Travel insurance for disabled travellers

Travelling can be stressful, and if you or someone you are travelling with has a disability, it can become even more so. But with an increasing number of attractions, facilities and accommodations offering disability-friendly service, your next holiday should be a breeze.

It just takes a little patience, planning and confidence.

To help you make the most out of your next holiday, we’ve put together a guide to help you navigate the challenges that come your way, from choosing the right destination to booking the perfect accommodation to securing the most appropriate travel insurance policy.

Which travel insurance brands provide disability cover?

Because disabilities are considered pre-existing conditions, most insurers will at least consider you for coverage. You can use the engine below to compare policies, but if your condition is not listed in their PDS your best bet is to talk with the brands directly for a personalised quote.

Finder survey: Which pre-existing medical conditions do Australians have?

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a medical screening and will I need one?

  A medical screening is an assessment process used by travel insurers to understand your pre-existing medical conditions or disabilities. It helps them determine the level of risk involved in insuring you and whether they can offer cover. You will likely need a medical screening if you declare a pre-existing medical condition or disability that is not on your insurer's list of automatically covered conditions. This often involves answering a series of questions about your health, medication and recent treatments. In some cases, your insurer may ask for a letter or report from your doctor.

• What if my pre-existing condition or disability causes an emergency while I am travelling?

  If your declared and accepted pre-existing condition or disability causes a medical emergency while you are travelling, your travel insurance policy should cover the associated medical treatment and hospitalisation costs up to the limits specified in your policy. It is crucial to always disclose all conditions upfront to your insurer. Failure to do so could result in your claim being denied. You should also ensure you understand any specific exclusions or conditions related to your particular situation in your policy wording.

• Does my travel insurance cover my travelling companion or carer?

  Most standard travel insurance policies do not automatically cover a travelling companion or carer for their own medical expenses or trip cancellation if it is due to your disability. However, some insurers offer specific options to add cover for a non-travelling family member or travelling companion. You may be able to add your companion to the same policy or they may need their own policy. If your companion needs to cancel their trip because of your condition, this may be covered if they are on the same policy and the cancellation reason is an insured event. Always check with your insurer about options for covering companions or carers.

• Are assistance animals included in my travel insurance policy?

  Coverage for assistance animals can vary significantly between travel insurance policies. Some policies may offer limited cover for a service animal's veterinary care in an emergency or for costs related to its travel if it is medically necessary. It is essential to declare your assistance animal to your insurer when purchasing your policy and clarify exactly what coverage is provided. You should also confirm airline regulations and destination country entry requirements for your assistance animal well in advance of your trip.

• Can I get travel insurance for a temporary disability?

  Yes, you can get travel insurance for a temporary disability. Like permanent disabilities, temporary disabilities are generally considered pre-existing medical conditions. You will need to declare the temporary disability to your insurer when applying for your policy. The insurer will assess the condition based on its nature, severity and any ongoing treatment. Depending on the condition, it may be covered at no additional cost, for an extra premium or in some cases it may not be covered at all.

• How can I reduce the cost of travel insurance for a disability?

  To potentially reduce the cost of travel insurance for a disability, consider comparing quotes from multiple insurers as prices can vary widely. If your condition is stable and well managed this may lead to a lower premium. Opting for a higher excess on your policy can also lower the initial premium cost although you will pay more if you need to make a claim. Only purchasing the cover you truly need, (for example foregoing extra baggage cover if your medical equipment is already specified) may also help. Always be honest about your condition to ensure any cover you obtain remains valid.

• What essential documents should I carry when travelling with a disability?

  When travelling with a disability it is highly recommended to carry several essential documents. These include a letter from your doctor outlining your medical conditions, medications and any specific equipment you use. Keep copies of your prescriptions and medical alerts. Carry your travel insurance policy details including the emergency contact number. Having copies of your passport, visa and flight details is also crucial. Store digital copies of all these documents on a cloud service or email them to a trusted contact for easy access if the originals are lost or stolen.