Travel Insurance with spina bifida
Remember
- Tell your insurer about any pre-existing medical conditions to make sure you’re fully covered
- Consider covering everyone travelling in your party in case you have to cancel
- Take a copy of your travel insurance documents with you
If you’ve been diagnosed with any form of spina bifida and are journeying abroad, it might not be proving easy to find affordable travel insurance. There is no need to worry though, as specialist insurers such as AllClear Insurance should be able to provide you with the cover you need, ensuring that both you and your condition are adequately covered.
What is spina bifida?
Spina bifida, Latin for “cleft spine”, occurs when during embryonic development a defect in the neural tube develops. This leads to the spinal cord and vertebrae failing to fully form. There are several types of spina bifida, including the most serious, myelomeningocele, which can cause full or partial paralysis below an exposed part of the spinal cord. Spina bifida occulta, the most common form, may be symptomless whilst meningocele may be treated surgically although many born with this form also have hydrocephalus.
Do I need to declare I have spina bifida as a pre-existing medical condition when buying travel insurance?
Yes. If you have been diagnosed with any form of spina bifida (and/or hydrocephalus) you must advise insurers. Many policies require you to disclose any pre existing health conditions and you might find those that do not may not cover them. It’s important therefore to both fully disclose your health and check the small print otherwise you might find you are not properly insured and liable for the cost of any emergency medical treatment you may require.
Will having spina bifida prevent me from getting travel insurance?
If you have a chronic (long term) condition this is classed as a disability and there are laws to protect you against discrimination. This means insurers must offer you insurance although they are free to charge you more for it or perhaps place conditions or limits on your policy. When looking for travel insurance quotes it may be worth checking out brokers like AllClear Insurance who specialise in sourcing cover for people with disabilities or pre-existing medical conditions.
Information and support for people who have spina bifida
Shine is the UK’s leading charity for those affected by spina bifida and hydrocephalus. Among extensive support it offers are specialist occupational therapy, heath development and educational advisers, whilst its website has plenty of information about the condition. See also the pages dedicated to spina bifida on the NHS website
AllClear take care of everything
Here at Fish Insurance, we’re proud to be working with travel experts AllClear Travel to provide you with cover for your next trip. AllClear’s team of experts will help find the cover you need at a price you’re comfy with. So if you’re planning your next break, all you have to do is decide where to visit first.
To get a quote or manage your policy call
Key benefits of AllClear’s cover*
- No age limits
- 1300+ conditions covered
- ‘Superior’ Covid cover** (includes return flight costs if you’re forced to stay due to Covid-19)
- Up to £15m medical emergency expenses cover
- 24/7 English-speaking medical emergency helpline
- Up to £25,000 for cancellation and cutting your trip short
- Up to £3,000 for your baggage
- Up to £500 travel delay cover
- Up to £1,000 optional cover for travel disruption
- Up to £2m personal liability cover
*All figures are per person and per trip
**Covid cover rated ‘Superior’ by a leading independent UK Consumer Champion in 2021
AllClear cover a range of pre-existing conditions
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And we don’t stop there…
We’ve answered some of the questions you may have about Travel Insurance
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QCan I travel by plane if I have spina bifida?
AYes, many people with spina bifida are perfectly okay to travel by air. We’d suggest consulting your GP to check it would be okay for you. If you use a wheelchair and have specific accessibility needs, make sure to let the airline know you’re coming in advance. This will ensure your journey runs more smoothly.
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QWill having spina bifida prevent me from getting travel insurance?
AHaving spina bifida shouldn’t stop you from getting travel insurance. The quote you will receive depends on the severity of your spina bifida, any medication you’re taking, and other conditions you may have.
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QDo I need to declare any form of spina bifida as a pre-existing medical condition?
AYes. It’s always best to declare any conditions you’ve been diagnosed with when applying for travel insurance, including spina bifida. This ensures any medication you may be taking will be covered, as well as any treatment for your spina bifida you need to seek while you’re away.
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QCan I get travel insurance if I have partial paralysis from spina bifida?
AYes, partial paralysis from spina bifida should not stop you being able to get travel insurance. The quote you will receive depends on any medication you’re taking or other conditions you may have.
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