Travel and holidays - travel and health insurance
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Travel and holidays (pdf)Information for people with dementia who are considering travelling alone and for carers of people with dementia.
It covers practical information about how to cope with travelling if you have dementia, and what to consider if you are a carer.
We have not included any specific holidays or establishments since these are subject to change. The organisations listed under Useful addresses and specialist holidays can help you source a holiday or break that fits your needs.
Travel and Health Insurance
European Health Insurance Card
A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles you to reduced-cost, sometimes free, medical treatment that becomes necessary while you're in a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland.
The EEA consists of the European Union (EU) countries plus those who apply the EHIC arrangements through an agreement with the EU. The EHIC is valid in: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus (not Northern Cyprus), Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
To get a European Health Insurance Card
Before you apply, you will need to have the following information to hand for everyone you are applying for:
- name and date of birth
- your Community Health Index (CHI) number (in England NHS number and in Northern Ireland the Health and Care number).
The EHIC is issued by the Prescription Pricing Authority (PPA) and is free of charge.
To apply by phone
Call 0845 606 2030 and have the information listed above ready. When your application is completed, your card will be delivered within 10 days.
To apply by post
Pick up the EHIC form from the Post Office. Your card will be delivered within 21 days. For a nominal fee, the Post Office will check your completed application form and forward it for processing. This service is optional.
To apply online
What does the EHIC cover?
The EHIC is normally valid for three to five years and covers any medical treatment that becomes necessary during your trip, because of either illness or an accident. The card gives access to state-provided medical treatment only, and you'll be treated on the same basis as an 'insured' person living in the country you're visiting. This might not cover all the things you'd expect to get free of charge from the NHS in the UK. You may have to make a contribution to the cost of your care.
You are advised to take out comprehensive private insurance for visits to all countries, regardless of whether you are covered by your EHIC.
Travel insurance
Make sure you have a good insurance policy that covers you for all your medical conditions. Some policies do not cover claims arising from a 'pre-existing medical condition or defect', which could mean that any illness or accident linked to dementia may not be covered. This may mean that the premium will be increased, so shop around if you can.
It might be worthwhile talking to your GP before buying health insurance. The health declarations are very detailed and require information on conditions and medications going back years. These details will all be checked if you later try to make a claim. Any omissions or mistakes you make can be used as grounds to refuse your claim.
If you have a problem with a mainstream travel insurance company try one of these specialist companies who cater for those with special needs:
- Age Concern Insurance Services
0845 600 3348, quote reference ALL 721
www.ageconcern.org.uk/AgeConcern/travel_insurance.asp - All Clear Travel Insurance
08712 088 579
www.allcleartravel.co.uk/ - En Route Insurance Consultants
0800 783 7245
www.enrouteinsurance.co.uk - Freespirit
0845 230 5000
www.free-spirit.com - It's So Easy Travel Insurance
0845 222 4205
www.itssoeasytravelinsurance.com - Medical Information Anywhere
01268 782745
www.miaonline.co.uk - Orbis Insurance
01424 220110
www.orbisinsurance.co.uk/ - Pulse Travel Insurance
0871 2088 630
www.pulse-insurance.co.uk/ - Travelbility
0845 338 1638
www.travelbility.co.uk/ - Venturesure
020 8295 1234
Freephone 0800 181 532
Tell us about good holiday accomodation
If you know of holiday accommodation which is particularly welcoming to people with dementia, please let us know. In particular, we would like to know about hotels and guest houses with helpful and sympathetic staff.
Contact
Maureen Thom
Information Manager
Alzheimer Scotland
22 Drumsheugh Gardens
Edinburgh EH3 7RN
Tel: 0131 243 1453
Email: alzheimer@alzscot.org
Freephone 0808 808 3000