, and pack a cooling vest or neck wrap. A cool shower can help reset things.

Fatigue can be the hardest symptom to plan around. Pace the trip, schedule rest after travel days, and book airport assistance so you aren’t worn out before the holiday starts.

Check timings for your disease modifying treatment. If you’re due an infusion, plan the trip around it with your MS team. Injections may need to stay refrigerated, so ask the airline about carrying a cool bag and check the hotel room has a fridge.

Some MS treatments affect the immune system, and live vaccines may not be suitable. Speak to your MS nurse or a travel clinic early and look up your destination on TravelHealthPro.

1. plan for bladder symptoms with an aisle seat and a toilet map
2. keep medication and a letter from your neurologist in your hand luggage
3. take spare catheters or continence products if you use them

If you’ve also had trigeminal neuralgia, which sometimes occurs with MS, declare it too.

How to get a quote

Add your trip details, answer the MS questions and anything else you need to declare, and choose a cover level. The price comes up before you buy.

Get a Quote