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Travel insurance for dementia sufferers

We're here to try and help you find travel insurance for dementia and Alzheimer's patients.

Richard Laycock
Richard Laycock

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Important:

Travel insurance rules continue to change as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. We’re working hard to keep up and make sure our guides are up to date, however some information may not be accurate during the pandemic. It’s even more important to double-check all details that matter to you before taking out cover. Please know that some policies may not be available through Finder at this time. Here are some helpful tips:
    • If you're buying a policy today, it's unlikely that you'll be covered for any coronavirus-related claims
    • If your travel plans go against government advice, your policy will most likely be voided and you won't be covered
    warningFinally, some good news! Domestic travel is picking up, so some insurers have started offering cover again 🦘 Just remember, you won't be covered for any pandemic related claims if you do take out domestic travel insurance.

    We've done the research and found over 10 brands that cover you if you have dementia or Alzheimer's. Many insurers will flat-out exclude cover for pre-existing mental conditions, including dementia. Others may agree to provide you with travel insurance for Alzheimer's if you undergo a medical screening. This can simply be filled out online.

    Check out the list below to get started. You can also read on to find out more about how to get travel cover if you've been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer's and what to do when you travel.

    Which Finder travel insurance brands cover dementia?

    BrandConditionsApply
    AllClear Specialising in medical travel insurance, AllClear will assess your condition online and quote you an extra premium if you're approved.
    1coverCustomer can add pre-existing condition and must complete an online medical assessment. 1Cover will decide if they will cover the condition and/or exclude it from your policy. Additional premiums may apply.
    InsureandGoCustomer can complete the online medical assessment and InsureandGo will decide if they will cover the existing condition. Additional premiums may apply.
    Online TravelDeclare your pre-existing condition and complete the online medical assessment. Online Travel Insurance will decide if your pre-existing condition will be added or excluded from your policy. Additional premiums may apply.
    TickOnline medical assessment will determine if cover for dementia and Alzheimer's can be provided.
    virgin money logoVirginDementia and Alzheimer's may be covered with online medical screening and an extra fee for cover.
    World CareMay be approved pending an online medical assessment and an extra premium.
    Picture not described

    Australia Post

    		AusPost travel insurance may cover dementia if you are approved on an online medical assessment. An extra premium will be payable.
    MedibankDementia and Alzheimer's may be covered. You will need to do an online medical assessment and an additional premium will be charged for cover.
    RACV Additional cover is available through RACV with online medical screening and extra fee.

    Simply

    		Cover is available pending online medical screening and an additional premium will be payable.
    Insure4lessOnline medical assessment will determine if cover for dementia and Alzheimer's can be provided.

    *Table last updated 19th July 2019

    Should I tell my insurer if I've been recently diagnosed?

    Any changes in your health can affect your cover, and in some cases can invalidate your policy. If you already have travel insurance - for instance if you have an annual travel insurance policy - you need to let your insurer know about a dementia or Alzheimer's diagnosis.

    That way, you'll know whether or not your existing policy will cover you. Your insurer will probably ask you to complete a medical assessment, helping them determine the seriousness of your condition. These assessments are nothing to be worried about and usually don't take long to complete - the provider simply needs to work out if they can afford to insure you. If you've only recently been diagnosed, your policy might still be valid, though there might be an increase in your premiums. If they refuse to insure you, there are always alternatives.

    Shop around

    While the cost is likely to be higher for dementia sufferers, you can still get travel insurance. If you are refused by an insurer, shop around for a policy elsewhere. If you are finding it hard to get cover, there are also specialist insurers who cover people with dementia.

    Alternatively, check out the list above. These insurers all offer cover to those with dementia and Alzheimer's - all you need to do is complete the medical assessments. If filling out medical assessments online isn't really your thing, speak to a broker. It'll cost you a little more, but they can shop around and find cover for you.

    Planning a trip with dementia

    The more thorough you plan your trip, the easier it'll be for you or the person with dementia you are travelling with. Follow these steps to ensure dementia doesn't prevent you from having a great trip.

    • Start small. It's a good idea to travel on a shorter domestic trip and see how that goes, before you plan any international trips. That way, you'll be able to assess how easily you or your traveller managed the flight and coped with being in a new and unfamiliar place. Try and go out of peak season as well to avoid massive crowds and tourists everywhere. It's also much easier to find domestic cover for Alzheimer's and you'll still have access to Medicare.
    • Have a travel itinerary. Travelling to a new place is exciting, unfamiliar and often disorientating for anyone, so if you or companion has dementia, it's an especially good idea to have your trip clearly planned out. That way, you have a routine to stick to and follow.
    • Consider a cruise. Cruises are a great option if you have Alzheimer's or dementia as you can establish a routine and familiarise yourself with the areas, all while enjoying a relaxing holiday experience. Remember though that Medicare and private health insurance often isn't covered while you're on a cruise, so you'll need to look into alternative medical cover.
    • Don't be afraid to tell people. Whether it's the hotel staff or tour guides, letting people know you or your companion has dementia is important. That way, everyone is on the same page should a little assistance be required.

    What documents should you take with you when travelling?

    When travelling with dementia or with someone who has Alzheimer's, it's important to carry documentation with you in case of an emergency. This should include:

    • Doctor's name and contact details
    • A list of medications and dosages
    • A list of food or drug allergies (if relevant)
    • Emergency phone numbers such as local police, ambulance and fire department
    • Copies of legal documents such as a will and power of attorney
    • Contact details of friends and family
    • Insurance information, including policy number and insurer's contact details

    Tips for travelling with dementia

    The following general tips are useful when travelling with someone who has dementia:

    • When travelling by car, make sure you or your companion are comfortable; take breaks, especially on long trips.
    • When travelling by plane, inform the airline ahead of time so that cabin staff can provide any extra assistance if necessary.
    • Book flights with plenty of time so that you don't need to rush to gates.
    • Make sure you or your companion has identification on them. An identity bracelet is ideal in case you become separated at any stage of the journey.
    • If your companion suffers from dementia, it's best that you keep all valuables and important documentation with you, including money, ID, passports and tickets.
    • Carry a list of the required medications and their doctor's contact details.

    Compare your cover options

    Suffering from dementia doesn’t mean you can’t travel. It just means you need to plan well ahead and take precautions wherever possible to make the process as smooth and painless as possible.

    Compare which travel insurance brands in the finder.com.au cover Alzheimer's

    Useful contact details

    The following services provide help and information regarding dementia, which you may find useful:

    More about travel insurance

    Picture: Shutterstock

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