Travelling can be exciting. It might be a holiday with family, a school or college trip, or your first time going away with friends.
If you have epilepsy, travelling may need a bit more planning, but it should still be possible. One important thing to think about is travel insurance.
This guide explains what travel insurance is, why it matters if you have epilepsy, and how to make sure you are protected when travelling abroad.
You can travel if you have epilepsy
Having epilepsy does not usually mean you cannot go abroad.
Most people with epilepsy can travel safely, especially when they plan ahead and get the right support in place.
Travel insurance is one part of that planning. It helps protect you if something unexpected happens while you are away.
What is travel insurance?
Travel insurance is something you buy before you travel.
It can help cover costs if:
- You get ill or have a seizure while abroad
- You need medical treatment or hospital care
- You need to return home earlier than planned
- Your epilepsy medication is lost or stolen
- You have to cancel your trip for medical reasons
When you are in the UK, emergency care is covered by the NHS. Abroad, treatment can be very expensive. Travel insurance helps cover these costs.
For some young people, the worry is not just about needing medical treatment, but about what might happen if they have a seizure in public.
I was terrified of having a seizure in public and how people might react. That fear came from real experience. I’ve been stared at. I’ve been filmed.
-Alisha, young person living with epilepsy
Why epilepsy must be declared on your insurance
Epilepsy is classed as a pre‑existing medical condition.
This means you must tell the insurance provider about it when you apply, even if:
- You have not had a seizure for some time
- Your epilepsy feels well controlled
- You feel confident managing it
UK consumer advice is clear that not declaring epilepsy could mean your insurance does not work if you need help while you are away.
Being honest helps make sure you are properly covered.
What the insurance experts say
Insurance specialists highlight that epilepsy must be treated as a pre‑existing condition when taking out travel insurance, even if seizures are well controlled.
“Living with epilepsy can make travel more unpredictable, which is why having the right travel insurance in place is so important. It means people can access support if something goes wrong while they’re away.”
-Letitia Smith, travel insurance expert
This is why it’s important to read policies carefully, answer medical screening questions honestly, and make sure epilepsy is specifically included in your cover.
“Epilepsy is classed as a pre‑existing medical condition, which means it needs to be disclosed when taking out travel insurance — even if seizures are infrequent.”
-Insurance comparison specialist, MoneySuperMarket
What you might be asked about your epilepsy
Insurance providers may ask questions such as:
- When your last seizure was
- What medication you take
- Whether your medication has changed recently
- Whether you have needed hospital treatment
These questions help them decide what cover they can offer. Answering them accurately is important.
Travel insurance and the GHIC or EHIC
If you are travelling in Europe, you may have a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
These cards can help you access some state healthcare, but they do not replace travel insurance.
They do not usually cover:
- Private healthcare
- Being flown home if you are seriously ill
- Lost medication
- Cancelled trips
UK epilepsy advice recommends having both a GHIC or EHIC and travel insurance in place before you travel.
What happens if you have a seizure while travelling or flying?
Seizures can happen anywhere. For some young people, this might be in a busy public place like a train station, airport or hotel.
“One time I had an absence seizure on an escalator, but luckily there was an adult with me.”
Lottie, young person living with epilepsy
Flying is no different. Most people with epilepsy can fly safely. Cabin crew are trained to respond to medical situations, including seizures, and will provide first aid if needed. In rare cases, a flight may need to divert so someone can receive urgent medical care after landing.
Emergency treatment abroad, flight diversion, or being flown home for medical reasons is not covered by the NHS or a GHIC alone. This is why travel insurance is an important part of planning when travelling with epilepsy.
Things to do before you travel
Alongside buying travel insurance, it can help to:
- Speak to your GP or epilepsy nurse before travelling
- Your epilepsy nurse specialist (ENS) or consultant can also usually write a letter confirming your diagnosis and the medication you take. This can be helpful when travelling, as it allows you to carry all your epilepsy medication in your hand luggage. Taking medication with you on board means you do not have to risk delays or lost bags if your hold luggage goes missing.
- Carry epilepsy medication in original packaging
- Take enough medication for your whole trip plus extra
- Take a letter or prescription showing what medication you take
- Know how to get medical help where you are going
These recommended steps can help travelling feel safer and less stressful.
Travelling with epilepsy should be possible
Epilepsy should not automatically stop you from going on holiday or travelling abroad.
When you are away from home, it can help to think about things that may affect your epilepsy. For some people, changes in routine, tiredness, stress or heat can be seizure triggers. Hot weather in particular can make seizures more likely for some people, especially if it leads to dehydration or poor sleep. You can find practical tips on staying safe in the heat in our blog on managing epilepsy in hot weather.
Travel insurance is there for peace of mind. It helps protect you, so you can focus on enjoying your trip and making memories.
“Travel insurance isn’t just an extra - it’s a vital layer of protection for families travelling with a child who has epilepsy. It ensures that if the unexpected happens, from medical emergencies to lost medication, the right care and support are available without added stress. It gives families the confidence to enjoy their holiday, knowing they’re covered wherever they are in the world.”
-Kirsten, Epilepsy Nurse Specialist
If you are unsure about travelling or insurance, you can speak to a trusted adult.
