Travelling with Epilepsy

What You Need to Know Before You Go

Holidays should be about rest and enjoyment — and if you have epilepsy, travelling can still be safe and rewarding with the right preparation. Whether you're planning a weekend city break or a long-haul adventure, here are some practical tips to help you travel more confidently with epilepsy.

Can You Fly with Epilepsy?

Yes — flying with epilepsy is possible. However, long-haul routes can be stressful and tiring, both of which may trigger seizures in some people. If stress or tiredness, which could be caused by jet lag, are triggers for you, try to keep your routine as calm and relaxed as possible, allowing time to rest and recover before and during your journey.

If you’ve had a seizure in the 24 hours leading up to your flight, you may need medical clearance to fly — usually in the form of a letter signed by your GP. Always check with your airline before you travel.

Speak to Your GP or Healthcare Professional Early

Ideally, start discussing your holiday plans with your GP or practice nurse at least two months before you travel. They can help with:

• Prepare your medication
• Advise on travel vaccinations you might need
• Providing documentation for travel, such as a letter explaining your condition and prescription

Inform the Airline in Advance

If you're concerned about having a seizure during your flight, it is a good idea to let the airline know ahead of time. This way, cabin crew will be better prepared to assist you if needed, and may be able to offer additional support — such as priority boarding or a seat with extra space.

Managing Your Medication

Having your medication organised is a key part of travel preparation. Here’s how to stay on top of it:

• Bring enough medication for the entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays
• Carry your medication in your hand luggage and keep it in its original packaging
• Pack a spare supply in your checked luggage as a backup
• Store medicines that require cooling in a thermos, insulated pouch or cool bag with an ice pack
• Stick to your usual medication times — set alarms or reminders, especially when crossing time zones

Important: Different countries have different rules about which medicines you can bring in. Some epilepsy medications may be restricted, even if they’re prescribed in the UK. Before you travel:

• Check with the embassy of the country you’re visiting
• Ask your GP or pharmacist for a copy of your prescription
• Carry a doctor’s letter explaining the medication and why you need it
• Find out the generic name of your medication, in case you need a replacement abroad

Get Travel Insurance with Epilepsy Cover

While your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) can give you access to state healthcare in some countries, there are limits to what it covers. Medical treatment abroad can be costly — especially if it’s related to a pre-existing condition like epilepsy — so it’s important to take out epilepsy travel insurance that includes cover for any emergency care you might need.

When arranging your policy, make sure you disclose your condition fully and inform your insurer if anything changes after purchase — such as starting a new medication.

Be Prepared for Emergencies

Even the best plans can’t prevent every situation, so it’s wise to be prepared for the unexpected:

• Wear an epilepsy ID card or bracelet — this helps others understand what’s happening if you have a seizure while abroad
• Identify a pharmacy near your destination in case you need a new supply of medication

Smart Travel Tips

A few small changes can make a big difference when flying with epilepsy:

• Book an aisle or bulkhead seat for more room and easier access if you need help during the flight
• Plan to arrive in the afternoon or evening, closer to your regular bedtime, to minimise disruption to your sleep
• Choose a destination with a suitable climate — extreme heat, humidity, or cold may increase seizure risk for some people
• Consider travelling during off-peak months (November to March) for cooler weather and quieter, less stressful environments

Final Thoughts

Travelling with epilepsy doesn’t mean missing out. With careful planning — from managing your medication to preparing the right documentation — and suitable travel insurance with epilepsy cover, you can enjoy your holiday with greater peace of mind.

If you're looking for holiday insurance for epileptics, Able2Travel may be able to help you find a policy that suits your needs. Just make sure to declare your condition and review the policy terms carefully before you buy.

Travel with Confidence with Able2Travel Epilepsy Holiday Insurance

At Able2Travel, we believe travel should be about making memories—not worrying about your medical cover. With over 20 years of experience, we specialise in holiday insurance for epilepsy. Our policies are tailored to support travellers with pre-existing medical conditions, so you can explore the world with confidence.

Key features of our cover include:

And much more…

*Maximum age is 79 for travel to the USA, Canada, Mexico & The Caribbean.

For the love of travel, choose Able2Travel.

Click here for more information on Able2Travel Travel Insurance

This article is for information and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute advice in any way. The information provided here is correct at the time of writing however please check the latest policy wording for the latest terms, conditions, and exclusions.