Travel Insurance for Parkinson's Disease

What is Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease develops when nerve cells in part of the brain stop producing enough dopamine, a chemical that helps control movement. It’s a progressive neurological condition, and the best-known symptoms are tremors, stiff muscles, and slow movement. It usually begins after the age of 50, though some people are diagnosed younger.

Other symptoms are less obvious but just as important: poor sleep, constipation, low mood, anxiety, problems with balance, and dizziness on standing. Medication can control symptoms well for many people, often for years. The NHS Parkinson’s disease page has the detail.

Why do I need to declare Parkinson’s for travel insurance?

Parkinson’s counts as a pre-existing medical condition if you've had a recent diagnosis, take medication, or regularly see a medical practitioner. Declaring it matters because it can raise the chance of needing help abroad. Falls are more common, missed or delayed doses can make symptoms much worse, and swallowing problems can lead to chest infections. A change in your condition before departure could also mean cancelling.

If Parkinson’s isn’t declared, a related claim could be refused or 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 Parkinson’s?

Most people with Parkinson’s can apply. Whether cover is offered depends on the screening result, which looks at how the condition has been affecting you and what treatment you have.

What we’ll ask about your Parkinson’s

The medical screening is online and simple to complete. For your Parkinson’s, you may be asked about mobility aids, hospital admissions, or associated dementia. When you’ve finished with this condition, carry on declaring any other relevant pre-existing medical conditions.

With the medical declaration complete, you’ll go through to the quote page. A list of quotes is shown if your Parkinson’s and any other conditions are coverable, and the premium quoted includes the cost of covering your medical. If we can’t offer cover, you’ll find that out before going any further.

If your health changes before travelling

Parkinson’s can change gradually, then all at once. If a fall leads to hospital, your medication changes, you’re referred to a new service, or you receive a new diagnosis 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 Parkinson’s travel insurance cover?

With Parkinson’s accepted, emergency treatment abroad that’s connected to it can be covered. If you fall on a cruise excursion in Croatia and break your wrist, the hospital treatment can be covered, as can getting you home with medical support if needed. Subject to the policy terms, exclusions, limits and excess.

If your doctor advises against travel because of a change in your health before you go, cancellation cover can help with non-refundable costs.

The policy won’t pay for planned treatment abroad, routine prescriptions or claims for undeclared conditions.

Will Parkinson’s affect the cost of travel insurance?

Parkinson’s can make a difference to the cost, with the result of our online medical screening deciding how much. Age, destination, and the length of your trip are weighed up for everyone. The price is shown before you buy, so nothing is fixed until then.

Single trip or annual cover with Parkinson’s

You might choose single trip cover for a one-off holiday, or annual cover if you travel regularly. Annual cover is subject to your screening result.

Travelling with Parkinson’s: practical tips

These are general tips only. They aren’t part of the insurance.

Medication timing is the big challenge. Parkinson’s medicines often need to be taken at set times, and a delay can make symptoms much worse. When you cross time zones, ask your specialist nurse or pharmacist how to adjust, and set alarms on your phone. Keep all your doses in your hand luggage, with extra for delays, and split them between two bags if you’re travelling with someone.

If you do need to see a doctor or go into hospital while you’re away, make sure staff know you have Parkinson’s. Some common anti-sickness drugs can make Parkinson’s worse, so carry a card or letter listing your medicines and any your team has said to avoid.

Airports can be tiring, and stiffness or freezing can be worse under stress. Book assistance in advance and allow extra time. Some people find security queues easier if they tell staff about their condition early.

Low blood pressure on standing is common with Parkinson’s. Drink plenty, especially in the heat, and stand up slowly after sitting or lying down. Our low blood pressure page explains more if you’ve been diagnosed with it separately.

1. choose a room near the lift with a walk-in shower if you can
2. take snacks for flights in case medicine timing and meals clash
3. carry a copy of your prescription and your specialist’s contact details

How to get a quote

Tell us about your trip, then answer the screening questions on Parkinson’s and anything else that applies. You’ll see your quote before you commit.

Get a Quote