Travelling with Multiple Sclerosis

Can I still get travel insurance if I have Multiple Sclerosis?

Yes, here at MIA we can usually offer specialist medical travel insurance cover for those travellers with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and many other pre-existing conditions.

As with all insurance, the cover provided will depend on factors such as the stability of your condition, the destination that you're travelling to, any treatment that you're undertaking.

There may be some instances when we can't offer travel insurance that's right for you, but we'll be here to discuss your options, if you need us.

What's covered?

MIA is made up of two specialist medical travel insurance products, Clear2Go and Clear4Travel. Each product has its own levels of cover:

• Medical cover up to £5,000,000 per person
• Baggage Cover of up to £1,500 per person
• Cancellation cover of between £1,000 and £2,000

• Medical cover up to £5,000,000 per person
• Baggage Cover of up to £1,500 per person
• Cancellation cover of between £2,000 and £5,000
• Hospitalisation cover and personal accident cover - inclusive of death benefit of up to £30,000

Please see our policy wording for a full list of benefits and exclusions.

Our Clear4Travel product has a simple online quote system, meaning you can get covered quickly, however, if your condition is more complex or you have other serious conditions, Clear2Go maybe the product for you. We have a friendly and experienced team waiting to talk you through the quote process, to make sure that you find a travel insurance policy that’s right for you.

Travelling with Multiple Sclerosis – Tips

Especially if you're having regular symptom flare ups or you're undergoing new treatments. Having MS shouldn't stop you from enjoying your holiday, but it you should check that your medical team is happy with your health and destination before you travel.

If you're travelling by air, you should carry your medication in your hand luggage in case of your hold luggage going missing or being damaged. You should also keep all medication in its original packaging. If you are using injectable medication, check with your airline what the procedure is for carrying your sharps and medication on board, well in advance of your flight; it may be that you'll require a letter from your doctor to authorise this. If your medications need to be refrigerated, check if there's the facility for this on your flight and at your accommodation.

Extremes in temperature are known to make MS symptoms worse, so bear this in mind when you're booking your trip. If you're travelling to hot climate, consider taking some cooling clothes and make sure you drink plenty. If you're travelling to a winter destination, pack lots of layers to ensure that you're warm enough throughout your trip. The MS Trust website has further hints and tips on travelling abroad.

Dependant on your condition, and MS type, you may not need to take many special considerations when booking your trip however, if you are not fully mobile, arranging assistance at the Airport or train station could make a huge difference to the start or indeed, the end of your holiday. If you are easily fatigued, think about the placement of your accommodation and ensure that it's accessible for you. Most travel operators will note if there are steep inclines or if areas of the resort are not easily accessible, but if you're not sure check before you book.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, we'll need to know your medical history in full, so we can offer a quote that covers your needs; If we don't, you could be left without cover in the event of a claim.

If you declare your full medical history, we should be able to find cover that’s right for you. If there are any exceptions that we can’t insure, we’ll let you know before you accept the travel insurance policy.

If your doctor deems you not fit for travel, we can arrange for you and your travelling party, as long as they're insured on the policy, to be refunded any reasonable costs that you incur.

Should you become seriously unwell, or your condition gets worse while you're away, our medical assistance team will be on hand to guide you through the process of getting you home.

Not usually, but we will ask you to check with your doctor or MS Nurse that they're happy for you to travel. If they are, they should leave a note on your medical record along with details of your trip. We may need to refer back to these should you need to make a claim.