Travel Insurance for Trigeminal Neuralgia

What is trigeminal neuralgia?

Trigeminal neuralgia causes sudden attacks of severe facial pain, often described as stabbing or like an electric shock. It affects the trigeminal nerve, which carries feeling from the face to the brain, and it’s usually on one side, around the cheek, jaw, teeth or gums. It’s classed as a neurological condition.

Attacks can be set off by everyday things such as eating, brushing your teeth, talking, shaving or a breeze on the face. They may last seconds to a couple of minutes, but can come in clusters, with pain-free periods in between. Most cases are thought to be caused by a blood vessel pressing on the nerve, and some are linked to multiple sclerosis. The NHS trigeminal neuralgia page explains the treatment options.

Why do I need to declare trigeminal neuralgia for travel insurance?

Trigeminal neuralgia is a pre-existing medical condition. We ask about it because a severe attack abroad can be hard to manage, sometimes leading to emergency treatment for pain, and triggers such as cold wind, eating and talking are difficult to avoid on holiday. A bad run of attacks before you go might also mean cancelling.

If it 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 trigeminal neuralgia?

Yes, often. Whether cover is offered depends on your screening result, and the outcome tends to reflect how settled the condition is and whether further treatment is planned.

What we’ll ask about your trigeminal neuralgia

Declaring your trigeminal neuralgia online doesn’t take long. The screening asks about the medication you take and whether surgery has been discussed. After that, carry on declaring any other relevant pre-existing medical conditions you have.

Once you’ve finished the medical declaration, you’ll go through to the quote page. If your trigeminal neuralgia and your other conditions can be covered, you’ll see a list of quotes, and the premium shown includes the cost of cover for your medical. If we can’t provide cover, you’ll know before going any further.

If your health changes before travelling

Trigeminal neuralgia can be unpredictable. If your attacks get worse, your medication changes, you’re admitted to hospital, or you’re given a date for surgery between now and departure, you must let us know. We may need to review your cover or refer your medical situation to the underwriters, and occasionally we may not be able to proceed with cover. Any change in your medical you don’t tell us about could mean a future claim is affected or denied.

What can trigeminal neuralgia travel insurance cover?

Once accepted, a severe attack abroad that needs medical care can be covered. If the pain becomes unbearable during a trip to Madeira and you need hospital treatment, the emergency costs can be covered, and so can medical repatriation if needed. This is subject to the policy terms, exclusions, limits and excess.

A flare before you leave that leads your doctor to advise you not to travel may let you claim under cancellation cover for non-refundable costs.

Planned procedures abroad and anything linked to undeclared conditions are not covered.

Will trigeminal neuralgia affect the cost of travel insurance?

Trigeminal neuralgia can change the price you’re quoted. Exactly how is worked out by online medical screening, which may ask how your pain is treated and how well it’s being controlled. General points like age, the country you’re visiting and the length of the trip are taken into account too, and the full price is shown before you pay.

Single trip or annual cover with trigeminal neuralgia

Take out single trip insurance for one holiday, or look at annual multi-trip cover if you go away more often. Annual cover depends on your screening result.

Travelling with trigeminal neuralgia: practical tips

These general tips are not part of your insurance.

Wind and cold air on the face are common triggers. A scarf, a hat with a brim or a high collar can protect your face on boat trips, ferry decks or windy coastal walks. In cold destinations, a snood worn over the lower face can make a real difference.

Some people find air conditioning blowing on their face sets off attacks. Ask for a seat away from air vents on the plane, and turn the overhead nozzle away. In the hotel, position yourself so the air conditioning doesn’t blow directly at you.

Eating can trigger pain, so think about food before you go. Softer foods, room-temperature drinks and chewing on the other side can help. A drinking straw might be useful.

Anticonvulsant medicines used for trigeminal neuralgia need to be taken regularly. Keep a good supply in your hand luggage and take extra in case of delays. Your pharmacist can help with timing across time zones, and some of these medicines can cause drowsiness or unsteadiness, so take care with alcohol.

1. pack your medicines in their original containers with a copy of your prescription
2. take a letter from your doctor describing your condition
3. read our guide to travelling abroad with medication

How to get a quote

Add your trip details, answer the screening questions and choose your cover. You’ll see the final price before paying.

Get a Quote

Other Useful Neurological Pages

• Bell's Palsy Travel Insurance
• Benign Brain Tumour Travel Insurance
• Trigeminal Neuralgia Travel Insurance

Don't worry if your condition is not listed above - we cover plenty more medical conditions.
* Please note that cover will vary depending on individual medical screenings.