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Travel Insurance

It is vital if you are travelling with a disability to take out travel insurance to cover both your flights and holiday period itself. If you are an EU citizen and are travelling within Europe, remember that you can receive basic emergency medical assistance for free if you carry an E111 form.

Never assume that the quality of health care will be the same abroad. In particular, be aware that many policies sold by tour operators will not cover individuals with pre-existing medical conditions.

Importantly, make sure that your travel insurance policy covers any specialist equipment you may be travelling with i.e. your wheelchair. This should include full replacement in the event that your chair is stolen or damaged.

Talk to your travel insurer directly to discuss your needs, and find a policy which provides the necessary cover.

The following companies all provide travel insurance policies for travellers with a disability:

  • Age Concern Insurance Services (Garrod House, Chaldon Road, Caterham, Surrey CR3 5YZ Tel: 01883 834 887);
  • Extrasure Holdings Ltd (16 St Helens Place, London EC3A 6DP. Tel: 0171 488 9341
  • Fish Insurance (Freepost 3-4 Riversway Business Village, Preston PR2 2BR. Freephone 0500 432 141)
  • Free Spirit Travel Insurance (Hamilton Barr House, Bridge Mews, Bridge Street, Godalming, Surrey GU7 1HZ, tel: 01483 423766)
  • Leisurecare Insurance Services Ltd (Shaftesbury Centre, Percy Street, Swindon SN2 2AZ Tel: 01793 514199)
  • Travelcare Limited (68 High Street, Chislehurst, Kent BR7 5AQ. Freephone (0800) 181532)
  • J & M Insurance Services (14-16 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1DX, tel: 020 7446 7600).

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