Travel and Parkinson’s

It is a good idea to speak to your GP, specialist or Parkinson’s nurse about your plans before you go. They can talk to you about:

• how much medication you will need for your trip - and bringing extra away with you, just in case
• making sure your medication regime is working well before planning your trip, if it has recently changed
• getting a medical certificate or letter that explains you have Parkinson’s and lists the medication you are taking. It should also include any other medical equipment, such as needles and syringes, and electronic devices you are using
• whether any travel vaccinations you need could affect your medication
• whether your medications are heat or sun sensitive and may need special storage facilities.

If you are going abroad, you may need to change your medication regime – especially if you are travelling across time zones. This may mean you need to take your medication at different times, but within the same hourly spread. Or it may mean you have to take an extra tablet.

As everyone's medication regime is different, it is very important to speak to your GP, specialist or Parkinson's nurse who can give you individual advice.

It is important to have a valid travel insurance policy before you go on holiday. Here are some things to think about when you are buying travel insurance:

• If you have Parkinson's, make sure the policy covers pre-existing medical conditions. If you don't declare a medical condition and need to make a claim, your policy may be invalid.
• Think about buying travel insurance as soon as you have booked your holiday. You will then be covered between booking and the date you travel. Good travel insurance policies will cover the cost of cancelling your trip if you are unwell and cannot go, for example.
• If you are planning on taking any equipment or mobility aids with you, make sure they are insured for loss or damage. Standard travel insurance policies do not always cover these items.

Airlines will offer assistance if you need it, as long as they know in advance. This is normally 48 hours before your flight.

They can arrange a wheelchair and meet you from the car park, train station or taxi and take you through check-in. They can also arrange for you to be taken to your departure gate and boarded first.

At your destination, staff will meet you at the plane and take you through passport control and customs. It is compulsory for all large European airports to offer free assistance to older or disabled passengers.

Eurostar gives free assistance for Eurostar passengers who need it at any terminal. You can arrange this when you book your trip, or 48 hours in advance of your journey.

If you are travelling by train within the UK, National Rail has information about accessibility at stations and how to arrange journey assistance.

If you are flying, it's important to drink plenty of fluids during your flight, so you don't become dehydrated. This is particularly important if you have low blood pressure (postural hypotension). If the cabin crew know you have Parkinson's, they can make sure to offer you drinks throughout the flight.

Always carry your medication in the original packaging and keep it in your hand luggage, along with the medical certificate or letter from your doctor or nurse.

Many airlines will let you pre-book a seat on the plane, so you can choose one that suits you. Some airlines charge for this, so check their policy when you book your trip.

Parkinson’s UK has partnered with All Clear, a travel insurance company that specialises in helping people with pre-existing medical conditions.

You can contact them on freephone 0808 281 9178 or get a quote online.

If you decide to purchase insurance through All Clear, a percentage of your fee will be donated to Parkinson's UK. This is a contribution from the company and you will not be charged any extra.

We do not endorse the service of any particular provider and there may be other options not listed here that are better for you. The British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA) is a good resource to help you find alternative cover.