Michael

‘I was diagnosed with a rare condition called Acquired C1 Inhibitor Deficiency (ACD) and, following further investigation, 3 months later with small lymphocytic leukaemia (SLL), a type of low-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

My view is that specific cover for a medical condition is essential. I had free worldwide travel cover through my bank account. When I received my ACD diagnosis, I was already booked to travel with family to Portugal the following week. I contacted the insurers to explain the diagnosis, and was told that I could be covered for ACD on payment of a premium of just £90.

Unfortunately on the second day of our trip I needed medical attention. I would recommend the following for anyone with a medical condition when travelling, whether abroad or in the UK:

• Check where hospitals are in relation to your destination and take details with you.
• If planning a cruise, check with the cruise line to discuss the on-board medical facilities to make sure you could be cared for if you became ill.
• If planning a long flight, train journey or drive, consider making the journey in shorter steps with overnight stops in case of medical problems.
• Ensure that you have travel insurance and that it is kept fully up-to-date with any changes in your diagnosis. Be aware of anything that is excluded. Take copies of the insurance policy details and contact numbers with you.
• Take enough medication for your entire holiday and perhaps a week longer, to cover any potential delays caused by illness or travel problems.
• Take a letter from your GP or specialist with you. It should have up-to-date details of all illnesses, current treatment and prescribed medicines including dosage. Be prepared to show this to the airline, airport or other authorities. 
• Have an up-to-date contact for your doctors or specialists, so you can reach them in the event of problems. Again, keep a copy in your wallet or handbag and in your suitcase.
• Consider purchasing something like a Medic Alert or SOS Talisman.
• Keep a note of any expenses that you may need to claim for. 
• Take details of a bank account including SWIFT and IBAN numbers which can be found on the bottom of your bank statement. You might need these to communicate with your bank if necessary while abroad. 
• Ensure that you have a credit card available with enough facility to allow for any unexpected expenditure.
• Take a phone charger with adapter for the relevant country, even for a very short trip.’

Happy travelling!

June 2016