Travel Insurance With MS

In order to provide cover, we need to have an accurate picture of your current health and medical history. This means that you need to declare all your existing medical conditions, including your multiple sclerosis.
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When you have declared your multiple sclerosis, you will be asked questions like the following:

1. Has your ability to look after yourself worsened significantly in the last year?
2. Do you currently use any mobility aids?
3. Have you had any acute relapses in the last year?
4. Has your ability to look after yourself worsened significantly in the last year?
5. What if you are undergoing investigations for symptoms that could be multiple sclerosis?
6. What if your multiple sclerosis gets worse between purchasing your policy and your travel date?
7. Will your wheelchair be covered against loss or damage?

At AllClear, we believe that everyone deserves the right to travel. That’s why we have put together these tips to help if you are travelling with MS.

Pace yourself

• You know your body better than anyone. And remember, you don’t have to do everything in the guidebooks for your holiday to be amazing. Choose activities wisely and build in recovery time.
• Take advantage of breaks. Seek shade, drink some ice-cold drinks, and take a breather when you can.

Dealing with heat

• Some people with MS suffer from heat sensitivity– so if this applies to you consider choosing a destination where the climate is cooler.
• If you are in a hot climate, cool your body from the outside: use clothing, find shade, monitor your temperature, and apply body cooling sprays or other products.
• Cool your insides and stay hydrated by drinking fluids, especially water, but limit caffeine which can interfere with sleep and increase fatigue.
• On any road trip, take an ice chest with ice and bottled water, one of the best things to help keep you cool in the heat is to drink lots of water and stay hydrated.
• Everyone reacts differently to heat; therefore, your personal experience of your condition will form the basis of the decision on where you travel.

Vaccinations

• Talk to your doctor well ahead of your departure date about any necessary vaccinations. In general, vaccinations shouldn’t be given during an acute relapse or steroid treatment.

Flying/transport

• Tell your airline of your needs in advance – airlines can arrange a wheelchair or special transport for use in the airport. Aircraft will often carry standard size wheelchairs free of charge. If you have battery-powered chairs you might need to dismantle this for carriage. Some transport providers may require a ‘fitness to travel’ note from your doctor.
• If your schedule permits, you might want to allow a little extra time between connecting flights so you’re not rushed from one gate to the next.

Medication

• If you’re travelling with MS, check that you have enough medication to last for the duration of your trip. If you carry your medication in your hand luggage, have relevant medical certification with it. You’ll need to arrange for your medication to be stored in a refrigerator at the hotel if needed.
• For air travel, medication must be in their original containers provided by your pharmacist.
• Some airports have stringent security standards. So you might want to have a doctor’s note certifying that you are on injectable prescription medication.

Hotel

• Check that your hotel is suitable if you are travelling with MS. Does it have wheelchair access if you need it? Is your room on the ground floor if you have difficulty with stairs and there’s no lift? Does it have accessible rooms, and can you book one of these?
• View your accommodation online before you make reservations. Note stairs, pool access, restrooms, exercise room, etc. Have questions? Email or call in advance.
• What if you get ill? If your condition is exacerbated whilst you are away, you may need to seek medical assistance.
• It’s important to have comprehensive travel insurance to cover your condition in case you do need any medical care while you’re away.

Article references: The National Voice For People With MS.