Holidays, travelling and Parkinson's

Many people with Parkinson’s continue to travel and enjoy holidays in the UK and abroad. Parkinson’s does not have to stop you from going away, but some extra planning can help your trip go smoothly.

Key points

• Planning ahead can make your trip smoother and less stressful.

• Speak to your health professional before you travel, especially about medication.

• Arrange appropriate travel insurance and declare Parkinson’s to make sure your cover is valid.

• You're entitled to free assistance at airports and can arrange support in advance for planes, trains, ferries and cruises.

• Carry medication correctly, check local rules before travelling abroad, and apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) if travelling to Europe.

Choosing your holiday

When choosing where to go, think about what suits your energy and mobility. Holidays with a flexible itinerary or built-in rest time can make it easier to enjoy your trip without getting too tired.

It can also help to think about how accessible your destination is, including the terrain and local transport options.

Check that your accommodation has the facilities you need. This might include:

• step-free access or lifts
• space to store medication or equipment
• on-site parking.

Some booking websites and holiday providers include accessibility information. If it’s not clear, contact the accommodation directly.

There are also specialist holiday providers that offer accessible accommodation and can help you find suitable options.

If you use a travel agent or tour company, explain your needs so they can help you find a suitable holiday.

You may also want to check the accessibility of attractions and whether they offer assistance and discounts for disabled visitors.

Find more information about travelling abroad with a disability on the GOV.UK website.

Talking to your health professional

Before you travel, speak to your GP, specialist, or Parkinson’s nurse. They can advise you on:

• getting a medical certificate or letter that explains you have Parkinson’s. This should include the medication you take and any medical equipment or electronic devices you use
• how much medication you’ll need for your trip, and packing some extra with you in case of delays
• whether you need to adjust medication timings while away
• how airport scanners may affect devices such as a deep brain stimulation (DBS) system and its pulse generator
• whether any travel vaccinations could affect your medication
• whether your medications are sensitive to heat or sunlight, and how to store them safely.

You can also contact our helpline advisers for help with these issues.

Travel insurance

Having valid travel insurance before you go is very important.

Make sure the policy covers pre-existing medical conditions and that you declare you have Parkinson’s. This ensures your cover is valid.

It’s good to arrange insurance as soon as you book your holiday. This covers you from the date of booking until you travel, including cancellation costs if you become ill or have an accident before the trip.

If you're taking equipment or mobility aids, check if they are covered for loss or damage. Standard travel insurance may not cover these, so consider hiring equipment at your destination.

Keep a copy of your policy with you - either a digital copy (PDF) on your phone or print out the policy document.

Finding insurance

It can sometimes be harder to find travel insurance when you have a pre-existing condition such as Parkinson’s. You can use MoneyHelper and BIBA to help you find suitable travel insurance.

MoneyHelper has a travel insurance directory where you can search for providers that cover serious medical conditions or disabilities. Visit the MoneyHelper website.

The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) can put you in touch with insurance brokers who can help you find suitable cover:. Visit the BIBA website.

Your rights

The Equality Act 2010 (Great Britain) and Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (Northern Ireland) protect disabled people from unfair treatment.

Companies and service providers must not refuse a service to a disabled person without good reason. But insurers can charge more or add special conditions if they can show there is a higher risk.

Hiring a car

Hiring a car can give you more flexibility on holiday. It lets you travel at your own pace and manage fatigue.

Before booking, think about whether you feel confident and safe to drive abroad. Parkinson’s can affect movement, reaction time, and concentration. If you’re unsure, speak to your GP or Parkinson’s nurse.

You must tell the DVLA (or DVA in Northern Ireland) that you have Parkinson’s. They will check that you are medically fit to drive. If you do not tell them and have an accident, your insurance may not cover you.

You should also check:

• whether your driving licence is valid. You can continue driving in the UK with an expired licence while waiting for the DVLA or DVA to approve your renewal, but this is not allowed abroad
• the driving rules in the country you’re visiting
• whether you need an international driving permit (IDP). Find out more about international driving permits on the GOV.UK website.
• what’s included in the car hire and how much the excess is if the car is damaged or stolen.

You may also consider:

• booking an automatic car
• adding an extra driver to share the driving
• choosing a larger car to make getting in and out easier
• checking whether adapted vehicles are available, such as hand controls or wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs)
• bringing portable devices with you, like a swivel cushion or a car door assist handle, to make getting in and out of the car easier
• buying extra excess cover (called excess reimbursement insurance or standalone car hire insurance), from an online broker or comparison site.

Using your Blue Badge in Europe

You can use your UK Blue Badge in some European countries, including countries in the EU, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

Recognition and rules can vary by country, and sometimes by region. Some countries may also require you to display a local parking notice or a parking disc alongside your Blue Badge.

Before you travel, check the parking rules for the area you’re visiting. Contact your accommodation, tourist information centres, or local authorities for the latest guidance. It can also help to carry supporting documents, such as a doctor’s note or a translation of your Blue Badge.

Read our information on Blue Badges.

Find information on using your Blue Badge in Europe on the GOV.UK website.