What You Need to Know About Traveling with A Neurodegenerative Disease

Coping with conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Motor Neuron Disease, Huntington’s and Parkinson’s is an emotional rollercoaster for both sufferers and their loved ones. The gradual onset of symptoms, and the loss of physical and mental faculties you once took for granted, is a heavy burden to carry.

Quite naturally, patients and their relatives find neurodegenerative diseases start to limit their horizons in life. Activities and pastimes, they used to enjoy become impossible. But retreating away from things that give you pleasure can lead to a dangerous downward spiral. Studies into dementia, for example, have shown that the less stimulated and engaged patients are, the faster their condition deteriorates.

That is why people are still encouraged to do things like take family holidays and travel, even when they are suffering from a neurodegenerative disease. Whether the impact is physical or cognitive, everyone still needs things to look forward to, experiences that excite them, reasons to laugh and share fond memories.

There are things you need to think about when travelling, of course. But with a little foresight, determination and help from family and friends, you can still have life-affirming adventures that make the more difficult times seem worthwhile.

Take no chances with your meds

If you travel abroad, you will need to take all medications you are on to control your symptoms. This might be a significant amount, so consult your doctor well in advance and make sure you work out with them how much you need to have prescribed.

Carrying large amounts of medications with you might lead to questions being asked, so it is worth taking a copy of your prescription with you as well as a letter from your doctor explaining your condition, what the meds are and what they are for. On flights, keep them in your hand luggage to avoid any potential problems with lost luggage. It’s a good idea to inform your airline in advance about this so notification can be given as you pass through security.

Get the right travel insurance

Neurodegenerative diseases increase the likelihood of you needing medical assistance while you are abroad. As travel insurance covers the cost of any treatment needed in foreign countries, providers want to know the details of any condition you might have that increases the chance of you making a claim. They will usually seek to charge you extra for cover, or perhaps decline to give you insurance if they think the risks are too great.

The best plan is to seek out a specialist provider that offers bespoke neurodegenerative disease travel insuranceas part of a service focused on people with long-standing medical conditions. These providers will usually seek to write a policy around your specific requirements, rather than offering generic cover with a premium stuck on top. This will often both save you money and give you peace of mind that you are covered for your specific needs.