Don’t let a chronic condition or disability hinder your travel dreams

Now is a great time to travel if you have a disability or a chronic health condition. These days, with many modifications and support systems in place on various modes of transport, and at destinations along the way, the world is your oyster.

More than 4.4 million people in Australia have some form of disability and nearly half of us have a chronic health condition. With proper insurance protection and careful planning and preparation, travelling with peace of mind is very achievable.

All travel requires some level of organisation but if you are a person with a chronic health condition or disability, there are a few extra steps to take before you jet off.  

Medical advice: Visit your doctor before you depart to make sure you have an up-to-date health check, current vaccinations, and any medical scripts you require in advance. Your doctor should be able to offer advice about how best to manage your health while you are away. Be mindful that some countries may not permit certain medications. Do your research. 

Handy hint: When flying, always pack your medication and any health-related devices/aides in your carry-on luggage. In the rare event that your luggage is misplaced in transit, you will have your vital health needs with you.

Physical support: Research your destination, accommodation, and transport of choice to ensure they are set up to support people with disabilities such as wheelchair and walker access, and suitable modifications. These include:

• Secure ramps with gradual inclines. 

• Lift pulleys. 

• Extra wide doors and entrances.

• Support railings.
  

• Disabled public toilets and bathrooms in accommodation suites. 

• Emergency and evacuation plans factoring in disabilities.  

Environmental considerations: Make sure you research your travel destination to understand the local healthcare system, the climate, and any potential health risks. If you have a chronic lung condition, for example, you may want to avoid places with high levels of air pollution.  

Check out the Smartraveller website before you book. This valuable government resource offers up-to-date travel, culture, and safety advice for Australian travellers including the most current warnings.

Consider making sure your travel insurance covers you for medical assistance and emergency medical treatment as you won’t receive any free or subsidised care in most countries and the costs can be high. Consider insurance that will cover: 

• Medical assistance.

• Hospital transport.
  

• Emergency medical treatment.

• Accidents and injuries.

Check your cover regarding trusted travel advice not to visit a particular country or destination and ensure you include all activities you plan to do. Smartraveller also has advice on this. 

Consider advising your travel providers of your condition, even if you don’t think you’ll need any special requirements. If you are travelling overseas, you might find there are different rules and regulations for that country. It’s important that you do your research by checking that airlines, public transport, guided tours, accommodation, and emergency and medical facilities are set up to assist you.

Finally, share your travel itinerary with friends and/or family members back home, especially if you are travelling solo. A trusted emergency contact will also give you peace of mind while you’re off exploring the world. Or why not consider companion travel or tours specially designed for people with a disability? A quick Internet search will reveal plenty of options.

With good communication, knowledge of your destination, a thorough travel action plan, and all your bases covered insurance-wise, there is no reason why you can’t enjoy a great adventure with a disability or chronic health condition.

National Seniors members receive a 10% discount on travel insurance policies*.

With some cruise cover automatically included, as well as cover for some coronavirus related events, for when things don’t go to plan.