Travel Advice & Insurance
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance is essential and usually the premium is not significantly more for someone who has been diagnosed with vascular EDS. We recommend shopping around and visiting comparison websites such as
Money Super Market
to get the best package at the right premium.
Our members have also used Paying Too Much
for travel insurance.
On some websites when selecting a medical condition you might need to search Ehlers Danlos syndrome then select Vascular type.
Consider your bank, most bank accounts offer a reward package that includes travel insurance (some are subject to a surcharge). For example,
NatWest Reward Platinum
offers worldwide travel insurance covering you and your family for trips of up to 31 days. The policy also includes £10 million medical expenses cover.
The following insurance providers currently offer travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions:
Any insurance providers / comparison sites listed on this page are for information only and are in no way endorsed by Annabelle's Challenge.
Travel Advice
Flying
Air travel is not considered to increase the risks of rupture.
There is no indication against being on an aeroplane, but it is worth considering the risk associated with long haul flights. If a medical emergency were to happen mid-flight there would be a considerable delay before any medical assistance would be available.
Assisted Travel
Book assisted travel for your outbound and inbound journey. Most airports provide this service and a patient diagnosed with vascular EDS is no exception. Assisted travel is also provided by most train operators including wheelchair ramps.
Booking your assistance will usually facilitate:
- The option to be assisted to the check-in desks or make your own way there if you prefer.
- Use the assistant / priority lanes for airport security and passport control.
- Priority boarding.
- Pre-book allocated seats with your airline. (Subject to availability and airline T&C's).
Please note: You must pre-book your assistance through your airline or travel agent a minimum of 48 hours before your flight.
Sunflower Lanyard Scheme
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Annabelle's Challenge has partnered with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme and Sunflower lanyards and EDS cards are available free of charge to all vEDS UK members through our online shop.
A discreet way to make the invisible visible.
Wearing the Sunflower discreetly indicates to people around the wearer including staff, colleagues and health professionals that they need additional support, help or a little more time. It can also be useful to:
- Permit access to assisted / priority lanes at security and the use of assistance lanes at the UK Border on arrival.
- Priority boarding.
Since the Sunflower was established in the UK in 2016, it has been adopted globally by organisations to support both their colleagues and customers.
The Sunflower is now recognised across a broad range of sectors - ranging from retail, financial services, transport including over 240 airports, travel and tourism as well as over 450 universities, schools and colleges, all of the UK railway network, theme parks, supermarkets, leisure facilities, healthcare, financial services, emergency services, theatres and over 350 charities.
The Sunflower has now been launched locally in Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Latin America, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the UK, the UAE and the USA.
Travel Planning
We recommend planning for your vacation including researching the nearest hospital with emergency care and purchasing travel insurance.
Making travel plans will not only help to ensure the safety of the person who has vascular EDS, it could also make your well deserved vacation a little less stressful knowing you have put plans in place including using the following resources which are available free for our members:
- 'Emergency Information for Medical Professionals' available in the following languages: English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish and Turkish.
- Blue Wallet Card / Emergency Alert Card.
- Medic Alert bracelet.
- Sunflower lanyard.
Most importantly, make memories which will last a lifetime – take your vacations and relax!
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