best travel insurance for ms sufferers

TRAVELING WITH MS:

The Ultimate Guide

ActiveMSers has prepared an exhaustive guide for traveling with a disability, with a focus on multiple sclerosis. This practical advice has been collected from fellow MSers, travel agents, airline staff, cruise lines, disability specialists, and personal experience. There are many aspects to consider when traveling with a disability, from the earliest of planning stages to packing advice to medication tips and tricks. Whether you are jetting off to explore the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan or driving out of town for a quick overnight at a nearby bed and breakfast, here’s how to manage all of it.

As one of the most seasoned MS travelers on the planet —having explored over 50 countries on six continents—I have learned the ins and outs of touring the globe while coping with myriad challenges. Walking difficulties. Fatigue. Bathroom challenges. Wheelchair impediments (sooo many impediments). Even full-on relapses. Alas, the days when I could just touch a spot on the map and then go vanished after my 2006 diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Navigating the globe when you are juggling a disease, chronic illness, or permanent disability is the very definition of touch and go. But damn, if I don’t still go. I seriously get around. You can, too. This guide will show you how

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EXPLORE THIS GUIDE:

Best Advice for Disabled Explorers

MS-Specific Considerations When Traveling

General Medication Advice

Favorite Accessible Destinations

Planning Your Accessible Trip

Disability Hotel Room Recommendations

Before You Go

What to Pack

Flying with a Disability

At Your Destination

BEST ADVICE FOR DISABLED EXPLORERS  

If you read only one section of this guide, read this one.

Ditch the checklists. See what you can see and do not fret for a moment if you can't see it all. I know, the guidebook says you CAN’T MISS something or other. Whatever. Prioritize a few special things and let the rest unfold as it unfolds. Over planning only sets you up for disappointment later. 

Pace yourself. You know your body better than anyone. If you know going all-out is going to put the hurt on your body, save that climb of Kilimanjaro for the end of your holiday and recover on that plane ride. And remember, you don't have to do everything in the guidebooks for your holiday to be called a success. Choose activities wisely and build in recovery time.

Check the ego. You have lots of tools at your disposal to make traveling easier—use them. Wheelchairs, canes, trekking poles, scooters, rollaters, disposable undergarments, you name it. Is someone staring? Who bloody cares. And please, ask for help if you need it. People are amazingly accommodating if asked nicely with a smile.

Don’t panic. There will always be hiccups when you travel some little, some bigger. It happens. And I’ve been through so many messes: missed connections, lost baggage, shuttered hotels, no-show guides, entire legs of vacations cancelled due to unrest, unexpected MS relapses, the works. Catch your breath, count your lucky stars you are in one piece, and set about to fix the situation. Don’t let it fester! Yeah, it sucks. But it won’t ruin your trip unless you let it.

Seek a travel partner. Do not underestimate the importance of a reliable travel companion or caregiver. When you need a little extra assistance, an extra pair of able-bodied hands (and legs) can be a godsend. Treat them well. After all, this is supposed to be their vacation as well!

Eye restrooms. Mentally note all bathrooms and, when traveling internationally, avoid passing up a good one. There are cell phone apps that help you find public potties, but watch data fees overseas. And if you do, remember where it is so you can hustle back to it when nature calls. She always tends to ring at the most inopportune times!

Don't wait. Don't save that dream trip until you retire. Or until the kids are grown. Or until you feel better. MS is unpredictable; go now.

Carpe diem. Seize the day, savor moments, and make your vacation unforgettable for all the right reasons. Focus on the instances that make travel enjoyable, not on your disease.

MS-SPECIFIC CONSIDERATIONS WHEN TRAVELING  

Becoming an MS globetrotter requires a few extra steps in order to successfully navigate planet earth with a disease. This advice may apply to other chronic illnesses, but since I don’t have an ostomy bag or wear a blood glucose monitor, I can’t speak to those.

A doctor’s note. A letter from your doctor stating you have multiple sclerosis is a good idea. I read about a woman denied an extra drink on a flight because she looked drunk. She claimed she had MS. Now a doctor’s letter might not have helped in that particular situation because you can still be drunk and have MS, but I digress.

Contact info. Keep with you your MS specialist’s phone number, e-mail, and off-hours emergency number. If you are traveling out of the country, don’t forget to add on the country code when you dial.

Original bottles. It's probably wise that you don’t take your medication out of their original labeled containers when it comes to cryptic pills (disease-modifying injectable MS meds are okay since they are labeled). The dudes, especially in customs, don’t really like to guess what pills are what.

Infusions. Taking an infused MS treatment, like Tysabri, Lemtrada or Ocrevus? Be sure to plan around your infusion dates. Katmandu likely does not have an infusion center you can use. Same goes for Mavenclad, the oral medication that is given in infrequent cycles.

Pills. On an oral drug like Gilenya, Mayzent, Aubagio, or Tecfidera? Avoid extreme temps. In other words, don't leave them roasting in the glovebox of a hot car or exposed when you are camping overnight in Siberia in January. And if you are camping in Siberia in January, I recommend you see a therapist.

Injections. Taking an injectable like Copaxone, Rebif, Betaseron, Extavia or Avonex? A small, soft-sided cooler (with an ice park or two, but watch that you don't accidentally freeze your meds) works great to tote your medication and can be stored in a carry-on backpack. Taking a cooler is always a good idea when traveling with your injectables even if they don’t require refrigeration because you never know when your drugs will be sitting in a hot car while you are out on a hike.

Xray scanners. The Xray machines used at airports should not harm your medications. And TSA generally does not care about your sharp needles. I personally have never been stopped at security for having a boatload of potentially subcutaneous weapons, but I’ve been pulled aside for an eyeglass screwdriver that was immediately confiscated with appropriate scolding.

Prednisone. Before I transitioned to secondary progressive MS, I traveled with a 3-day oral course of high-dose steroids to treat surprise relapses. You may want to ask your neurologist for an advance prescription as a stop-gap measure to save a vacation, particularly if you are traveling outside your country to remote areas. That way, if you have an exacerbation on a long trekking trip, say in Nepal, a dose of oral steroids could trim your attack symptoms big time and save your vacation. NOTE: Only do this if you have previously taken oral steroids and are aware of how the drug affects you.

Pseudoexacerbations. Remember that there is a difference between an exacerbation and a pseudoexacerbation. According to the NMSS website, a true exacerbation “is a worsening of old symptoms or the appearance of new ones that last at least 24 hours. This is important because stress, heat, and/or fatigue (all of which easily happen while traveling) could cause a temporary symptom flare, which should clear by the next day.”

Exercise. Don’t forget to stretch regularly and exercise. I know it’s your holiday, but your health doesn’t take a holiday. MS researchers have found that regular exercise reduces fatigue, so even on vacation I try to squeeze in workouts, especially if I feel that icky fatigue fog start to roll in.

GENERAL MEDICATION ADVICE  

There are some notable steps to take when traveling with medications, steps that tend to be overlooked by novice travelers. 

Carry on only. Always keep your medications with you as part of your carry on luggage. That’s one piece of luggage you can’t afford to lose.

Refrigeration. Meds require refrigeration? Call ahead to your hotel and ask that a portable refrigerator be put in your room if it does not have a mini bar. Most hotels will be able to honor that request. Note: when removing items from your minibar to make room for meds, be sure to later check your bill. Some minibars have the ability to automatically charge your bill for items removed from the fridge, even if you put them back.

Temperature check. If you need to keep meds chilled, consider bringing a digital thermometer that records the ambient air temperature. Do NOT store your medication in the fridge unless you are certain they won’t freeze, 36 degrees or above. One trick if you don’t have a thermometer: a bottle with just a touch of water (a tablespoon) will do nicely. Put it in the coldest part of the fridge BEFORE you add your meds. Wait at least a few hours. If it freezes, even on the warmest setting, find a new fridge.

Needles. Instead of lugging around a big sharps container for your needles, you might consider a needle clipper / storage device like the BD Safe Clip , allowing you to store the syringe safely. A word of caution, medical waste usually can't be tossed in the trash, so you'll need to find a place to store the empties. At least you won't get poked.

Extras. Bring a few extra doses just in case you do something stupid and pooch one of your injections or drop a pill down a gutter. And if the weather causes delays or cancellations, you won’t be stuck without your medication.

Cannabis. Medical marijuana in any form can get you into deep do-do, especially if jetting about internationally. Even driving across state lines can be cause for concern. That said, domestic travel in America with cannabis, even flying, is unlikely to land you in serious hot water unless you do something stupid. So don’t be stupid.

A final warning. A friend had her baggage confiscated twice--coming and going--because her drugs were packed with her checked luggage. Of course, it didn't help matters that we had a transfer in Singapore, noted for hanging folks with too much Tylenol (actually kilos of heroin, but you get the picture). Her bags were delayed for a couple of days, but fortunately her stash of pills was preventative in nature and not critical.

FAVORITE ACCESSIBLE DESTINATIONS  

Having been to thousands of cities and towns around the globe, I can say from personal experience that virtually every place I’ve ever visited can be experienced—at least to some extent—with a disability, including if you use a wheelchair. And even if there are major accessibility issues, there are almost always workarounds if you have assistance and patience. That said, “doable” doesn’t necessarily mean “enjoyable.” Here are a few destination ideas that are more reliable than most. 

National parks. In the U.S., the National Park Service generally does an adequate job in accessibility. Each park’s website details ease of disability access and many have full and extremely detailed guides. Yellowstone is a standout with detailed trail guides (hills to steep for wheelchairs, steps on the trail, etc.) and their guide even identifies every wheelchair-accessible bathroom and vault toilet.

Major amusement parks and tourist attractions. While many of the rides may be off limits, they cater to so many people from so many walks of life and generations, that accessibility is standard. Scooters and wheelchairs are almost always available to borrow or rent at major tourist attractions.

Olympic cities. Cities that host the Olympic games also host the Paralympics, and that means accessibility. Cities are required to meet certain benchmarks to aid handicapped travelers, from wheelchair users to the visually impaired. Host cities like Barcelona, London, Tokyo, Vancouver, and Athens have all been improved—from sidewalks to public transportation—to accommodate disabled visitors and are noted for their accessibility. 

A cruise. Consider a cruise, even if you are not a "cruiser." I've traveled by ship extensively pre and post MS, and it has a host of advantages. You unpack once (great for fatigue), disability access is good (especially if you need mobility aids), a doctor is always onboard (helpful if you have a relapse), and your travel time is often at night when you are sleeping (no exhausting car rides). See my detailed cruise guide here .  

African safari. Want a far-flung adventure? An African safari is a good option for those with limited mobility because you travel by vehicle, which means access to A/C and that you are seated. The lodges can be spectacular (in Kenya I actually slept in a bed that was 11x9, the size of a bedroom!) and the staff will cater to your special needs. Wheelchair-accessible safaris are an option in some countries.

Ziplining, Water Skiing, Ballooning, Sailing, Riding Camels. For virtually every passion out there, there is an accessible solution. There are many outfitters, far too many to list here, who are specially geared to aid wheelchair adventurers and those with other disabilities. In the Grand Tetons I managed to tack on an afternoon of unbelievable handcycling with Teton Adaptive Sports .

PLANNING YOUR ACCESSIBLE TRIP  

So you are going on vacation!? Woohoo! There are so many things to consider before traveling that you might need a vacation from planning your vacation. Here are some things to think about as you gear up to go on your next adventure.

Budget. I’ve got all sorts of rules when it comes to spending money on travel, and then inevitably I break them. In general, I prefer to spend money on experiences rather than things, so I give myself flexibility to splurge on trips. Over the years I’ve rarely regretted spending the extra cash for something special, even though at the time I’ll often think to myself WHAT THE HELL AM I DOING. But I’ll never forget watching Ronaldo score a hat trick from a sky box in Madrid instead of watching a tired touristy flamenco show that was the original (and far more affordable) plan.

Length. Listen to your body, it’s the ultimate arbiter. If three weeks sounds exhausting, don’t suck it up—shoot for a shorter trip. I’ve discovered that these days my sweet spot with MS is 10-14 days. Long enough to get into vacation mode, but not so long that I’m ready to go home. Plus it doesn’t exhaust my caregiver. And of course I love short weekend adventures.

When to go. The time of year you travel absolutely makes a difference. I prefer to travel in the off season (less standing in line, easier to get into restaurants, better seats at special events) and when temperatures are cooler (heat and MS go together like cereal and gravy). If heat wears you out, traveling when it's toasty could turn a vacation into little more than a quest for A/C.

Travel agents. Consider using a travel agent who specializes in making arrangements for those with disabilities, especially for those big trips. This is particularly useful if you require a wheelchair and often doesn’t cost extra—you may even save. Be sure to inform your agent about your special needs: your current mobility, equipment you will be bringing (or need at your destination), seating preferences, etc. Here is a detailed list of travel agents around the US and around the world who are experienced in working with handicapped folks. For Europe, Sage Traveling  has gobs of trips in dozens of cities that are wheelchair accessible. Travel agents specializing in MS include Tarita Davenock with Travel for All  and Sylvia Longmire from Spin the Globe .

Insurance. If the trip is $$$ and the loss of those funds would be detrimental, consider purchasing travel insurance when you book your trip (we like Travel Guard ). Most travel insurance companies WILL recognize pre-existing conditions like MS, but only if you purchase the insurance within 10-15 days of putting down a deposit on the trip. If you miss that window, any MS event will void out your travel insurance and you are on your own. 

Doh, insurance! Now if you meant to buy travel insurance and spaced it (I can be such a dolt!), there are plans from Travel Insured International  that you can purchase up 30 days after your initial deposit. Remember, "initial deposit" includes any funds to the trip down to the penny. And a word of warning: if you buy your insurance from the same company you are traveling with and they go belly up, you are SOL. So I always recommend buying your insurance from a third party and NOT through your travel agent/company or cruise ship.

DISABILITY HOTEL ROOM RECOMMENDATIONS  

Extra care needs to be taken when booking a hotel room if you have a disability, particularly if you have a disability that impairs walking or if you use a wheelchair. Expect issues, even with major hotel chains. When I have the time, I plan to have a heart-to-heart with all the major players. And maybe some public spats if that’s what it takes for them to be more cognizant of disability issues.

Trust and verify. View your accommodations online before you make reservations. Note stairs, pool access, restrooms, exercise room, etc. Have questions? E-mail or call. You don't want to be stuck going up stairs at a B&B when you thought it was a single level. Also, don't trust "handicap accessible" declarations. What some folks think is accessible is downright laughable. The best solution if you have severe mobility issues: ask for pics and even video.

Trust only so much. Even then you can't trust areas to be accessible. In Peru, I cannot count the number of bathrooms that were "wheelchair accessible" that, despite appearances—oversized with grab bars galore—required getting out of the chair before you were anywhere near the toilet. Stall doors often would not close if you brought in the wheelchair. On another occasion, the bathroom door when open blocked the toilet! If I was 100% restricted to my wheelchair, the only way to access the “accessible” bathroom would be to remove the door.

Accessibility if you need it. A room with an accessible bathroom isn't just for folks who use wheelchairs. As one fellow member of ActiveMSers discovered, having a bathroom with grab bars was essential after an exhausting day. But if you don’t need the extra assistance, save the room for someone who needs it more.

Shower chairs. Some hotels will have shower chairs available if the shower is not already equipped with one, but again its smart to ask in advance or bring your own . And even that might not always help. Our lodge in the Grand Tetons only had a tub/shower combo for wheelchair users. That combo can only work if you have a transfer shower bench . They said they had one. No, they just had a standard shower chair. That wobbled. If the chair is too unstable, request another one. And if one isn’t available? Sponge bath it is! 

Get creative. If you travel it is bound to happen: something won’t go right, and that includes your base lodging. The bed might be too high… so ask staff to remove the box spring or request a rollaway. The room might be next to the ice maker that makes ice only between the hours of 2-4 a.m…. so ask to switch rooms or use those earplugs. 

Measure. Sinks may or may not allow you to roll under them, so if you are wheeling it, ask. And doorways and/or bathrooms (heck, even bedrooms) may not be wide enough for your chair, especially if you are traveling overseas, so have a tape measurement of your minimum requirements needed.

A forewarning. If you get an accessible room, a forewarning: it’s likely going to be bigger… and subpar. Oh, it’ll have much of the same amenities as the other rooms in the hotel, but almost certainly the view will be worse, the location will be worse, the noise disturbances will be greater, and there is nothing much you can do. Except complain. Remind management about the ADA. And demand an upgrade or a discount.

BEFORE YOU GO  

As your departure date approaches, you’ll want to start doing your due diligence in the trip-planning department. The earlier the better to keep stress levels at a low burble.

Create a packing checklist. I have my own that I’ve used for decades, updating it for every trip. I’m constantly tweaking it depending on the type of adventure (so I don’t forget a bike helmet if I plan to bike) and the level of disability (I no longer list a cane because I use a wheelchair). There are plenty of list templates online that you can build off. Remember to add your meds and disability aids. 

Generate a prior-to-departure checklist. I tack this on to my packing list, and it reminds me about all the little things that tend to get overlooked. Reminders to make a plan to water plants, stop the mail and newspaper, inform the neighbors, set the DVR for that show I don’t want to miss, take down the hummingbird feeder so they don’t get pissed off drinking air, stuff like that.

Research online guidebooks. Sure, you can use Tripadvisor. But before you do, research your own city on that website. Not helpful. Instead I steer to the recommendation of expert travel guides. Frommer’s , Fodor’s , Moon , and Lonely Planet . For short adventures, I’ll cut and paste advice. For longer ones, the $15 is a pittance compared to what my trip costs. 

Dig deeper. I’ll often turn to newspaper and magazine articles about the destination I am visiting for even more guidance. My favorites include Conde Nast Traveler , Travel + Leisure , and The New York Times 36 Hours travel series.

Get specific. For a trip to Yellowstone, I researched specifically for wheelchair advice in the national park. I skimmed a handful of blogs and cherry picked their best recommendations. I might have skipped an out-of-the-way accessible trail that wasn’t trumped in any of the mainstream guides, but one wheelchair reviewer said it was a must see. He was right.

Download maps. If you are traveling internationally or to areas with sketchy cell service (hello Death Valley!), this is especially helpful. Maps are useless if your phone can’t access them, and overseas they can chew up gobs of data if you try to load them. While Google Maps is the standard, I especially like HERE WeGo (apps for Apple and Google Play ). Their maps show stairs in the pedestrian mode, so if you use a wheelchair you can avoid sidewalks with stairs, which I discovered are surprisingly common in Chicago.

Download apps. Can you say multiple sclerosis in 35 languages? If you are traveling to a country where you don't speak the language, then download onto your phone the free Accessible Travel Phrase Book PDF by Lonely Planet . Asking for an accessible bathroom, an elevator, and countless other essentials when you have a disability just got way easier. There are many other accessibility apps, including those that help you find bathrooms, that could be a boon in your travels.

WHAT TO PACK  

I have a detailed “trek checklist” that I have used for decades, expanding (and deleting) items as my level of disability has progressed. Before each trip, I print it out and cross off items after I round them up. I recommend you create one for yourself. 

Handicap placard. Have a handicap placard? Bring it! Even if you never plan to drive. With proof of a disability, many entrance fees are waived for you and your caregiver, especially outside the US. If your country offers a disability identification card, don’t leave it at home.

Walking aids. Ideally, bring multiple forms of walking aids. Why? If you lose your cane, you still have your trekking poles and vice versa. Also, if you primarily use a rollator/walker, bring a cane or forearm crutches! I heard from one MSer who had so much trouble with cobblestone streets in Italy that her rollator was essentially useless. The cane, although it meant slower going, saved her vacation. A pair of forearm crutches offers three times the support of a single cane and can make getting around on uneven surfaces a cakewalk. Incidentally, I don't like the cane/seat combo (oh, but it sounds so convenient): it's a crummy cane and a crummy seat. Get your pants a little dirty and sit on a curb if you must.

Gait belt. I travel with one now (I own this one ), and it should have been in my arsenal a long time ago. Basically, a gait belt secures around your waist and makes for a great handhold for a caregiver or crew member to grab and assist you. It can be used for transfers (say bed to wheelchair), help you stand after a fall, or save your bacon in a dicey situation, like getting off a tender on a cruise. I don’t wear it around, but it’s nice to know it’s available if needed.

Cooling vests and wraps. Since usable freezers while on the go can be hard to find, my preferred all-around travel vests are those phase change vests that recharge in ice or at room temperature. The easiest cooling vest to pack is one that is evaporative, since it is lightweight uncharged, but they perform poorly in humid conditions. Refer to ActiveMSers’ cooling vest guide for more. Another convenient cooling companion is a lightweight wrap that you dampen, like those from WrapMeCool .

Carry-on luggage. Smart packing advice taken from veteran travelers: when flying, make whatever you bring fit into a single carry-on bag, especially if you are going to be traveling to multiple destinations. Yes, this includes if you are going overseas for three weeks. You'll never lose a bag, it's far easier to handle than larger luggage, substantially lighter, and you can pawn it off on a travel companion if need be! This one from Briggs & Riley checks all the boxes and comes with a lifetime warranty.

Or a large wheelie bag. I know, I just recommended small. But as my disability has progressed, I’ve gravitated to one large shared bag (we use this one , it is pricey but dynamite). The larger bag is always checked, easily hold all of my aids, and is convenient on driving trips. Laura rolls this while I roll my wheelchair. If need be, she puts it on my lap, and I become the luggage cart. If we add on luggage, it is usually a carry-on and a backpack, which can also carry loose wheelchair parts when flying.

Sun protection. This sounds like a no brainer, but with heat being an issue for MSers, every cooling trick helps. I like a wide-brimmed floppy sun hat. I’ve tried sun-protective clothing ( Solumbra is highly recommended, but it’s still warmer than I’d like, so I tend to use sunscreen liberally. Finally, a UV umbrella makes a difference, and our testing confirms they really do keep temps cooler under their canopy. Amazon has many options, and  this lightweight version would be ideal for travel. Umbrellas also have an added benefit. You know, for keeping you dry in a rainstorm.

Lighten up. I like a tiny, lightweight digital camera or cell phone (keep a smartphone in airplane mode if abroad to avoid outrageous bills; FaceTime and WiFi can still be used) to record my travel memories: photographs, audio and video. The weight savings and convenience of just slipping it in your pocket is invaluable. Of course an SLR is great, but not so great to lug.

Portable grab bars. In the past when stability aids weren’t mandatory but merely helpful, I’ve used portable suction cup grab bars (I recommend this one ) . These are a boon when staying in a standard room or bed and breakfasts when you need a little extra help getting in and out of the shower.

Rolling considerations. If you need a wheelchair when traveling, a foldable manual chair, especially one with removable wheels, offers the most flexibility. Rigid chairs usually work fine, but not in all situations. Scooters and electric wheelchairs may limit you in ground transportation options, but if you use these devices you already know that drill. Renting a wheelchair is an option in some countries (e.g., most pharmacies in France rent them), but I’d only rely on that in a pinch. Renting scooters is also an option. You can have them delivered directly to your hotel. I’ve tested and reviewed the best travel mobility scooters .

Bedside commode. For road trips, this can be an unexpected boon. Bathroom out of service? Lines too long? Rest stop closed? Restroom not wheelchair accessible? If you *need* a bathroom and can’t do the squat pot, having one of these in the car for emergencies is a nice security blanket. Plus you could use it as a shower chair. Ideally find a spot out of the way (duh) and for bonus privacy, you could always drape a sheet or pop an umbrella.

FLYING WITH A DISABILITY  

One of the most stressful aspects of traveling with a handicap can be the simple act of flying. For many of us, taking to the air used to be so carefree, but now hazards are everywhere. Here’s some advice to help you breathe easier.

Preboard. Take advantage of early boarding and ask a flight attendant for help if you need it. If you are unable to walk, you’ll want to request an aisle chair. Note: airlines have various rules. Southwest lets you board early and gives you extra time, while other airlines may have you go on after first class and business. And then others might actually have you board dead last, because, you know, they are assholes.

Walking aids. Canes are allowed aboard airplanes, trekking poles are as well (tell anyone who asks that they are mobility aids), ski poles are almost always frowned upon. Forearm crutches are no problem, but a flight attendant may have to store them in another area on the plane if they don’t fit in your overhead bin. If that happens, you’ll need to ask for them back for restroom visits or be relegated to seat surfing. Note: Picked up a cool sword-cane in Kenya? If you can't fit it into your checked luggage, I guarantee you it will be confiscated, walking aid or not. And then all you'll have is a cool sword-cane story of woe.

TSA advice. “One thing you have to watch is that the TSA loves to search bags that are carrying cooling vests/hats/scarves that have hydration beads. Avoid someone pawing through your luggage. Take them in your carry on and inform the screener.” — Mary, Washington

More TSA advice. A United Airlines security rep wants me to remind all of you with cooling vests NOT to actually wear it when going through security. You know what those gel packs look like when they scan your body? Like a bomb strapped to your chest! Take it off or tell your friends to break out their cameras to film the chaos.

Final TSA advice. Review the rules for disabilities and medical conditions here .

Wheelchair assistance. “Request wheelchair assistance when booking your flight if you are not bringing your own. When you check in, tell the ticket agent that you had requested assistance and they will call someone for you. This person will take you and whoever is traveling with you thru security—without having to stand in the long lines and right to the gate. If you have to switch planes because you’re not flying direct, they will have someone waiting for you to take you to the next gate. If there isn’t anyone there, let the gate agent know and they will call for someone for you. When you arrive at your destination, someone will be there and take you to baggage claim. Remember to take some dollar bills to tip with. The wheelchair assistance will help you conserve your energy.”     — Mary, Oklahoma

Personal wheelchairs. If you are traveling with a personal wheelchair, be sure to gate-check your wheels, so that you can take it all the way up to actually boarding the plane. When you leave your chair at the plane's entry, detach all easily removable items and take them aboard the plane personally as a carry-on item. That includes seat cushions, footplates, and armrests. I like to bring a small stuff sack to, well, stuff everything into so that my wheelchair knickknacks stay in one place, limiting the risk of something falling out of the bin and clunking an innocent stranger on the head. And by taking gear with you, it will minimize the risk of losing an important piece of equipment. It will seriously suck if they lose a left footplate and you've got to enjoy your entire vacation with your legs crossed... even when you don't have to tinkle.

TSA Precheck. Is TSA Precheck worth it ($85 for 5 years, Global Entry is $100)? If you fly more than once or twice a year, probably. You get to speed through the security check, waits are usually less than 5 minutes, and you get to keep your shoes on, belt on (I you are brave enough to wear such things with an unpredictable bladder), and your liquids can stay in your bag. If you use a wheelchair, there is usually no pat-down and they just test your hands and chair for explosive residue. Super quick and easy.

Batteries. If you are traveling with a scooter or electric wheelchair, it's best if you have a "gel cell" or "dry cell" battery. If you have a wet cell battery (a rarity these days), the airline will have to remove it from your chair for special storage, a hassle. Again, don't forget to remove seat cushions, etc., to prevent them from getting lost in the belly of the plane as your scooter will either be gate checked or go through checked luggage. Don't forget to secure the key (or power pin) with something a bit stronger than a rubber band. Some suggest fishing line. And setting the throttle on the slowest setting and taping over it will help prevent speedy joyrides.

Weight considerations. How much does your scooter or wheelchair weigh? If it is too heavy, it may not be allowed on some flights. We recommend calling ahead to check for any restrictions.

Power chair tip. On your power chair, if you can remove the joystick, that is recommended. Or at least point it downward. Those little buggers, sticking up at attention, have an uncanny ability to attract errant luggage.

Curbside check-in. Consider using curbside check-in and the luggage porters when you arrive at the airport. Saving your energy for a few bucks is usually worth it.

Recommended seating. Request an isle or forward seat on the airplane. The closer you are to the front of the airplane, the less walking you have to do. Another reason: hey, sometimes when we MSers have to go to the lavatory, well, we really gotta go. If the front of the plane is not available, head to the rear. On international flights, I always check www.seatguru.com to find seats close to the toilet, since there are a number of them located in various areas of large planes. Also note that in the last row the seats may not recline fully, but if you have walking aids, you often can store them behind the seat, which makes retrieving them cake.

Change of clothes. Speaking of bathrooms, it wouldn’t hurt to have a change of clothes in your carry on. In fact, I’d consider this mandatory. Sometimes our bodies don’t do what they are supposed to do, and wearing clean clothes is a lot better than wearing wet clothes washed in the airplane lavatory.

Bathroom advice. And I’d suggest hitting the restrooms just before boarding. Now, of course, don’t dehydrate because of the above advice. Drink plenty of H20.

Jetlag. Jetlag may be mitigated with a sleep aid and it can make even an 18-hour plane trip a relative breeze. BUT a few important words of caution. 1) Never drink alcohol and take a sleep aid. 2) Don't try it for the first time on an airplane. 3) Only take it if you have a companion. A United Airlines security rep warned me that altitude, alcohol and Ambien can be a dangerous mix.

AT YOUR DESTINATION  

Pat yourself on the back, you’ve arrived! Here are some tips to make your holiday enjoyable and stress free. Okay, there will always be a little stress. Sorry.

Time your adventures. You know your body. If you have morning energy and splat in the afternoons, maximize mornings. Personally, my bladder gives me fits until 10 or 11, so we rarely are on the road before then. It is what is!

Don't rush. You don't have to cram everything in. Be selective and enjoy what you do. When you get home you'll have far better memories than racing the clock to hit all of the Smithsonian Museums in one D.C. afternoon.

Daypack. I always have one and it has all the essentials. A touch of extra medication, a water bottle, hand sanitizer, a lightweight raincoat or poncho (I’ve got this for my wheelchair ), and an emergency clothing pack (replacement adult undergarment, sanitizing wipes, and a pair of pants).

Skip to the front. If you are using a wheelchair, especially internationally, museums and sights are often free and you go straight to the front of the line, no questions asked. Eiffel Tower with a 2-hour wait? Bam, next elevator. Hordes of people surrounding the Mona Lisa? Bam, front-row access, even closer than any able-bodied person. Sistine Chapel access? Bam, through back corridors and hidden passages of the Vatican.

Toilet scouting. When you get to a cafe or hotel that you will be hanging out at for a bit, ask where the toilets are located before you need them. Some are so well hidden, you would never find them. Ever. At one hotel after dinner I was befuddled as to where the bathrooms were. It was around a screen, in a closet, behind a closed door. Also, some are downstairs, requiring a new plan if stairs are off limits. In one case, a waiter took me to a different building altogether to get me to any easy-access toilet. If you don't see an accessible bathroom, ask. One cafe had it hidden behind brooms and boxes.

Wheelchair assistance. If you need help getting around the airport or a massive hotel or a museum, ask. Don’t be shy. This is your vacation and you don’t want to spend two days recovering from what amounts to stubborn pride. Most facilities have wheelchairs you can borrow, although be forewarned: you'll often get a beater. On a trip to Boston, I got overconfident and failed to bring my wheelchair. And none were available to rent. So we switched hotels to one that provided a chair to guests and used it all weekend. It saved our trip from being a series of short cab rides.

Take advantage of breaks. Seek shade, drink some icy beverages, and sit down when you can. The energy you save will come in handy later, trust me.

Splurge. Sometimes convenience costs a little extra. It's often money well spent. Remember that.

Sidewalks. If you are rolling, your travel companion may need to scout ahead and alter your route to find curb cuts, since some will be blocked or nonexistent.

Folks are accommodating... if you ask. A table by the wall (perfect for stashing my forearm crutches), a spot near the bathroom (for those uncertain times), a seat upfront (to avoid the maze of diners).

Souvenirs. Okay, so you found some incredible (and easily breakable) souvenir on the last days of your trip that will not fit into your luggage with all your clothes ... because you listened to me imploring you not to take a large suitcase. And if you ship it home, odds are high it will break. What to do? Ship home your clothes and toss your new treasure into your bag. 

Keepsakes. Laura and I have collected a souvenir from virtually every place we’ve ever traveled. Now before you think our house is nothing more than a pile of cheap trinkets and commemorative shot glasses littering every available shelf, I’ve got to let you in on a secret. Christmas ornaments. They are small, easy to pack, and affordable. Every holiday we decorate the tree together and relive our adventures and experiences for a good month before tucking them away to get discovered anew the following year. Um, yeah, we’re gonna need a bigger tree.

That’s a wrap, our best recommendations and advice for traveling with multiple sclerosis or other disabilities. For more specific tips on how to cruise with multiple sclerosis, don’t miss our exhaustive guide on cruising with a disability .

Happy and safe, stress-free travels!

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• Resources Living with MS Work, School, and Leisure

Travel Tips for Those With Multiple Sclerosis

Preparing to travel is often a time-consuming task. When you have a medical condition like multiple sclerosis (MS), it can be even more so. One MyMSTeam member said they had stopped traveling because of all of the complications. “We gave up traveling years ago, especially airplanes. I really don’t trust them and I have too many things I need.” But your diagnosis doesn’t have to mean the end of your travels.

Whether it’s making sure medications can get through security checkpoints or checking to see if your destination is accessible for people with disabilities, many things can add frustration to travel. However, planning ahead can make travel a lot less frustrating. Here are some things you can do to make travel as stress-free as possible with MS.

What To Do Before the Trip

Packing for a trip can take a lot out of anyone, even someone without MS, but some tips can help make travel planning a bit easier.

It can be helpful to pack a little bit at a time over a week or two. It reduces the stress of finding everything at once and makes dealing with fatigue easier. If you use a wheelchair, be sure to bring a backpack and bungee cords that can allow you to attach things to the chair while leaving your hands free. If you are renting a car and usually use disabled parking, bring a disabled placard.

Arranging Accommodations

If possible, get a map of the hotel and any destinations you plan to visit so you can figure out how to access them most easily. Call ahead to ask the hotel about their experience in accommodating people with disabilities and their accessibility options. One member explained, “In the U.S., hotels are required to have handicapped-accessible rooms. You just need to tell them that as part of your booking.” Also, if your medication requires refrigeration, make sure you will have a mini-fridge in your room or suite .

Medical Appointments

Get a note from your doctor or neurologist for any injectables and medications you need to carry, if needed. One MyMSTeam member mentioned that even with a note, some medications still pose a problem. “When it comes to meds, it can be an issue in countries that do not accept certain pain medications or narcotics, even if you have a doctor’s note,” they said.

If you need vaccinations for wherever you are traveling, make sure your medications won’t interfere with their effects .

Communicating

Make sure you and your travel companions are on the same page . Talk about any concerns and make it clear who is responsible for what to prevent headaches on travel day. As one member shared, “I would suggest cutting down the traveling time especially — for your own health.” Discuss your travel expectations — for example, how long you’re willing to be in a plane or car.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance can be valuable if there is a chance you may not make the trip. Travel agents can help you find insurance.

Traveling by Plane

The Air Carrier Access Act prohibits discrimination based on disability in all forms of air travel. Although airlines generally do not need advance notice of a passenger with disabilities on a flight, certain items (like an electric wheelchair on a flight when the plane has 60 seats or fewer) might need 48 hours of advance notice. Check what kind of plane you will be flying on in advance if you have a wheelchair you need to use. If an airplane has 100 seats or more, the crew is required to store a folding wheelchair in a priority space in the cabin. Most planes are required to have accessible bathrooms. If you have disabilities, you can usually request early boarding to have extra time to get settled on the aircraft.

Additional tips to make flying easier include asking for a seat near the aisle or bathroom. “Request an aisle seat close to the bathrooms while in flight,” one member advised. Another agreed: “Sit in an aisle seat so you can get up and move around whenever you need to.”

Also, take steps to make your time in the airport as easy as possible. Make sure all carry-on medications are in bottles that clearly label the type and who it is prescribed for so there will be fewer delays at security check-in. Although the TSA doesn’t have a specific labeling requirement , there are different laws for prescriptions in different states, so it’s best to be prepared. “If you keep the medication in the original labeled container and have a doctor's note, that should help you overcome any questions,” one member said. See if you can enroll in the TSA PreCheck program beforehand, too. If you are accepted, you don’t need to follow the rules for removing liquids and can wear a jacket, shoes, and a belt through security.

It can be helpful to tell an airport worker about any special needs you have. One member suggested, “Ask for wheelchair assistance at the airport.” Another shared, “I called the airport ahead of time to set up assistance and they picked me up at the entrance and took me everywhere I needed to go.”

Injectable Medications and Air Travel

Some injectable medications can be stored at room temperature and others need to be kept cold. The National Library of Medicine can help you determine which one you have. If you do need to keep medication refrigerated, a travel cooler with an ice pack can help. You must declare all injectables and anything that is used to cool them at airport security checks. To make it simpler for you and the security officials, put them in a plastic bag inside the cooler so they can be taken in and out more easily. “Make sure it’s in original packaging with the prescription on the box,” one member advised. Another said, “I also advise keeping your medicine with you, rather than risk it getting lost in your luggage.”

What To Do During the Trip

Once you finally get to your destination, there are a few things you can do to make your stay more comfortable.

You might want to tell workers you’ll have regular contact with (for example, at a restaurant or hotel) about any noticeable symptoms. Explaining to them that these symptoms are not things to worry about can help ease their minds.

Find out where the nearest emergency services are and the quickest way to them, in case you experience any exacerbations, flare-ups, or worsening of your MS symptoms.

Take rest days . It can be easier to see all the sights if you come back to your hotel room and rest for a while between them. If you usually don’t use mobility aids, consider renting a scooter or a walker. That way, you can still do what you want while reducing fatigue from mobility issues.

Get Support From People Who Understand

MyMSTeam is the social network for people with multiple sclerosis and their loved ones. Members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with MS.

Looking for advice on how to best travel with MS, or have some tips of your own? Comment below or start a new conversation on MyMSTeam .

• Accessible Travel Basics: From Planning to Execution — National Multiple Sclerosis Society
• Passengers With Disabilities — US Department of Transportation
• Can You Pack Your Meds in a Pill Case and More Questions Answered — Transportation Security Administration
• TSA PreCheck ® — Transportation Security Administration
• DailyMed — National Library of Medicine
• Disabilities and Medical Conditions — Transportation Security Administration
• How to Take Insulin and Needles on a Plane — USA Today
• Globe Trotting — Momentum
• Travel — National Multiple Sclerosis Society

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Travel Insurance for Multiple Sclerosis

Ready for a holiday don’t forget to find travel insurance with ms cover.

Anyone living with multiple sclerosis (MS) knows of the daily challenges that it brings. When you’re planning your holiday, you want to make sure that you are covered should an MS-related medical emergency happen. Being insured will give you the peace of mind needed to relax during your well-deserved time off. 

The Importance of multiple sclerosis Travel Insurance

MS symptoms may flare up at any time, and unfortunately, this does not stop when you are on holiday. Depending on your MS type, it is vital to ensure you have Travel Insurance for multiple sclerosis. Each year in the UK, an estimated 7000 people are diagnosed with MS. You are not alone in your experience, and our experts are skilled in helping people like you find the right MS Travel Insurance. 

Compare and choose Travel Insurance with MS cover

MS is a complex condition, but thanks to our quick online medical screening procedure, we aim to make finding Travel Insurance with multiple sclerosis cover straightforward. You will be asked questions about your current level of assistance, mobility aid usage, and recent MS relapses to ensure you get the most suitable level of cover for your MS. When answering the online medical screening questions, we ask that you try to be as truthful and accurate as possible. By doing this, we will provide you with a list of MS Travel Insurance options that best cover your specific needs. You can then compare policies and choose the right multiple sclerosis Travel Insurance policy for you.

No matter where you’re travelling, having specific multiple sclerosis Travel Insurance may help you unwind. Don’t let your MS prevent you from taking your dream trip.

Travel Insurance for Multiple Sclerosis FAQs

Frequently asked questions about Travel Insurance for Multiple Sclerosis .

Is MS a pre-existing medical condition?

Yes, MS is typically classified as a pre-existing medical condition. This is where Travel Insurance for multiple sclerosis becomes vital. You must disclose all of your pre-existing medical conditions to your insurance company, including MS.

If you do not inform your insurance company about your MS condition, your Travel Insurance policy may not cover you for an MS-related medical emergency or cancellation.  To be prepared, it is best to declare all your medical conditions so you can have confidence knowing that you will be covered and won’t have to pay out of pocket.

Does MS affect my Travel Insurance?

It may be the case that a standard Travel Insurance policy does not cover your MS condition, and when declaring it, the price is increased. However, it also depends on where you’re travelling and for how long, as well as your age and other medical history. While getting MS Travel Insurance might cost you more, it could save you thousands in the long run if a medical emergency happens on your holiday.

How far in advance should I purchase MS Travel Insurance?

To ensure you have adequate Travel Insurance with MS cover in place, it’s best to purchase your policy as soon as you’ve booked your trip. This ensures that you’re covered for any trip cancellations or pre-departure medical issues related to your multiple sclerosis. At Just Travel Cover, we can provide you with MS Travel Insurance up to 18 months before your holiday.

Travel Insurance for Multiple Sclerosis Patients – Your Cover

• Cancellation/ curtailment up to £12,500 (£30,000 on referral)
• Missed departure up to £1,500 per person
• Baggage up to £3,000 per person
• Personal Liability up to £2 million per person
• Zero excess policies available

Medical Cover for Multiple Sclerosis

• Emergency medical expenses and repatriation up to £15 million
• 24/7 emergency medical assistance
• Cover for all types of Autoimmune Conditions

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Multiple Sclerosis Travel Insurance

If you are diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) it shouldn’t stop you from doing the things you enjoy like travelling and enjoying a holiday.

Free Spirit MS travel insurance, is a comprehensive policy with all the key features you need for peace of mind and a hassle-free break. We were the first scheme of its type dedicated to those being declined cover elsewhere due to their health and we are now one of the UK’s largest specialist travel insurance providers, for people with medical conditions and disabilities.

Why it’s important to cover your MS

As long as your doctor or consultant has agreed you are fit to travel and provided you’re not awaiting surgery or further investigations, we will aim to offer a quotation for a specialist MS travel insurance policy to cover not just your Multiple Sclerosis but any other associated medical conditions.

Cancellation and emergency medical expenses cover

You will be covered for a minimum of £5 million of emergency medical expenses, so should your condition take a turn for the worse or be unfortunate to have a slip or fall and require treatment, you won’t have to bear the cost. In the event you lose or damage your prescribed MS medication, this will also be covered. In the event you need to cancel your holiday due to your MS, Free Spirit can provide cover for your unused travel and accommodation costs that you have already paid for or are contracted to pay (terms and conditions apply of course! See the policy wording for full details)

Consequences of not covering your Multiple Sclerosis

If you suffer from MS and be unfortunate to have a medical emergency, failing to purchase adequate pre-existing medical condition travel insurance could leave you open to paying for expensive medical treatment and hospital accommodation costs, especially in places such as Spain and the USA. Many standard travel insurance policies will exclude cover for serious medical conditions such as MS or will decline to offer cover.

Travel insurance Multiple Sclerosis – Cover and benefits

It is important to ensure you have specialist pre-existing medical condition travel insurance to ensure you are adequately covered for your MS. With our MS travel insurance, you will receive the following cover and much more:

• Cancellation or Curtailment/Loss of holiday cover up to £5,000*
• Medical aids cover up to £2,000*
• Repatriation to your home country is automatically included
• Personal baggage cover up to £3,000*

*with Super Duper cover

Getting a Multiple Sclerosis travel quote

Obtaining a quote and getting cover for your Multiple Sclerosis travel insurance couldn’t be easier. Free Spirit provides online medical screening and we will ask you some questions about your MS so that you get the cover you need for your medical condition:

• Has your ability to look after yourself worsened significantly in the last year?
• Do you currently use any mobility aids?
• Have you had any acute relapses in the last year?

Should you need any help whilst getting a quote or if you have any questions not covered by our frequently asked questions page, our dedicated UK-based customer services team is on hand to help you.

Useful tips for travelling with MS

Flying/Transport: Remember to tell your airline of your needs in advance. Airlines can arrange a wheelchair or special transport for use in the airport. Most airline carriers will carry standard-size wheelchairs free of charge, however, battery-powered chairs may need to be dismantled for carriage.

Medication: Check that you have enough medication for the duration of your trip and a bit more just in case you are delayed on your return journey. Try to carry your medication in your hand luggage in the event your hold luggage is lost in transit. If you’re travelling to a new time zone, you’ll need to adjust the time you take your medication. Check with your doctor for your own personal situation to ensure you do not take too much or too little.

Hotel: Check that your hotel is suitable for wheelchair access if necessary. Is your room on the ground floor if there is no lift or do you have difficulty with climbing stairs? Check the bathrooms are accessible and are they fitted with grab-bars and seats.

Peace of mind included

Travelling companions can also be covered on Free Spirit, whether they have a pre-existing medical condition or not. By including your travelling companions on the same Free Spirit policy, you will ensure the whole party is covered. If you had to cancel your holiday due to your MS, travelling companions on the same policy would also be covered which may not be the case if they had taken out a separate policy elsewhere.

For full details of our Multiple Sclerosis travel insurance cover, please read our Free Spirit policy wording .

Don’t forget, if you arrange your cover as soon as you book your holiday you will be immediately protected should you need to cancel your trip (terms and conditions apply of course! See the Free Spirit policy wording for full details).

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View the MS Trust website , which has some great travel tips and information to help you plan a holiday if you’re living with MS. From where to find accessible accommodation and attractions to some honest holiday reviews.

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MS Travel Insurance

Compare cover from as little as £11.09*.

Tommy has over 15 years experience within the insurance industry, and his primary focus is helping travellers find the right cover for their medical conditions.

Why do I need travel insurance for Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms vary from person to person, but symptoms often gradually worsen over time, or can flare up in different phases, including on your holidays. This all depends on the type of MS you have.

With MS being such a complex condition, you may find it tricky to find standard travel insurance. But don’t worry, you can use our online comparison tool to compare your travel insurance quotes for your MS within minutes, to make sure you get the right insurance for your specific needs. It’s simple and easy.

Specialist Medical Cover

We only work with providers who specialise in covering pre-existing conditions.

No discounts. No pressure. We’ll always show you the best prices from providers.

Do I have to declare MS on my travel insurance policy?

If you’ve been prescribed medication or seen a medical professional (such as a GP) in the last 2 years for your MS, then you will need to tell us about your condition. Remember to also include any relevant health conditions of your travelling companions, if you’re getting a group policy.

When you’re telling us about your pre-existing medical conditions, it’s likely that we’ll ask a few questions about your health condition. The answers you provide will help travel insurance providers get a better understanding of your condition and general medical background.

These questions could include:

• Do you require more assistance than you did 12 months ago?
• Do you currently use any mobility aids?
• Have you had any acute relapses in the last 12 months?

It’s really easy to then compare specialist quotes from up to 30 different providers to find a policy to suit you. No paperwork, no phone calls, no hassle.

What will travel insurance for MS cover?

Alongside providing cover for your MS, you can expect your travel insurance to include the same things that a standard travel insurance policy would include, such as: 

• Emergency medical expenses and repatriation - if you’re hospitalised, or even need to be brought back to the UK for treatment as a result of your condition. 
• Lost, stolen or damaged personal belongings - this could include any medication that you’re taking with you to treat your anxiety.  
• Cancellation and curtailment - if you suddenly decide to cancel your trip, or end up cutting it short.
• Travel delay - this won’t always be included, so check your cover
• Personal liability - if you cause accidental damage to another person, or someone else’s property - cover is provided.

You can compare this type of cover across a range of specialist travel insurance providers, so why not get started?

Finding travel insurance cover for MS

Due to the often debilitating and progressive nature of MS, it is highly advised that you shop around for the right type of specialist travel insurance in order to give you peace of mind that any issues that could arise due to your condition are covered on your travels.

MS patients can still travel and enjoy themselves provided they have the right precautions in place to manage their condition while they are on the move. This includes having all the right medication and support required from other people/mobility aids.

If you suffer with MS and are considering booking a holiday – you may wish to consult your GP beforehand, just to get a second opinion.

They may well be best placed to advise you on what you should and shouldn’t do to ensure your trip is memorable for all the right reasons. It is also wise to inform your airline if they need to make any special considerations on your behalf in terms of individual assistance.

Top tips for travelling with multiple sclerosis

Dr Sarah Jarvis is the Clinical Director of the Patient Platform, an active medical writer, broadcaster, and the resident doctor for BBC Radio 2.

Every person with multiple sclerosis, or MS, experiences it differently. You may feel almost entirely well between flare-ups, or you may face significant ongoing physical challenges. But regardless of your symptoms, there’s no reason you shouldn’t go on holiday.

However, there are certain considerations if you have a physical disability, and several MS-specific factors to consider.

1. If you have MS, you probably know all about feeling tired – it’s one of the most common features of MS. You’ll also know that if you overdo things, you may end up exhausted no matter how much rest you get over the next few days. So don’t plan too much and factor in regular rest periods.

2. Talk to your specialist well in advance about any travel plans. For instance, you may be having treatment with regular infusions. This shouldn’t stop you from travelling, but you may want to schedule your holiday around these infusions.

3. Some people with MS find their symptoms become worse in hot or humid climates. You should avoid too much sunshine and consider visiting during the cooler months at your destination.

4. If you do opt for a trip to a hot destination, factor in a period after you arrive with no plans to acclimatise. Make sure there’s air conditioning at your destination and pack loose, lightweight clothes made of breathable fabric.

5. Getting a serious infectious disease can worsen MS symptoms. Take extra care to avoid tummy bugs: wash your hands regularly; carry hand sanitizer in case washing facilities aren’t easily available; opt for freshly cooked, piping hot food; avoid food from street vendors; steer clear of salads in areas where water may be contaminated; always peel fruit and vegetables.

6. Where fluid is concerned, stick to boiled or bottled drinks. Tea and coffee, beer and wine, and fizzy drinks from sealed bottles and cans are all safe. However, don’t add ice – which could have been made from contaminated water – to your drinks.

7. If you’re considering a venue where travel vaccinations are required or recommended, you may need to start planning further in advance. While the benefits of vaccination outweigh and risks of vaccines for most people with MS, you may need to take precautions if you’re taking some disease-modifying treatments, if you’ve recently had a relapse, or if you’ve taken steroid tablets in the recent past. Check with your specialist nurse well in advance.

8. Do some research on the internet for sights you’re interested in visiting, to see if they’re wheelchair accessible. Your travel company may also be able to advise.

9. If you have a Blue Badge as a result of disability, you can use it in some EU countries, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Do remember that rules and concessions will vary between countries, so check the details for the country you’re visiting.

10. Order repeat supplies of your medications well in advance and if possible, take enough to last twice the length of your trip in case of delays.

11. Pack medication in your hand luggage and if possible, spread your medicines between you and a travel partner, just in case your luggage is lost.

12. Keep all your medicines in their original packaging, and keep a copy of your repeat prescription. You may need a letter from your GP (they may charge for this as it’s not an NHS service).

13. If you have liquid medications that need refrigerating, speak to your pharmacist about a thermos flask or other equipment to keep them at the right temperature. And do check in advance that your accommodation has a fridge.

14. If you’re taking controlled medication, it’s essential to check the regulations on bringing medicines into the country you’re visiting. For instance, gabapentin and pregabalin (commonly prescribed for nerve pain in MS) have been classed as Schedule 3 controlled drugs in the UK since just before the pandemic in 2019. That means that if you were bringing them into the UK, you would need to get a personal licence and carry a letter confirming the medication was prescribed for you. However, regulations in different countries vary, so you need to check with the foreign embassy of the country you’re going to before you travel.

15. Some medicines that aren’t controlled drugs in the UK have restrictions on them in other countries. You can find out more from our article on taking medication abroad . You’ll need to check a few weeks before you go because sometimes you’ll need to get an export licence to take medicines out of the UK (usually if you’re going abroad for 3 months or more).

16. If you use a wheelchair, check this wheelchair-accessible travel guide for advice on how to make travelling smoother for you and your companion(s).

17. Always make sure you have specialist travel insurance. If you’re travelling in some European countries, you’re eligible to some medical care using a Global Health Insurance Card – the replacement of the old EHIC. However, this doesn’t always mean free care and doesn’t cover all medical care, so it’s still essential to have separate insurance.

Optional extras

Also, feel free to add any optional extras that you need - such as gadget cover, cruise cover or winter sports cover.  

This may increase your premium, but it’s definitely something to consider when shopping around, especially if you have different types of holidays planned.

Gadget cover Cruise cover Winter sports cover

Get cheap quotes from specialist MS travel insurance providers

Use our straightforward quote comparison tool to find the cover you need. It literally takes minutes. You can compare MS cover across a range of specialist insurance providers, all in one place - so there should be plenty of choices. 

Once you’ve got everything sorted - so you can get on with the good stuff and start planning your trip.

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Frequently Asked Questions

A pre-existing condition is a diagnosed medical condition that existed before taking out a policy. We'll ask a series of questions about the medical history for you and any travellers on your quote. If you answer yes to any of these, you will need to tell us about the traveller's conditions. This could be a condition that a traveller has now or has had in the past. If you are not sure what conditions you need to declare, we have online support available to help you 24/7!

It is simple and quick to do! After you've told us about your trip details and answered some medical history questions you can add your pre-existing conditions, one by one, for each traveller. You'll only need to enter your details once, it's all online and there's no need to call, or provide details of your conditions in writing.

Once you've declared all your relevant pre-existing medical conditions, we'll only show you quotes based on the conditions you have told us about.

* Price is based on 1 traveller aged 61, who has declared Multiple Sclerosis and is travelling to France for 7 nights. The price is correct as of April 2024. Prices may vary according to your individual requirements.

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HelloSafe » Travel Insurance » Medical Travel Insurances » Multiple Sclerosis Patients: Which Travel Insurance?

Multiple Sclerosis: Which Travel Insurance?

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Table of Contents

Do you have (or have you had) multiple sclerosis and would like to get travel insurance for your coming trip in case you face medical expenses abroad?

Travel insurance that covers multiple sclerosis treatment can be hard to find or very expensive. But you’ve come to the right place.

In this guide, we will explain everything you need to know about multiple sclerosis travel insurance: is multiple sclerosis travel insurance compulsory? What specific medical cover should you get if you have or have had multiple sclerosis? What are the best multiple sclerosis travel insurance companies and how much will you pay? Let’s dive in!

Why do I need travel insurance if I have (or have had) multiple sclerosis?

Travel insurance for multiple sclerosis patients is not compulsory.

However, you should know that your national healthcare cover, your European Health Insurance Card (if you are travelling in Europe), your credit card travel insurance or any other kind of assistance you would have as a country resident or citizen, may not be sufficient to cover any medical expenses you may have abroad.

Some countries may ask for valid proof of travel insurance to deliver visas, whether you have pre-existing medical conditions or not. 

Much more than a nice-to-have, travel insurance is one of the highest value-for-money insurance products, especially for people with multiple sclerosis.

A recent study from Which has shown that in around 10000 UK travellers in 2018, 64% of them have already had medical treatment while travelling abroad. The average spend of medical care abroad is around £1300. But it can be much more.

As a multiple sclerosis sufferer, you may especially face expenses such as:

Travelling in Europe, what does my European Health Insurance Card cover?

As a current or former multiple sclerosis sufferer, always remember that while travelling in Europe, your first ally is your EHIC card. Your EHIC card will cover for any treatment you may need abroad, including any treatment linked to a pre-existing multiple sclerosis.

Remember that your EHIC will only cover you until 31/12/2020, the time of Brexit. Make sure you have both EHIC and travel insurance before travelling. Many insurers will ask you to get your EHIC if travelling in Europe, and would waive the excess if you have a valid card with you.

If you are going to Australia or New Zealand, the UK also has specific healthcare system cooperation programs. 

For any specific information on the European Health Insurance Card, check out the NHS website .

Can I easily get travel insurance with or after multiple sclerosis?

If you have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, whether you are in remission or not, you may find it difficult to find cheap multiple sclerosis travel insurance that will cover you for your trip without major exclusions.

Getting travel insurance after multiple sclerosis can indeed be very time-consuming and you could end up paying three or four times the price people without a medical history would pay for a standard cover policy.

Unfortunately, insurers will see you as being at higher risk of making a claim such as:

• Cancelling your trip for reasons due to multiple sclerosis, such as an important medical appointment being postponed
• Needing expensive medical treatment linked to your multiple sclerosis while travelling abroad
• Needing repatriation to the UK.

We all agree that this is unfair, especially, for example, if you are in a very stable condition. But don’t worry, some insurers – fortunately – have agreed to cover people at higher risk. You could get travel insurance post multiple sclerosis either through:

• Companies that will provide you with standard cover as they would do for any other tourist, but may invalidate any claim due to your treated multiple sclerosis (if you are sure about your recovery and only need cover for a few days trip, for example);
• Or specialised travel insurance for multiple sclerosis sufferers (or other existing medical conditions).

We are here to help you find the best and cheapest travel insurance after multiple sclerosis surgery depending on your current medical condition, your age, the length and destination of your trip, etc.

What are the best travel insurance policies for multiple sclerosis patients?

You will find below a list of specialist travel insurance policies for multiple sclerosis patients – as well as for those with other pre-existing medical conditions – who will provide you with good cover and dedicated assistance.

All the above insurers are specialists in covering pre-existing medical conditions. Unless it is clearly mentioned in the features, they all use the Verisk screening system and apply a change in health disclosure in their policy which will allow them to inflate premiums and change or cancel your travel insurance policy if an unexpected event related to your healthcare occurs before your trip.

Find out more cheap travel insurance for multiple sclerosis with our 100% anonymous tool.

Do I need to declare multiple sclerosis for travel insurance?

You are required by law to declare any pre-existing medical condition when purchasing an insurance policy.

A pre-existing medical condition is typically one for which you have been diagnosed and have received treatment before you apply for any travel insurance policy, regardless of whether this is short- or long-term.

Therefore, multiple sclerosis counts as a pre-existing medical condition. You are therefore required to declare your multiple sclerosis to your insurer, whether you are in remission or not.

Good to know

Not disclosing your multiple sclerosis could invalidate your claim as well as your entire travel insurance policy.

How does multiple sclerosis screening for travel insurance work?

If you have multiple sclerosis, or any pre-medical condition, you are more likely to be screened before applying for a policy.

On insurers’ websites, you’ll be asked to answer a set of questions administered most of the time by the Verisk medical screening system before getting quote results. Some insurers may have their own set of questions and may attribute their risk rating based on your answers.

Do you have or have you had multiple sclerosis? Here is the list of questions you will most probably be asked to answer when purchasing travel insurance covering multiple sclerosis:

The below list of screening questions is not exhaustive and may vary depending on your specific answer to each of the question.

Those questions are the most common ones you may find on insurer's websites. In the case that there is no screening system on an insurer’s website, you will need to disclose any health condition by contacting your insurer directly.

How much is multiple sclerosis travel insurance?

Here are some indicative quotes for single trip and annual travel insurance for multiple sclerosis patients:

* Quotes above are only indicative and for multiple sclerosis with no recent complications.

It is quite difficult to give precise ranges of how much multiple sclerosis care travel insurance is. Prices are based on a wide range of criteria and will not only depend on your pre-existing medical condition, but also:

• Your age and destination
• If you’re going for a single or annual multi-trip, as mentioned above
• If you’re subscribing to upgrades such as cruise, business or gadget cover
• The length of your stay abroad
• If you’re travelling alone, with your partner, a group or your family
• The financial limits you’d like to get in case of a claim
• The excess amount you’re willing to pay
• What you will be doing abroad (e.g. winter or extreme sports).

What is usually covered by multiple sclerosis travel insurance?

Insurers covering a pre-existing medical condition such as multiple sclerosis often provide a high compensation amount for trip cancellation, medical expenses and repatriation.

Here is a typical list of what you should pay attention to while applying for multiple sclerosis travel insurance cover:

Besides compensation limits, you should also go for a company including specific healthcare upgrades as standard such as:

• Bespoke medical screening before applying for travel insurance : the possibility to easily talk to someone and find the right cover for your needs (especially for terminal illness)
• UK-based 24/7 assistance helpline while you’re abroad : dedicated free-of-charge landline to get healthcare advice and help in finding the right doctor or hospital abroad, reactive assistance, etc.

If you are about to make a medical claim while you are abroad, we advise you to get your insurer to accept it first and pay upfront. In the case you need to pay up front, always keep receipts and submit your claim as soon as possible. 

What is not covered by multiple sclerosis travel insurance?

That will vary from one insurer to another.

Besides the main exclusions usually found in insurers’ policy booklets (terrorism, strikes, natural disasters, claims related to drug, alcohol, etc.), regarding pre-existing travel insurance, your claim may be invalidated:

• If you are travelling without your doctor’s consent
• If you have been told you have a terminal illness and you have applied for travel insurance without saying so
• If you are waiting for a diagnosis or medical treatment at the time of applying.

Does travel insurance cover terminal multiple sclerosis?

As said above, most insurers will not cover any terminal illness diagnosed, and therefore won’t cover incurable multiple sclerosis.

However, we’ve come up with a list of companies still offering cover for people with terminal multiple sclerosis depending on the length and destination of your trip, the stability of your medical condition and your doctor’s consent:

Most of the time, insurance companies will still ask you a minimum duration between your prognosis and your return travel date. You should also know that no insurer will cover you for your trip against your doctor’s consent.

What if I am diagnosed with multiple sclerosis after having applied for travel insurance?

When it comes to medical condition travel insurance, insurers often add an ‘ongoing duty of disclosure’.

It basically means that if any important change related to your healthcare occurs after you applied for travel insurance policy, they have the right to either:

• Screen you again;
• Raise your premiums;
• Change your policy contract;
• Cancel your policy.

Most of the time, if your health condition changes, insurers will either:

• Provide you with new travel insurance for your new health condition with an additional fee;
• Provide you the same insurance but the new condition will be excluded;
• Or simply offer no cover, as they consider your condition too risky.

Ask for a pro rata refund or full refund if they cancel or change your policy before you make any claim. 

Can you travel abroad with multiple sclerosis?

The short answer is yes, of course.

However, here are some tips we would advise you to carefully read:

• Get your doctor’s consent and advice before travelling with past or current multiple sclerosis.
• Get any vaccinations needed.
• Get the right multiple sclerosis travel insurance for your trip, covering treatment linked to your disease and any medical care you may need abroad, and carefully read your policy booklet (exclusions, limits and deductible amounts, etc.)
• If you are not in remission, be sure that the trip will not be too much effort and not too tiring for your medical condition.
• Remain prudent and take with you your doctor’s phone numbers and local emergency contact details. If possible, travel with someone.
• Make a list of needed medication and keep them in their original packaging (for customs) and store them safely. Prepare back-up meds.

Top 5 tips to get cheaper travel insurance quotes for multiple sclerosis victims

If you have or ever had multiple sclerosis, here are some tips you may like to use to lower your insurance premiums:

• Use our comparison table to find out which companies are the best and the cheapest for multiple sclerosis patients.
• Take your phone and try to speak to humans! If you have someone on the phone, they are more likely to understand your multiple sclerosis medical situation and find you the appropriate cover.
• Go for single trip cover rather than annual multi-trip . You’ll be seen as a lower risk traveller as you will only need cover for a defined stay.
• Change your destination and opt for European trip rather than a roadtrip across the USA’s legendary Route 66! You’ll be less likely to make a very high medical care claim, which could see your premium go down.
• Benefit from a joint travel policy discount, insuring both your partner or family and yourself.

Alexandre Desoutter has been working as editor-in-chief and head of press relations at HelloSafe since June 2020. A graduate of Sciences Po Grenoble, he worked as a journalist for several years in French media, and continues to collaborate as a as a contributor to several publications. In this sense, his role leads him to carry out steering and support work with all HelloSafe editors and contributors so that the editorial line defined by the company is fully respected. and declined through the texts published daily on our platforms. As such, Alexandre is responsible for implementing and maintaining the strictest journalistic standards within the HelloSafe editorial staff, in order to guarantee the most accurate, up-to-date information on our platforms. and expert as possible. Alexandre has in particular undertaken for two years now the implementation of a system of systematic double-checking of all the articles published within the HelloSafe ecosystem, able to guarantee the highest quality of information.

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

• 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.

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Information on how to stay safe and healthy abroad. About us.

• General Travel Health Advice

Multiple Sclerosis and Travel

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder that affects the brain and spinal cord.  The exact cause of MS is unknown but there may be a genetic and environmental element to the development of the illness. At present there is no cure although there are many treatment therapies available to manage the condition. In the UK around 100,000 people are affected.

Prior to travel the following should be considered.

Pre travel Medical Check Up

Travellers should ensure they have had a recent specialist review and have discussed their intention to travel. 

Travelling with Medication

All medication should be requested from the GP well in advance of the trip. 

• Twice as much medication required for the trip should be taken to cover unexpected delays, damages or losses. 
• Medication should be kept in its original packaging and carried in hand luggage to avoid loss or damage in the hold.
• Many medications must be stored within a particular temperature range, this will be detailed in the product information leaflet.
• Gabapentin, used for neuropathic pain, is classed as a Class C controlled drug since April 2019 – see additional advice for travelling with controlled drugs under ‘Home Office Requirements’.
• For those using injectable treatment, a doctors’ letter is necessary for passing through security or customs and can facilitate seeking medical attention abroad.

Travel Health Insurance

MS is considered a pre-existing medical condition and must be declared to the insurer before travel. 

• Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended to pay for any medical expenses whilst abroad.
• Check the FCDO website  to see if there is any reciprocal health arrangements with the UK and the country you are visiting to cover the costs of emergency medical treatment whilst you are abroad.

Accessing Healthcare Abroad

Find out about the location of local health facilities prior to travel – this information can be found in travel guides and online resources.

Reducing Risk of Travel Related Illness 

Serious infection may impact on the course of MS. The majority of travel-related infections are not vaccine preventable but can be avoided through taking other precautions. 

Gastrointestinal Infections and Travellers Diarrhoea

• Taking food and water precautions will reduce the risk of infections that cause travellers’ diarrhoea .

Respiratory/Airborne Infections

• The risk of respiratory infections can be reduced by practising good respiratory hygiene.
• Most MS patients will have been offered the annual inactivated influenza vaccine under UK immunisation guidelines.

Insect-borne Infections

• Vaccines do not exist against the majority of insect-borne infections. Practical measures should be taken on insect bite avoidance .

Travellers with MS are not at a higher risk of acquiring malaria but severe infections may worsen MS symptoms. 

• Be aware of malaria risk .
• Take good mosquito bite prevention measures.
• Take antimalarial medications when indicated.
• Seek prompt medical attention if you become unwell of develop a fever after being in a malaria area.

Sun Exposure

• Travellers should be advised to take appropriate steps to minimise sun exposure .
• Some immunosupressive medication may make sunburn more likely as a side effect.

Accidents and Injury

• Accidental injury is more common during travel than infectious disease. Accidental injury may be even more likely if symptoms of MS affect mobility.

Vaccination

• MS itself does not result in increased risk of infection, except in advanced disease.
• Having an infection may provoke a relapse of MS, therefore preventing infection through vaccination is protective.
• There is no evidence of an increased risk of side effects from vaccination in those with MS.

Inactivated Vaccines

• Vaccination should be avoided during serious relapse and until 4 to 6 weeks after full recovery.
• Vaccination may be less effective in those on immunosuppressive medication.

Live Vaccines

• Live vaccines (including yellow fever) are contraindicated in travellers with MS taking immunosuppressive medication.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

In travellers with MS, who are not on immunosuppressive medication, the possible risk of relapse versus the actual risk of yellow fever infection during travel must be discussed.

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11 Best Travel Insurance Companies in June 2024

Sean Cudahy is a freelance reporter specializing in coverage of airlines, travel, loyalty programs and public policy. A journalist of nine years, Sean most recently served as a general assignment reporter at The Points Guy, following an eight-year run as a local television news reporter. He lives with his wife and their French Bulldog outside Raleigh, North Carolina.

Giselle M. Cancio is an editor for the travel rewards team at NerdWallet. She has traveled to over 30 states and 20 countries, redeeming points and miles for almost a decade. She has over eight years of experience in journalism and content development across many topics.

She has juggled many roles in her career: writer, editor, social media manager, producer, on-camera host, videographer and photographer. She has been published in several media outlets and was selected to report from the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

She frequents national parks and is on her way to checking all 30 Major League Baseball parks off her list. When she's not on a plane or planning her next trip, she's crafting, reading, playing board games, watching sports or trying new recipes.

She is based in Miami.

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

If the past few years have shown us anything, it’s that travelers need to be prepared for the unexpected — from a pandemic to flight troubles to the crowded airport terminals so many of us have encountered.

If you don't have sufficient travel insurance coverage via your credit card , you can supplement your policies with third-party plans.

Whether you’re looking for an international travel insurance plan, emergency medical care or a policy that includes extreme sports, these are the best travel insurance providers to get you covered.

How we found the best travel insurance

We looked at quotes from various companies for a 10-day trip to Mexico in September 2024. The traveler was a 55-year-old woman from Florida who spent $3,000 total on the trip, including airfare.

On average, the price of each company’s most basic coverage plan was $126.53. The costs displayed below do not include optional add-ons, such as Cancel For Any Reason coverage or pre-existing medical condition coverage.

Read our full analysis about the average cost of travel insurance so you can budget better for your next trip.

However, depending on the plan, you may be able to customize at an added cost.

As we continue to evaluate more travel insurance companies and receive fresh market data, this collection of best travel insurance companies is likely to change. See our full methodology for more details.

Best insurance companies

Types of travel insurance

What does travel insurance cover, what’s not covered, how much does it cost, do i need travel insurance, how to choose the best travel insurance policy, what are the top travel destinations in 2024, more resources for travel insurance shoppers.

Top credit cards with travel insurance

Methodology

Best travel insurance overall: berkshire hathaway travel protection.

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

• ExactCare Value (basic) plan is among the least expensive we surveyed.
• Speciality plans available for road trips, luxury travel, adventure activities, flights and cruises.
• Company may reimburse claimants faster than average, including possible same-day compensation.
• Multiple "Trip Delay" coverage types might make claims confusing.
• Cheapest plan only includes fixed amounts for its coverage.

Under the direction of chair and CEO Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has been around since 2014. Its plans provide numerous opportunities for travelers to customize coverage to their needs.

At $135 for our sample trip, the ExactCare Value (basic) plan from Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection offers protection roughly $10 above the average price.

Want something cheaper? Air travelers looking for inexpensive, less comprehensive protections might opt for a basic AirCare plan that includes fixed amounts for its coverage .

Read our full review of Berkshire Hathaway .

What else makes Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection great:

Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waivers available at nearly all plan levels. 

Plans available for travelers going on a cruise, participating in extreme sports or taking a luxury trip.

ExactCare Value (basic) plan was among the least expensive we surveyed.

Best for emergency medical coverage: Allianz Global Assistance

Annual or single-trip policies are available.

• Multiple types of insurance available.
• All plans include access to a 24/7 assistance hotline.
• More expensive than average.
• CFAR upgrades are not available.
• Rental car protection is only available by adding the One Trip Rental Car protector to your plan or by purchasing a standalone rental car plan.

Allianz Global Assistance is a reputable travel insurance company offering plans for over 25 years. Customers can choose from a variety of single and annual policies to fit their needs. On top of comprehensive coverage, some travelers might opt for the more affordable OneTrip Cancellation Plus, which is geared toward domestic travelers looking for trip protections but don’t need post-departure benefits like emergency medical or baggage lost.

For our test trip, Allianz Global Assistance’s basic coverage cost $149, about $22 above average.

What else makes Allianz Global Assistance great:

Annual and single-trip plans.

Plans are available for international and domestic trips.

Stand-alone and add-on rental car damage product available.

Read our full review of Allianz Global Assistance .

Best for travelers with pre-existing medical conditions: Travel Guard by AIG

Travel Guard by AIG

• Offers last-minute coverage.
• Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Exclusion Waiver available at all plan levels.
• Plan available for business travelers.
• Cancel For Any reason coverage only available for higher-level plans, and only reimburses up to 50% of the trip cost.
• Trip interruption coverage doesn't apply to trips paid for with points and miles.

Travel Guard by AIG offers a variety of plans and coverages to fit travelers’ needs. On top of more standard trip protections like trip cancellation, interruption, baggage and medical coverage, the Cancel For Any Reason upgrade is available on certain Travel Guard plans, which allows you to cancel a trip for any reason and get 50% of your nonrefundable deposit back as long as the trip is canceled at least two days before the scheduled departure date.

At $107 for our sample trip, the Essential plan was below average, saving roughly $20.

What else makes Travel Guard by AIG great:

Three comprehensive plans and a Pack N' Go plan for last-minute travelers who don't need cancellation benefits.

Flight protection, car rental, and medical evacuation coverage, as well as annual plans available.

Pre-existing medical conditions exclusion waiver available on all plan levels, as long as it's purchased within 15 days.

Read our full review of Travel Guard by AIG .

Best for those who pack expensive equipment: Travel Insured International

Travel Insured International

• Higher-level plan include optional add-ons for event tickets and for electronic equipment
• Rental car protection add-on for just $8 per day, even on lower-level plan.
• Many of the customizations are only available on the higher-tier plan.
• Coverage cost comes in above average in our latest analysis.

Travel Insured International offers several customization options. For instance, those going to see a show may want to add on event ticket registration fee protection. Traveling with expensive gear?Consider adding on coverage for electronic equipment for up to $2,000 in coverage.

Be sure to check which policies are available in your state. You will need to input your destination, residence, trip dates and the number of travelers to get a quote and see coverages.

What else makes Travel Insured International great:

Comprehensive plans include medical expense reimbursement accidents, sickness, evacuation and pre-existing conditions, depending on the plan.

Flight plans include coverage for missed and canceled flights and lost or stolen baggage.

Read our full review of Travel Insured International .

Best for adventurous travelers: World Nomads

World Nomads

• Travelers can extend coverage mid-trip.
• The standard plan covers up to $300,000 in emergency evacuation costs.
• Plans automatically cover 200+ adventurous activities.
• No Cancel For Any Reason upgrades are available.
• No pre-existing medical condition waivers are available.

Many travel insurance plans contain exclusions for adventure sports activities. If you plan to ski, bungee jump, windsurf or parasail, this might be a plan to consider.

Note that the Standard plan ($72 for our sample trip), while the most affordable, provides less coverage than other plans. But it can be a good choice for travelers who are satisfied with trip cancellation and interruption coverage of $2,500 or less, do not need rental car damage protection, find the limits to be sufficient and do not need coverage for certain more adventurous activities.

What else makes World Nomads great:

Comprehensive international travel insurance plans.

Coverage available for adventure activities, such as trekking, mountain biking and scuba diving.

Read our full review of World Nomads .

Best for medical coverage: Travelex Insurance Services

Travelex Insurance Services

• Top-tier plan doesn’t break the bank and provides more customization opportunities.
• Offers a plan specifically for domestic travel.
• Sells a post-departure medical coverage plan.
• Fewer customization opportunities on the Basic plan.
• Though perhaps a plus for domestic travelers, keep in mind the Travel America plan only covers domestic trips.

For starters, basic coverage from Travelex Insurance Services came in at $125, almost exactly average for our sample trip.

Travelex’s plans focus heavily on providing protections that are personalized to your travel style and trip type.

While the company does offer comprehensive plans that include medical benefits, you can also choose between cheaper plans that don’t provide cancellation coverage but do offer protections during your travels.

Read our full review of Travelex Insurance Services .

What else makes Travelex Insurance Services great:

Three comprehensive plans available, two of which cover international trips.

Offers a post-departure plan geared exclusively toward disruptions after you leave home.

Two flight insurance plans available.

Best if you have travel credit card coverage: Seven Corners

Seven Corners

• Annual, medical-only and backpacker plans are available.
• Cancel For Any Reason upgrade is available for the cheapest plan.
• Cheapest plan also features a much less costly Interruption for Any Reason add-on.
• Offers only one annual policy option.

Each Seven Corners plan offers several optional add-ons. Among the more unique is a Trip Interruption for Any Reason, which allows you to interrupt a trip 48 hours after the scheduled departure date (for any reason) and receive a refund of up to 75% of your unused nonrefundable deposits.

» Jump to the best cards with travel insurance

The basic coverage plan for our trip to Mexico costs $124 — right around the average.

What else makes Seven Corners great:

Comprehensive plans for U.S. residents and foreigners, including travelers visiting the U.S.

Cheap add-ons for rental car damage, sporting equipment rental or trip interruption for any reason.

Read our full review of Seven Corners .

Best for long-term travelers: IMG

• Coverage available for adventure travelers.
• Offers direct billing.
• Claim approval can be lengthy.

While some travel insurance companies offer just a handful of plans, with IMG, you’ll really have your pick. Though this requires a bit more research, it allows you to search for coverage that fits your travel needs.

However, travelers will want to be aware that IMG’s iTravelInsured Travel Lite is expensive. Coming in at $149.85, it’s the costliest plan on our list.

Read our full review of IMG .

What else makes IMG great:

More affordable than average.

Many plans to choose from to fit your needs.

Best for travelers with unpredictable work demands: Tin Leg

• In addition Cancel For Any Reason, some plans offer cancel for work reason coverage.
• Adventure sports-specific coverage is available.
• Plans have overlap that can be hard to distinguish.
• Only one plan includes Rental Car Damage coverage available as an add-on.

Tin Leg’s Basic plan came in at $134 for our sample trip, adding about $8 onto the average basic policy cost. Note that you’ll pay a lot more if you shop for the most comprehensive coverage, and there are eight plans to choose from for trips abroad.

The multitude of plans can help you find coverage that fits your needs, but with so many to choose from, deciding can be daunting.

The only real way to figure out your ideal plan is to compare them all, look at the plan details and decide which features and coverage suit you and your travel style best.

Read our full Tin Leg review .

Best for booking travel with points and miles: TravelSafe

• Covers up to $300 redepositing points and miles on eligible canceled award flights.
• Optional add-on protection for business equipment or sports rentals.
• Multi-trip or year-long plans aren’t available.

Selecting your travel insurance plan with TravelSafe is a fairly straightforward process. The company’s website also makes it easy to visualize how optional add-on elements influence the total cost, displaying the final price as soon as you click the coverage.

However, at $136, the Basic plan was among the more expensive for our trip to Mexico.

What else makes TravelSafe great:

Rental car damage coverage add-on is available on both plans.

Cancel For Any Reason coverage available on the TravelSafe Classic plan.

Read our full TravelSafe review .

Best for group travel insurance: HTH Insurance

HTH Travel Insurance

• Covers travelers up to 95 years old.
• Includes direct pay option so members can avoid having to pay up front for services.
• A 24-hour delay is required for baggage delay coverage on the TripProtector Economy plan.
• No waivers for pre-existing conditions on the lower-level plan.

HTH offers single-trip and multitrip medical insurance coverage as well as trip protection plans.

At around $125, the Trip Protector Economy policy is at the average mark for plans we reviewed.

You can choose to insure group trips for educators, crew, religious missionaries and corporate travelers.

What else makes HTH Insurance great:

Medical-only coverage and trip protection coverage.

Lots of options for group travelers.

Read our full review of HTH Insurance .

As you shop for travel insurance, you’ll find many of the same coverage categories across numerous plans.

Trip cancellation

This covers the prepaid costs you make for your trip in cases when you need to cancel for a covered reason. This coverage helps you recoup upfront costs paid for flights and nonrefundable hotel reservations.

Trip interruption

Trip interruption benefits generally involve disruptions after you depart. It helps reimburse costs incurred for flight delays, cancellations and plenty of other covered disruptions you might encounter during your travels.

This coverage can cover the costs for you to return home or reimburse unexpected expenses like an extra hotel stay, meals and ground transportation.

Trip delay coverage helps cover unexpected costs when your trip is delayed. This is another coverage that helps offset the costs of flight trouble or other travel disruptions.

Note that many policies have a total amount a traveler can claim, with caps on per diem benefits, too.

Cancel For Any Reason

Cancel For Any Reason coverage allows you to recoup some of the upfront costs you paid for a trip even if you’re canceling for a reason not otherwise covered by your standard travel insurance policy.

Typically, adding this protection to your plan costs extra.

Baggage delay

This coverage helps cover the costs of essential items you might need when your luggage is delayed. Think toiletries, clothing and other immediate items you might need if your luggage didn’t make it on your flight.

Many travel insurance plans with baggage delay protection will specify how long (six, 12, 24 hours, etc.) your luggage must be delayed before you can make a claim.

Lost baggage

Used for travelers whose luggage is lost or stolen, this helps recoup the lost value of the items in your bag.

You’ll want to make sure you closely follow the correct procedures for your plan. Many plans include a maximum total amount you can claim under this coverage and a per-item cap.

Travel medical insurance

This covers out-of-pocket medical costs when travelers run into an emergency.

Because many travelers’ health insurance plans don’t cover medical care overseas, travel medical insurance can help offset out-of-pocket health care costs.

In addition to emergency medical coverage, many plans have medical evacuation or repatriation coverage for costs incurred when you must be taken to a hospital or return to your home country because of a medical situation.

Most travel insurance plans cover many trip protections that can help you be prepared for unexpected travel disruptions and expenses.

These coverages are generally aimed at protecting the money you put into your trip, expenses you incur because of travel trouble and costs incurred if you have a medical emergency overseas.

On top of core coverages like trip cancellation and interruption and travel medical coverage, some plans offer add-on options like waivers for pre-existing conditions, rental car collision damage waivers or adventure sports riders. These usually cost extra or must be added within a specified timeframe.

Typical travel insurance policies offer coverage for many unforeseen events, but as you research to select a plan, consider your needs. Though every plan differs, there are some commonly excluded coverages.

For instance, you typically can’t get coverage for a named storm if you bought the coverage after the storm was named. In other words, if you have a trip to the Caribbean booked for Sept. 25 and on Sept. 20 a hurricane develops and is named, you generally won’t be able to buy a travel insurance plan Sept. 21 in hopes of getting your money back.

Many plans also don’t cover activities performed under the influence of drugs or alcohol or any extreme sports. If the latter applies to you, you might want to consider a plan with specific coverages for adventure-seekers.

For numerous plans, a few other situations don’t qualify as an acceptable reason to cancel and make a claim, such as fear of travel, medical tourism or pregnancies (unless you booked a trip and bought insurance before you became pregnant or there are complications with the pregnancy). This is where a Cancel For Any Reason add-on to your coverage can be helpful.

You can also run into trouble if you give up on a trip too soon: a minor (or even multihour) flight delay likely isn’t sufficient to cancel your entire trip and get reimbursed through your plan. Be sure to review what requirements your specific plan has when it comes to canceling a trip, claiming trip interruption, etc.

Travel insurance costs vary widely. The final price of your plan will fluctuate based on your age, length of trip and destination.

It will also depend on how much coverage you need, whether you add on specialized policies (like Cancel For Any Reason or pre-existing conditions coverage), whether you plan to participate in extreme sports and other factors.

In our examples above, for instance, the 35-year-old traveler taking a $2,000 trip to Italy would have spent an average $76 for a basic plan to get coverage for things like trip cancellation and interruption, baggage protection, etc. That’s a little less than 4% of the total trip cost — lower than average.

If there were multiple members in a traveling party or if they were going on, say, a rock-climbing or bungee-jumping excursion, the costs would go up.

On average, travel insurance comes to about 5% to 10% of the trip cost. However, considering many of the plans reimburse up to 100% of the trip cost (or more) for disruptions like trip cancellation or interruption, it can be a worthwhile expense if something goes wrong.

It depends. Consider the following factors that might affect your decision: You’re young and healthy, all your bookings are refundable or cancelable without a penalty, your flights are nonstop, you’re not checking bags and a credit card you carry offers some travel protections . In that case, travel insurance might not be necessary.

On the other hand, if you prepaid a large chunk of money for a nonrefundable African safari, you’re going on a Caribbean cruise in the middle of a hurricane season or you’re going somewhere where the cost of health care is high, it’s not a bad idea to buy a travel insurance plan. Here’s how to find the best travel insurance coverage for you.

If you’re thinking of booking a trip and not planning to buy travel insurance, you may want to consider at least booking refundable airfare and not prepaying for hotel, rental car and activity reservations. That way, if something goes wrong, you can cancel without losing any money.

Selecting the best travel insurance policy comes down to your needs, concerns, preferences and budget.

As you book, take a few minutes to consider what most concerns you. Is it getting stranded because of flight trouble? Having the ability to cancel for any reason you see fit without losing money? Getting sick or injured right before departure and needing to postpone the trip? Injuring yourself or falling ill while overseas?

Ultimately, you want a plan that protects you, your money and the large investment in your trip — but doesn’t cost too much, either.

Medical coverage. If your priority is having adequate medical coverage abroad, you might want to look for plans with high limits for medical emergencies and medical evacuation.

Complex travel itinerary. If your itinerary has lots of flight connections, prepaid hotels and deposits for activities you can’t get back, prioritizing a plan with the best coverage for trip cancellations or interruptions may land at the top of your list.

Travel uncertainty. If you’re on the fence about a trip and have nonrefundable reservations, you may want to select a plan with a Cancel For Any Reason coverage option, which can help you recoup about 50% to 75% of the costs. This helps provide peace of mind, placing the decision on whether to travel entirely in your hands.

Car rentals. If you’re renting a car, a collision damage waiver is often worth looking into.

The following destinations are the top insured destinations in 2024, according to Squaremouth (a NerdWallet partner).

The Bahamas.

Costa Rica.

Antarctica.

In 2022, travelers spent about 25.53% more on trips than they did before the pandemic.

As of December, NerdWallet analysis determined travel prices are 10% higher than pre-pandemic. Each statistic makes a strong case for protecting your travel investment as you plan your next trip.

Bookmark these resources to help you make smart money moves as you shop for travel insurance.

What is travel insurance?

CFAR explained.

Is travel insurance worth getting?

10 credit cards that provide travel insurance.

We used the following factors to choose insurance providers to highlight:

Breadth of coverage: We looked at how many plans each company offered plus the range of their standard plans. 

Depth of coverage: We considered two data points to get a sense of how much each company pays out for common travel issues — the maximum caps for trip cancellation and trip interruption claims.

Cost: By looking at the costs for basic coverage across multiple companies, we determined an average cost for shoppers to benchmark plan prices against.

Customizability: While standard plans can cover a lot of ground, sometimes you need something a little more personal.

Customer satisfaction. Using data from Squaremouth when available, and Google Reviews as a backup, we can give kudos to companies with better track records from their clients.

No, it doesn’t necessarily get more expensive the longer you wait to purchase. However, as you put off buying insurance, you may lose access to potential plans and coverage options.

In general, buying travel insurance within a few days to two weeks of prepaying or making an initial deposit for your trip is your best bet. Assuming you’re not booking last-minute, this will provide you with access to the widest possible range of coverage options. It also helps prevent any medical conditions or storms that pop up between booking and buying a plan from ending up as excluded situations, which won’t be covered by your plan.

But, generally, many plans do allow you to buy coverage quite close to your departure date.

To get the most out of your travel insurance plan, buy it soon after making your initial prepayment or deposit to ensure you have access to the biggest menu of plans possible.

Select a plan that’s comprehensive enough to cover the travel scenarios you’re most concerned about or likely to encounter but not too expensive or laden with protections you’d never likely need.

Whatever your coverage, thoroughly review the plan so you understand what’s covered and what’s not, plus how to adhere to the plan’s rules for making a claim.

Travelers frequently use phrases like “trip insurance” and “travel insurance,” as well as “trip protection,” interchangeably, but they do mean different things, according to Stan Sandberg, founder of insurance comparison site TravelInsurance.com.

Trip insurance, or trip protection, generally refers to predeparture (or preevent) coverage if you need to cancel. You may see these plans sold by airlines, online travel agencies or even ticketed event sellers.

“You could refer to it as the portion that protects the investment in the trip,” Sandberg says.

A travel insurance plan typically includes that — plus more comprehensive benefits to protect you during your trip, from medical coverage to trip delay and lost baggage protections, and many more elements, depending on the plan.

Though travel insurance is typically not required for international trips, your personal circumstances will play a key role in whether it’s a good investment.

For instance, young, healthy travelers with few prepaid trip expenses embarking on a relatively risk-free trip may not see a need to buy a plan.

Older travelers with complicated itineraries who are visiting destinations where they could potentially fall ill or get injured — or who could encounter bad weather or some other disrupting factor along the way — may want to buy coverage.

Consider a few key questions:

How well would your health insurance plan cover you if you needed to visit a hospital overseas?

How much did you prepay for a hotel or rental car?

How much money would you be out if weather or some other flight issue derailed your itinerary?

Could you afford an unexpected night in a city where you have a connecting flight?

Do you already have a credit card that provides some travel protections?

Your answers to these questions can help you decide whether you need travel insurance for your international trip.

In general, buying travel insurance

within a few days to two weeks of prepaying or making an initial deposit

for your trip is your best bet. Assuming you’re not booking last-minute, this will provide you with access to the widest possible range of coverage options. It also helps prevent any medical conditions or storms that pop up between booking and buying a plan from ending up as excluded situations, which won’t be covered by your plan.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

On a similar note...

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MS travel insurance

We can provide you with peace of mind when you're travelling with MS or a loved one affected by MS. We provide policies tailored to suit you and you're medical conditions, offering cover for medical emergencies. Find out how we can help you travel with confidence by getting a quote from AllClear today!

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Travel insurance with ms, why do you need multiple sclerosis travel insurance, our 5 star trustpilot rating, important information on ms travel insurance, travelling with ms, multiple sclerosis travel tips, frequently asked questions.

MS travel insurance covers you if you’re currently living with any stage of MS, and wish to travel with peace of mind. MS travel insurance covers you for medical emergencies, including those related to COVID-19, which is vital to prevent unexpected medical bills and support you if you have any medical issues while you are on holiday.

Find out the benefits to travel insurance with MS

We understand that  (MS) is an unpredictable condition. No-one can tell you at the outset what course your MS will take, and the type and severity of physical problems associated with it vary significantly from person to person . That’s why, it’s important to ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance , which covers your condition, for when you want to go on holiday. At AllClear, we specialise in providing medical travel insurance , including multiple sclerosis travel insurance .

Benefits of AllClear Cover

What does ms travel insurance mean for you.

Living with MS can often mean living with a level of uncertainty. You might have natural anxieties about loss of independence or physical pain, so it’s important to try and minimise the financial worries – comprehensive travel insurance can help with this.

Multiple sclerosis travel insurance protects you from the risk of large medical bills if you fall ill or have an accident while on holiday. Therefore 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 .

Simple 3 step quote process

1. call us or click a quote button on our site, 2. complete our simple medical screening process, 3. get your quotes, read allclear trustpilot reviews.

“Was very pleasantly surprised!

This company were recommended to me by a friend & also on a support group page. I have MS & have previously had a nightmare when it comes to travel insurance .

I was impressed that there were only relevant questions to answer… I did not have to reel off list after list of everything in the last decade.

The person I spoke to on the phone was not in the least bit patronising. Refreshing as I get fed up with people thinking that because I am physically disabled I am mentally as well and spoken to like a child. None of this was an issue.

Price was very reasonable too less than I had been expecting. Would not hesitate to use again or recommend to anyone.” Tina Dales – Trustpilot

When you have declared your multiple sclerosis, you will be asked questions like the following:

Has your ability to look after yourself worsened significantly in the last year.

Do you currently use any mobility aids?

Have you had any acute relapses in the last year?

We will not need to know the names of any of your medication.

You should answer ‘ Yes ’ to this question even if your condition has gotten only slightly worse in the last 12 months. If you are unsure if this is correct, please confirm with your GP.

What if you are undergoing investigations for symptoms that could be multiple sclerosis?

Until the condition has been diagnosed sadly we would not be able to offer insurance at this point. As soon as the condition has been diagnosed you can either complete a quote on our website or by calling our contact centre.

What if your multiple sclerosis gets worse between purchasing your policy and your travel date?

You should notify us so that we can update your policy . Please notify us at the earliest opportunity and in particular before you book or commence your trip –  just call our Customer Care Team and they will be happy to make any adjustments. Please note that in some cases an additional premium may be applied to your policy to make these changes.

Will your wheelchair be covered against loss or damage?

It will depend on the details of your policy. With an AllClear Gold or Gold Plus policy, your wheelchair would be covered up to £2500 for value or repair under the personal property section of your policy .  This includes the necessary costs to hire other mobility aids.

The wheelchair will be covered if it is your own, or it has been hired, loaned or entrusted to you by the NHS.

If your personal baggage is damaged in transit you will need to notify the carrier (e.g. the airline or shipping company) immediately and obtain a Property Irregularity report.

Tips and advice

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 avoiding countries with a hot or humid climate . Always use a high factor of sun protection when out and about.
• Physical performance can fall significantly with heat. If possible, avoid rapid changes in climate . Everyone does react differently; therefore, your personal experience of your condition will form the basis of the decision on where you travel.
• On road trips, 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 .

Vaccinations

• Talk to your doctor well ahead of your departure date about any necessary vaccinations . In general, vaccinations should not 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 .
• 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 .
• 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 is no lift? Does it have specially 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 are away.

Article References:

National Multiple Sclerosis Society: A Doctor’s Travel Tips

MS Society: Going abroad

healthline: On the Road: 21 Tips for Traveling with MS

Annual multi-trip or single trip?

An annual multi-trip policy allows you to travel multiple times within a year. The maximum duration of these trips varies between policies. However, it is usually between 31 to 45 days.

If you need a longer trip duration or, if you only plan on travelling once in the year, then a single trip travel insurance policy may be right for you.

What will affect the price of your policy?

We calculate the premiums you’re displayed using multiple factors. These include age , trip duration , destination and pre-existing medical conditions .

Written by: Russell Wallace | Travel Insurance Expert Last Updated: 8 March 2024

† Based on Trustpilot reviews of all companies in the Travel Insurance Company category that have over 70,000 reviews as of January 2024. AllClear Gold Plus achieved a Which? Best Buy.

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12 Best Travel Insurance Policies and Why You Need Them

By Suzanne Rowan Kelleher

Condé Nast Traveler has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Condé Nast Traveler and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. We don't review or include all companies, or all available products. Moreover, the editorial content on this page was not provided by any of the companies mentioned, and has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are entirely those of Condé Nast Traveler's editorial team.

You’ve purchased your flights and booked your hotel. Now, what about travel insurance? These days, it’s easy to add coverage to your trip, but what's the best travel insurance policy to buy? And is the extra cost always necessary?

When planning a trip, nobody loves imagining worst-case scenarios and everyone has a different risk tolerance. For a weekend road trip , you may be willing to cross your fingers and suck up your losses should something go awry. But what if you’re shelling out for a longer, more complex and more expensive trip? You’ll likely want peace of mind when your risk and financial investment are greater.

When do you need travel insurance?

There’s nothing like bad luck to turn you into an insurance evangelist. For travel writer Katherine Fan, the epiphany came after a thunderstorm disrupted her flight in Chicago . “My bags didn't make it to Italy for more than five days, and my travel insurance covered all the costs for replacement items as well as the alternative transportation I had to rebook because of the delay,” she says. “I'll never live without it now.”

In general, the older you are and the more remote your destination, the more crucial it is to buy travel insurance. Lou Desiderio, a communications executive from Long Island, New York, recalls the time his octogenarian father became ill during a European cruise , and doctors recommended that his parents return home immediately. His parents’ travel insurance covered the lion’s share of the $9,500 they subsequently racked up in medical costs, ground transportation, flights, hotel, and meals. “You always wonder if the cost of insurance is worth it,” says Desiderio. “In this instance, it was absolutely worth it.”

“Not all domestic health and medical insurance plans will follow you outside your home country,” says Justin Tysdal, CEO of Seven Corners , a travel insurance provider. “Something as simple as twisting your ankle in a foreign country may not be covered and could result in expensive medical bills.”

Simply having travel insurance can have side benefits, too. “One of the best hidden perks is the 24/7 global travel assistance provided by the plan,” says Stan Sandberg, CEO of TravelInsurance.com . The hotline can be helpful in dealing with a multitude of unexpected issues, from currency conversion or cash transfers to replacing passports or IDs to finding a local physician.

Where can you find a good policy?

Travel agencies, airlines, cruise lines, and tour operators often offer an optional insurance add-on, but these plans tend to have been run through the company’s legal team and contain more exclusions. Travel rewards credit cards also offer some built-in insurance benefits to their cardholders, like trip cancellation coverage, delayed baggage coverage, and trip interruption and delay coverage. But you’ll often be better served by a plan from a third-party insurer, which tend to offer more holistic plans.

The good news is that it has never been easier to buy exactly the type of travel insurance you need at a reasonable price. Most people buy comprehensive insurance for a single trip, but annual travel insurance plans that cover multiple trips in a one-year period are becoming more popular.

You can find some of the best travel insurance policies by visiting an insurance comparison site like TravelInsurance.com, InsureMyTrip.com or SquareMouth.com . Plug in your trip details and you’ll get instant quotes for multiple insurance plans that you can compare on price, coverage limitations, and other parameters. Be sure to read the policy details, as inclusions can vary from plan to plan but will end up making all the difference to your particular needs.

What’s it going to cost?

The cost of travel insurance depends on a variety of factors, including the price and length of the trip, your age, destination, and any optional add-ons. For your average domestic or international trip with flights and hotels , expect to pay anywhere from 3 to 7 percent of your trip’s cost, depending on inclusions.

So for a $2,000 trip, you might expect a typical comprehensive plan with trip cancellation, interruption, and delay, along with baggage loss and delay, and emergency medical coverage and evacuation to cost in the $100 ballpark. Some upgrades, like a “cancel for any reason” provision, will cost more.

When should you buy travel insurance?

Don’t procrastinate. “Some benefits and coverages are available only if you’ve purchased your policy within a short window, typically seven to 21 days from when you make the first payment towards your trip,” says Sandberg. Buy early and you may qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver or a ‘cancel for any reason’ upgrade.

It’s especially important not to delay buying travel insurance if you’re traveling to, say, the Caribbean during hurricane season. Once a major storm has been named, the window of opportunity slams shut, and you can no longer buy insurance for that hurricane. “If you purchase a policy after a storm is named, trip cancellation and trip interruption are excluded from coverage,” says Sandberg.

What’s not covered?

“Some people believe that a travel insurance plan is designed to give you the flexibility to cancel your trip for any reason whatsoever,” says Sandberg. “But the standard plan is not going to provide cancellation coverage for a change of heart or a relationship break-up or an outbreak of Zika in your destination.” If you need that flexibility, opt for the ‘cancel for any reason’ upgrade.

“As far as medical coverage, people often believe a travel insurance plan will cover preventative services such as immunizations and annual check-ups,” says Tysdal. “But travel insurance is intended to cover illnesses and injuries that originate during a trip, and that’s why it’s relatively inexpensive.” Be careful about overindulging, too. “If you injure yourself as a result of being intoxicated beyond a legal limit, your travel insurance policy will not likely cover you,” says Sandberg. Ditto for drug use.

How easy is it to file a claim?

“Documentation is key,” says Meghan Walch, product manager for InsureMyTrip. If luggage is lost or items are stolen, file a report with the airline or police. You may need to provide original receipts for the stolen items in order to receive reimbursement up to the policy limits.“ Also, be aware that baggage coverage only offers coverage up to a set amount,” says Walch. “So, if you are carrying, say, a fancy $3,000 Nikon or Canon camera , you’ll likely need to buy additional insurance elsewhere or cover it under a homeowner's policy.” Note, also, that many plans specifically exclude computers and electronics.

What about car rental insurance?

It’s often possible to add car rental insurance, also known as the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), to a comprehensive travel insurance plan, which can save you from a serious headache should you get into an accident while driving. “But the biggest mistake people make when renting a car is to waste money on duplicate coverage,” says Jonathan Weinberg, CEO of AutoSlash , the car rental deal-finding site. “The reality is that if you own your own vehicle and have car insurance, you are likely already covered when renting in the U.S.”

By Jessica Puckett

By Madison Flager

By Melissa Liebling-Goldberg

By Juliet Izon

And if you don’t own a car? “Your credit card may also cover you when renting,” says Weinberg. “It's always important to check to be sure, but why pay again for coverage you already have?” Indeed, paying for your rental with the right travel rewards credit card might cover your collision insurance, with some policies covering damage up to the value of the car. Travel outside the U.S. and Canada , though, and it’s a different story. “Most personal auto insurance policies will not cover a claim for damage to a rental outside the U.S. or Canada,” says Weinberg. “Likewise, different credit cards have different exclusions when it comes to covering damage to a rental car in a foreign country.”

Types of travel insurance

Most travelers opt for a comprehensive plan, but you should know what each type of coverage does, so you’ll know if a package truly fits your needs. Here’s a brief rundown of the main types of coverage.

Trip protection

Often known simply as “travel insurance,” this type of comprehensive package is the most common purchase.

Commonly covers: Reimbursement for money spent on your trip due to cancellations, interruptions, and delays; medical expenses if you become sick or injured and, if necessary, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation; and coverage for your belongings if lost, stolen, damaged, or delayed.

How to get it: Compare plans at Square Mouth , Seven Corners , InsureMyTrip.com , and TravelInsurance.com

Trip cancellation

This benefit can reimburse 100 percent of your trip cost—flights, hotels, cruises, and pre-paid activities—if you need to cancel for a covered reason.

Commonly covers: Unforeseen illness or injury; the death of you, a family member, or a traveling companion; terrorism; inclement weather; natural disasters.

Fine print: Some policies also include other covered reasons, such as jury duty or an employment layoff.

Trip interruption

You’ll be reimbursed for your costs if your trip is interrupted for a covered reason. The payout may exceed the total trip cost if you need to incur additional expenses to return home, but some policies limit coverage to a return flight home.

How to get it: Signing up for travel rewards cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve can automatically give you this coverage for all trips booked on the card.

Learn more about signing up for the Chase Sapphire Reserve here .

Cancel for any reason

This upgrade provides reimbursement for 50 to 75 percent of prepaid and non-refundable trip payments if you cancel a trip for any reason not otherwise covered by your policy.

Watch out: You’ll be required to insure your trip’s entire cost, which will typically increase your premium by roughly 40 percent.

Fine print: Typically available for purchase up to seven to 21 days from the date you make your initial trip deposit. You must cancel the entire trip at least two to three days before your departure date.

Travel delay

If your trip is unexpectedly delayed by a designated amount of time (typically three to 12 hours, depending on the policy), this benefit provides a per-diem dollar amount (typically $150 to $200) that can be used for meals, hotels, and other necessary expenses during the delay.

Commonly covers: Inclement weather and mechanical breakdowns of “common carriers,” meaning public transportation such as planes, trains, or buses.

How to get it: Signing up for travel rewards cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve can automatically give you this coverage for all trips booked on the card that meet the requirements.

Missed connection

You’ll be reimbursed for additional costs for you to catch up to your trip if you miss your departure due to a common carrier delay of a specified amount of time. It's usually an added feature of larger insurance packages.

Commonly covers: Inclement weather and mechanical breakdowns of common carriers.

Watch out: Some policies only reimburse if you need to catch up to a cruise or tour. Since the wording typically specifies public transportation delays, you would be out of luck if you’re driving and miss your connection because you got caught in traffic.

Baggage and personal items loss

You’ll be covered for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage. Expect limits in both overall coverage and per-item coverage. It's included with many travel rewards credit card benefits.

Watch out: While most policies cover your personal belongings throughout the entire trip, some will only cover luggage while it is checked with an airline or transportation carrier.

Baggage delay

If your luggage is delayed for a specified period of time—typically 12 or 24 hours—this coverage will reimburse you for any clothing, toiletries, and other essential items you need to purchase. Expect a maximum coverage amount per person, as well as a daily limit. It's also included as a cardholder benefit with many travel credit cards.

Emergency medical coverage

This covers the costs to treat a medical emergency, including treatment, hospitalization, and medication. This type of coverage is highly recommended for international trips and cruises.

Watch out: You would pay for medical care out-of-pocket, and then file a claim for reimbursement when you return home. In certain situations, an insurer might pre-authorize payment of medical bills, but it is not guaranteed.

How to get it: Browse medical coverage plans at Seven Corners .

Emergency evacuation coverage

This coverage is for transportation to the nearest medical facility in the event of a medical emergency during your trip. It's usually an add-on to larger medical coverage.

Commonly covers: If the treating physician recommends that you should return home for further medical attention, this benefit can also cover those transportation expenses. In the case of a death, repatriation can transport a traveler’s remains back home. It's usually an add-on to a larger travel insurance policy.

Pre-existing medical conditions waiver

Most policies have built-in exclusions for pre-existing conditions. So if you’ve been seriously ill in the past or need ongoing treatment, consider looking for a plan that offers a pre-existing condition exclusion waiver.

Fine print: You’ll need to purchase the plan within a few weeks from the date you make your initial trip payment.

Hazardous/adventure sports coverage

Are you an adrenaline junkie? Adventure activities such as heli-skiing, off-trail snowboarding, bungee jumping, wakeboarding, Jet Skiing, spelunking, rock climbing, and scuba diving are almost always excluded from coverage in most travel insurance plans.

Fine print: You can buy coverage as an optional upgrade, which is an especially smart bet if you’re planning an adventure trip outside the United States.

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Does Health Insurance Cover Multiple Sclerosis Treatment?

• Financial Aid

Private Insurance

• Checking if Your Treatment Is Covered
• Determining Out-of-Pocket Costs

Frequently Asked Questions

Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects everyone differently, with symptoms ranging from mild to disabling. At any level of disability, managing MS over a lifetime can become a financial burden.

The National MS Society estimates that living with MS costs upward of $70,000 per year per person. Of course, your experience may be different.

This article discusses health insurance coverage and financial assistance for people living with MS. 

Luis Alvarez / Getty Images

Financial Aid for Multiple Sclerosis

Your cost of care can vary greatly depending on your health insurance coverage.

Medicare is health insurance for people 65 or older, but you may be eligible earlier if you have permanent disabilities due to MS . Medicare is broken down into several parts as follows:

• Part A covers inpatient care in a hospital or nursing home. It also covers some in-home and hospice care. Most people don’t have to pay a monthly premium.
• Part B covers visits with healthcare providers and other healthcare professionals. It also covers durable medical equipment, outpatient services, and physical and occupational therapy. Most people pay a standard premium.
• Part C is also known as Medicare Advantage . This is private insurance that provides similar benefits as Medicare.
• Part D offers prescription drug coverage.
• Medigap is a supplemental insurance for Medicare. It pays for some out-of-pocket costs.

Applying for Medicare

You might be automatically enrolled in Part A and B if you’ve reached full retirement age, or you’ve been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for 24 months. The enrollment period for Medicare spans three months before and three months after the month you're eligible for full Social Security benefits. Medicare.gov provides a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.

Medicaid  is a federal and state health insurance program. It covers people with a low income and people with disabilities. Eligibility requirements vary from state to state.

Applying for Medicaid

You can apply through your state’s Medicaid agency or through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Check your eligibility or find your state agency at Healthcare.gov .

Government Assistance Plans

In the United States, nearly 30% of people with MS receive benefits through SSDI.

You must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security and have a qualifying disability. Multiple sclerosis is a qualifying disability when it involves:

• “Disorganization of motor function in two extremities resulting in an extreme limitation in the ability to stand up from a seated position, balance while standing or walking, or use the upper extremities.”

Marked limitation in physical functioning, and one of the following:

• Understanding, remembering, or applying information; or
• Interacting with others; or
• Concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace; or
• Adapting or managing oneself

Applying for SSDI

Use this adult disability checklist to see if you meet the criteria. You can also apply for benefits online.

Private health insurance is insurance not provided through a government agency. For example, insurance you get through an employer or through an insurance agent.

You can also compare plans and sign up through the Health Insurance Marketplace . Marketplace plans must cover certain essential benefits . Also, your income level may qualify you for tax benefits and premium savings. Certain life events allow you to sign up during a special enrollment period.

How to Check If Your MS Treatment Is Covered

There are multiple factors you should check to ensure your treatment is covered by your insurance, including finding a healthcare provider within your network and confirming your insurance covers the services and medications you need.

Checking Your Healthcare Provider

In most cases, you’ll want to find healthcare providers who are within your policy’s network . This will help keep your out-of-pocket costs down. Depending on your policy, you may have limited or no coverage when using out-of-network healthcare providers.

Your healthcare provider's office may have a staff member dedicated to dealing with insurance. In many cases, they can work directly with your insurer to verify your benefits. You can call or log in to your insurer’s website to find network healthcare providers.

Checking Your Services

Call your insurer or check your plan’s Summary of Benefits and Coverage page. It will list services covered by your plan, along with copays or coinsurance .

Checking Your Plan’s Formulary

Your plan’s formulary is the list of drugs covered under your policy. It will also show your copay. The formulary is divided into tiers for generic, preferred brands, and specialty medications. The higher the tier, the higher the out-of-pocket cost. You can usually find the formulary under your plan’s Summary of Benefits and Coverage.

Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for MS are considered specialty drugs. They tend to be among the most expensive on the formulary list.

Determining Total Out-of-Pocket Costs

Out-of-pocket costs are those you must pay in addition to monthly premiums. These costs include:

• Deductibles
• Coinsurance

Health policies generally have an annual out-of-pocket maximum . Once you hit the maximum, your policy covers 100% for the rest of the year.

MS Treatment Cost

DMT prices are the biggest expense related to MS treatment. In the United States, many DMTs cost more than $90,000 per year. Your health policy may cover some or all of this cost.

What to Do If Your Treatment Isn't Covered By Your Plan

Your healthcare provider may be able to point you toward resources. Pharmaceutical companies often have financial assistance programs for those who don’t have adequate coverage. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s website for this information. Other organizations that may be of assistance are:

• PAN Foundation
• State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program
• The Assistance Fund

Most insurance policies must cover some portion of your MS treatment. What you pay out-of-pocket depends on the details of your policy. You can avoid getting caught off guard by checking your benefits in advance of treatment.

If you don’t currently have health insurance, you may be able to enroll through the Health Insurance Marketplace. And most pharmaceutical companies have financial assistance programs to help with the cost of DMTs.

You can learn more about managing MS-related expenses through your healthcare provider’s office or calling your insurer directly.

A Word From Verywell

Living with a chronic illness is challenging enough. And the financial reality of MS can be daunting. Fortunately, there are resources designed to help you navigate life with MS. Researching your options takes time but could prove well worth the effort.

Whatever your concerns about MS, you’re certainly not alone. You can find support and connect with others who “get it” through your local chapter of the National MS Society .

It depends on your unique circumstances. You may be eligible for various health insurance options, prescription drug assistance programs, and other financial resources. To learn more about potential benefits, contact the National MS Society . You can also check out the  Grants & Programs offered by the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. 

Yes. But under the Affordable Care Act, Marketplace and Medicare plans must cover treatment for pre-existing conditions. And they can’t charge you more because you have MS. Grandfathered plans are an exception, but you can switch to a Marketplace plan during open enrollment.  

It depends. You qualify if you’re 65 or older. You may also qualify if you have permanent disabilities due to MS and have received SSDI benefits for 24 months. 

García-Domínguez JM, Maurino J, Martínez-Ginés ML, et al. Economic burden of multiple sclerosis in a population with low physical disability . BMC Public Health . 2019;19(1):609. doi:10.1186/s12889-019-6907-x

National MS Society. Financial resources .

Social Security Administration. Medicare benefits .

Hartung DM. Economics and cost-effectiveness of multiple sclerosis therapies in the USA . Neurotherapeutics . 2017;14(4):1018-1026. doi:10.1007/s13311-017-0566-3

Social Security Administration. Disability evaluation under social security. 11.09 multiple sclerosis .

Hartung DM. Health economics of disease-modifying therapy for multiple sclerosis in the United States .  Ther Adv Neurol Disord . 2021;14. doi:10.1177/1756286420987031

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Coverage for pre-existing conditions .

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.  Your medical costs .

Department of Health and Human Services.  About the Affordable Care Act .

By Ann Pietrangelo Pietrangelo is a health writer who has authored two books: one focused on multiple sclerosis and the other on triple-negative breast cancer.

• Best overall
• Best for expensive trips
• Best for older travelers
• Best for affordability
• Best for annual plans
• Why You Should Trust Us

Best Travel Insurance for Seniors of June 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

Reaching your golden years doesn't mean your adventures have to end. In fact, in this stage of life, you'll hopefully have more time and resources to travel. But as a senior citizen, you'll want to ensure you have travel insurance that covers any health-related issues arise while you travel.

Best Senior Travel Insurance Companies

• Best overall: Allianz Travel Insurance
• Best for expensive trips: John Hancock Travel Insurance
• Best for older travelers:  TravelSafe Insurance
• Best for affordability: GeoBlue Travel Insurance
• Best for annual plans: Travel Guard

Compare the Best Travel Insurance for Seniors

Your health gets more unpredictable as you age, which makes travel insurance more important for seniors. Unfortunately, it's also more expensive. The best travel insurance for seniors won't have too steep of a price hike compared to rates for younger travelers. It will have high coverage limits for emergency medical coverage, trip cancellations, and and emergency medical evacuation. It's also important that your travel insurance offers pre-existing condition waivers , ideally at no extra cost to the traveler. 

Here are our picks for the best travel insurance coverage for seniors in 2024.

Best Senior Travel Insurance Overall

Allianz travel insurance.

Allianz Travel Insurance is one of the most widely recognized names in travel insurance, and it stands out as one of the top travel insurance providers for seniors. It offers a wide range of policies covering medical treatments overseas and emergency medical transport.

Allianz also provides options for varying trip lengths. Its annual multi-trip policies , for example, cover any trip you make during your policy period, even if they aren't yet planned, making it an excellent option for seniors who vacation multiple times per year.

Read our Allianz Travel Insurance review .

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Good option for frequent travelers thanks to its annual multi-trip policies
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Doesn't increase premium for trips longer than 30 days, meaning it could be one of the more affordable options for a long trip
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some plans include free coverage for children 17 and under
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Concierge included with some plans
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Coverage for medical emergency is lower than some competitors' policies
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Plans don't include coverage contact sports and high-altitude activities
• Single and multi-trip plans available
• Trip cancellation and interruption coverage starting at up to $10,000 (higher limits with more expensive plans)
• Preexisting medical condition coverage available with some plans

Best Senior Travel Insurance for Expensive Trips

John hancock.

John Hancock Travel Insurance plans for seniors offer some of the best coverage available. It provides generous maximum benefit amounts while still offering affordable prices.

Each plan includes coverages like trip cancellation, emergency accident, and emergency medical, with the option to add benefits like CFAR (cancel for any reason) . Plus, getting a free online quote is a quick and straightforward process.

Read our John Hancock Travel Insurance review .

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers 3 travel insurance plans
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancel for any reason rider available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable travel insurance premiums
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews of claims process are mixed
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Buyers may not get specialty coverage for sports equipment and other high value items
• Trip cancellation for 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption insurance for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000 per person
• Medical evacuation coverage of up to $1,000,000

Best Senior Travel Insurance for Older Travelers

Travelsafe travel insurance.

TravelSafe Insurance is a great choice for older travelers, even among seniors, insuring travelers up to 100 years old. TravelSafe also offers pre-existing condition waivers for all its tiers when you purchase your policy within 21 days of your initial trip deposit. With a great deal of flexibility, travelers don't have to worry about eligibility when purchasing travel insurance with TravelSafe. TravelSafe even has two tiers of coverage devoted specifically to golfers. 

Read our TravelSafe travel insurance review .

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to 120 days' coverage available for travelers ages 79 and under (30 days for 80+)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $2,500 per person for missed connections over three hours or more
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay coverage of up to $150 per person per day kicks in after six hours or more
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Policy can be purchased by U.S. citizens living abroad
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage ceiling of $100,000 may be low for some travelers' needs.
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Claims reviews from customers say performance is not always the best
• A well-rounded insurance plan for travelers who are concerned about missing connections for cruise-related travel
• Classic and Basic travel insurance plans
• GolfSafe travel insurance plans provide coverage for you and your equipment
• Travel medical insurance through partner Trawick International

Best Senior Travel Insurance for Affordability

Geoblue travel insurance.

GeoBlue Travel Insurance is a travel insurance provider that specializes in travel medical insurance . Because it doesn't offer much trip protection or travel inconvenience coverage, it can charge cheaper premiums than its competitors. 

GeoBlue's policies cover travelers who are under 95 years old, offering sizeable coverage for emergency medical treatments (up to $1 million) and medical evacuations (up to $500K). It's worth noting that while coverage for pre-existing conditions are available, it costs extra.

Read our GeoBlue Travel Insurance review .

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. A subsidary of Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers strong medical plans as long as you have a regular health insurance plan, but it doesn't have to be through Blue Cross
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers long-term and multi-trip travel protection
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Multiple complaints about claims not being paid or being denied
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Does not provide some of the more comprehensive coverage like CFAR insurance
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Buyers who do get claims paid may need to file multiple claim forms

Best Senior Travel Insurance for Annual Plans

Travel guard.

Travel Guard  offers comprehensive insurance plans for shorter and longer trips. One of its more unique offerings is its Travel Guard Annual Plan.

This annual travel insurance comes with standard coverage benefits (trip delay, baggage loss, etc.) and substantial coverage amounts, which is important for seniors who travel multiple times per year. Travel Guard also offers a pre-existing medical condition waiver, meaning those with certain medical issues can still gain coverage.

Read our AIG Travel Guard Insurance review .

Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost and trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the cost, for all three plan levels
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. CFAR covers up to 75% of total trip costs (maximum of $112,500 on some plans) 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Medical coverage of up to $500,000 and evacuation of up to $1,000,000 per person
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes COVID coverage 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Above average baggage loss and delay benefits
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High medical evacuation coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Premiums may run slightly higher than competitors

Travel Guard is a well-established and highly rated name in the travel insurance industry. It offers three main coverage options to choose from, and in general its policies have above-average coverage for baggage loss and baggage delays, plus high medical evaluation coverage limits.

• Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Preexisting medical conditions exclusions waiver must be purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment
• Annual travel insurance plan and Pack N' Go plan (for last-minute trips) available

Understanding Travel Insurance for Seniors

Before diving into the specifics, it's essential to understand what travel insurance is and why it's particularly important for senior travelers. The best travel insurance offers financial protection against unexpected events affecting your trip, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.

Types of coverage

• Medical Coverage: Ensures your medical expenses are covered in case of illness or injury.
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage: Provides reimbursement if your trip is canceled or cut short due to unforeseen events.
• Baggage Coverage: Covers loss, damage, or theft of personal items during your trip.

Benefits of travel insurance for seniors

• Peace of Mind: Knowing you're covered in case of emergencies can make your travel stress-free.
• Financial Protection: Shields you from potentially overwhelming medical costs and trip cancellations fees.
• Assistance Services: Many plans offer 24/7 assistance services, providing help whenever and wherever you need it.

Making the most of your plan

After choosing a plan, it's crucial to understand your policy fully and know what services are available to you in case of an emergency.

Understanding your policy

When you purchase a travel insurance policy, you'll be able to see a description of benefits, which is a long document that describes the exceptions and limitations to your coverage. You should carefully review this document so you're not blindsided by unexpected claim denials. 

For example, if you're canceling a trip because unexpected work, you may not be eligible for coverage if you haven't worked at your company for long enough. Additionally, you should review your policy to ensure that your pre-existing condition is covered, as companies often have very specific language around what qualifies as a covered pre-existing condition.

Emergency assistance services

Most companies offer a 24/7 concierge service that can help you navigate situations that arise during your trip, even issues beyond the scope of your policy. They can advise you on how to navigate these situations in accordance with your policy and make sure you acquire the necessary documentation when you need to file a claim down the line.

How to Pick Travel Insurance as a Senior Traveler

It's wise to compare several different travel insurance policies for the best coverage and pricing, as premiums vary widely between insurers and depend on factors like your age and travel destination.

That said, some of the more essential coverages to look for if you're a senior citizen include:

• Travel medical coverage - This coverage will pay for your medical bills outside the US.
• Medical evacuation coverage - If you're injured or become sick while traveling, this coverage will transport you to the nearest hospital or even back home if your condition necessitates it.
• Pre-existing conditions - Coverage for known health conditions. You'll need to purchase travel insurance within a certain time period from when you book your trip to qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver .
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) - The name says it all! It'll cost extra and you'll need to purchase insurance early, but it's the most comprehensive trip cancellation coverage you can get. Note that CFAR insurance usually only covers up to 75% of your trip fees.
• Trip cancellation insurance - This coverage provides reimbursement for your prepaid and nonrefundable costs if you cannot make your trip due to an unforeseen event.
• Baggage delay insurance - This coverage will reimburse you for essentials like toiletries and clothes if your bags are delayed.
• Lost luggage insurance - This coverage will reimburse you up to a specified amount if your bags get lost en route.

Of these, the most critical to note are whether or not your policy covers pre-existing conditions and the limits for travel medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation.

Some insurance companies offer a waiver that will cover pre-existing conditions. You'll have to follow the requirements for adding a waiver to your policy, like insuring the entire cost of your trip. Or purchase the policy within a specific time after making your first trip deposit payments.

You'll also want to find a policy with high maximum limits for travel medical and emergency medical evacuation coverage. These types of expenses can be substantial, so you want to have appropriate coverage.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed Senior Travel Insurance

When comparing senior travel insurance options, we looked at the following factors to evaluate each travel insurance provider:

• Coverage limits: We looked at each travel insurance company's coverage amounts for benefits like medical emergencies and trip cancellation.
• Flexibility: We looked at how customizable a policy is, so you can choose what your travel insurance policy covers .
• Coverage for pre-existing conditions: Pre-existing conditions are one of the more critical factors for travel insurance for senior citizens, so we looked at travel insurance companies that offer the best coverage for pre-existing conditions.
• Price: We compared travel insurance providers offering reasonable basic and comprehensive coverage rates.
• Benefits geared towards seniors: We compared travel insurance companies that offer solid coverage for senior citizens, like medical evacuation, COVID-19 coverage, and trip cancellation.

You can read more about our insurance rating methodology here.

Best Senior Travel Insurance FAQs

Seniors should look for travel insurance policies that offer comprehensive medical coverage, including for pre-existing conditions and emergency medical evacuation. They should also consider policies with higher coverage limits to ensure adequate protection. Additionally, seniors should seek travel insurance plans that provide 24/7 assistance services, as well as coverage for trip cancellations, interruptions, and baggage protection.

The cost of senior travel insurance coverage can vary depending on your age, overall health, state of residence, travel destination, and length of your trip. While the average travel insurance policy costs 4% to 8% of your trip's nonrefundable cost, a 65-year-old's policy may cost 15% of their trip's cost.

All travel insurance companies, except World Nomads, included in this guide offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions as long as you buy your policy within the qualifying period from when you placed your trip deposit.

Allianz is the best travel insurance for seniors due to its wide array of medical coverages and emergency medical transport. Allianz also offers multi-trip insurance policies , which could make sense for seniors who travel frequently.

In some instances, travel insurance companies will have age eligibility restrictions, often only insuring people 80 years old and younger.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

**Enrollment required.

• Main content

Individual Health Insurance

Individual insurance options for people with multiple sclerosis, choosing individual healthcare.

• The Marketplace at Healthcare.gov or 800-318-2596. In some communities, information and enrollment help is available at certain hospitals, clinics, pharmacies or community service organizations. Read more about the Marketplace below or explore options close to you by using the Find Local Help option at HealthCare.gov.
• State exchanges in select states.
• Insurance companies that offer individual health insurance.
• An insurance agent or broker licensed by your state.
• Premiums vary significantly depending on location, coverage, age and whether you use tobacco.
• All individual insurance plans sold through the Marketplace or state exchanges are available on an income scale. Applicants in households with income below 400% of the federal poverty level ($30,000 for a family of four in 2023) receive tax credits that are applied immediately so their monthly premiums are more affordable.
• Plans are listed as Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze depending on coverage. Platinum plans cover the most, Bronze plans cover the least.
• Extra savings are available for people with household income between 100% and 250% of the federal poverty level, or $14,580 for a household of one in 2023. You MUST enroll in a Silver level plan to qualify for extra savings.

Covered Services, Medicines and Equipment

Prescription and provider coverage, chip and medicaid, health insurance marketplace.

• Everything you read about your options and costs will be in plain language.
• Details about price, benefits, quality and other features are presented to help you select the plan that best meets your needs.
• Every health insurance plan in the Marketplace offers comprehensive coverage, including hospitalization, doctors’ visits, prescriptions and more.
• You must re-enroll every year. Every fall, your health Marketplace insurance company will notify you of changes to premiums and benefits for the coming year.
• You can choose to keep your current plan as long as it is still offered, or switch to another one that is a better fit for your needs and finances.
• You can begin comparing your options on Nov. 1, but you only have until Dec. 15 to enroll in a different plan.