New developments and competitive pricing in the travel industry have opened the way for travelers with specific needs, including disabled travelers. From students to senior citizens, millions of travelers are taking advantage of the great deals to expand their traveling horizons. One of the greatest things about modern travel is that it has made it much more possible for disabled people to experience the joys of traveling. Disabled people represent a sizable market in the travel industry, and it is forecasted that the number of travelers with disabilities will continue to grow.
Disabled people may face obstacles when traveling abroad. For instance, travelers with mobility issues may be required to rent or purchase their own mobility assistance if none is provided. Wheelchair-bound travelers may face higher risk of accidents in countries where there is no proper wheelchair accessibility infrastructure or limited handicap access. Travelers with disabilities may ask; how do disabled people reduce the risks of traveling? Does travel insurance cover disabled people?
While disabled people can acquire travel insurance, the extent of coverage may differ from one country to the next. In the UK, the Disability Discrimination Act ensures that disabled people are treated in the same manner as any other person. Unless there is a justifiable reason for not extending certain coverage for disabled people, travel insurance companies must provide equal treatment. Travel insurance providers mat be required by law to prove that there is higher risk in providing coverage for disabled people so that they can charge a higher premium.
In the United States, there are many types of travel insurance for disabled travelers. Since wheelchairs can be very expensive, a travel insurance policy that provides coverage for damages or loss for wheelchairs (covered under baggage/personal effects coverage) would be effective. Even when you have located an insurer who would provide insurance for a wheelchair, travelers would be well-served to check all the fine print because there may be specific conditions of coverage.
Other than special needs, disable people would enjoy the usual benefits of travel insurance like coverage for trip cancellation, loss of baggage, loss of personal documents, loss of personal items, and so on. The individual needs of each disabled traveler may differ, depending on the disability, as well as other factors like the country being visited, and the amount of coverage. For this reason, it is best to consult your travel insurance agent to discuss all the details before you go on your trip.
