Around 100,000 people in the UK are affected by this neurological condition and around three times as many women as men have MS. The condition is most commonly diagnosed in people between the ages of 20-40 although it affects older and younger people as well.

MS Awareness Week is run by the MS Trust with the aim of providing information for people affected by multiple sclerosis, to help fund research into the condition and to campaign for specialist services.

If you are affected by MS, or know someone who is, the following travel tips may be a helpful starting point when planning a holiday. We also recommend that you visit your doctor for advice before travelling.

Holidays

Having MS should not stop anyone from going on holiday. A break at home or abroad can be a welcome change from living with the daily demands of MS, and it is important for your well being.Going abroad can be an exciting and positive experience and with some forward planning, you can look forward to relaxing and enjoying yourself. Travelling with MS shouldn’t be an ordeal.But it’s important to let your travel operator know if you have special requirements so if you plan to travel alone and need some extra assistance you can confirm that help is available.

Travelling by air

Speak to your airline about medical, mobility or care equipment that you want to take on board and see what restrictions, if any, apply. Remember, under EU regulations it is illegal for airlines to charge you for loading or carrying a wheelchair. Always check well in advance about medicines you plan to carry with you as not all countries have the same restrictions on the legal amounts you can carry. In some cases you may need to contact the respective embassy to check. You may also need a letter from your GP explaining your medical requirements. A good tip is to pack half your medication in your suitcase and half in your hand luggage, so if your suitcase goes missing, you will at least have what you need until your suitcase is recovered.

Assistance

You can expect free assistance at all European airports. This includes help with check in, help passing through the airport, assistance with boarding and leaving the plane and help with baggage. Most people who have MS are able to have all the usual vaccinations, if required, for travelling abroad, but let your GP know what other medications you are taking.

By planning ahead and going through all your requirements with your travel operator or airline you can make sure everything for your holiday goes smoothly. And then, sit back and relax.

Travel Insurance for MS

If you have MS, or any other medical condition, it’s important to make sure you are fully covered by your travel insurance. Goodtogoinsurance.com is proud to provide travel insurance cover for all types of medical conditions including multiple sclerosis.

Find out more about travel insurance cover for existing medical conditions >>