Glaucoma travel insurance

When you’re travelling with glaucoma, you want to know you’ve got everything you need. But it can be tricky to track down medicines abroad.  

If you ever find yourself short while you're away, we’re here to help. We can assist you in locating a nearby pharmacy that stocks your medication, so you’re not left searching in an unfamiliar place. 

Just so you know, the cost of replacing medication isn’t something we cover – but we’ll still do what we can to make the process easier.

If you need to unexpectedly cancel or cut your trip short, we’ll get you home safely without the extra expense. That includes travel to the airport, any medical assistance or accommodation you need en route, and cancellation costs up to the agreed amount of your cover level.  

We’ll help with:   

• coordinating care with your medical team back home   

• accommodation if you need to extend your stay   

• taking care of your transport arrangements, including travel to your local hospital if needed   

• rebooking flights and transfers 

If you have glaucoma that causes blind spots in your vision, here are some things you can do to help you get around more securely. 

• Take extra care around roads – remember, traffic may be approaching from a different direction than back home. 

• Use navigation apps like Google maps and Apple maps to plan routes and transport – they also have voice guidance for when you’re on the go. 

• Stick to travelling in the daytime or stick to well-lit roads at night.  

• Avoid the crowds – start your day a bit earlier and time your breaks during peak hours.

Many people with glaucoma choose to wear wrap-around sunglasses and a hat with a wide brim or visor to protect their eyes from the elements, especially if they have dry eyes.  

If you’re staying somewhere hot and using the air conditioning, try to position yourself away from the airflow. You may find it helps to use a warm compress for relief from dry eyes and eye pressure.  

It’s also a good idea to talk to your eye doctor before taking part in any physical activities, like yoga or swimming, as they may increase eye pressure.

Some people with glaucoma find that travel accessories can help make their trip more comfortable. You might want to consider bringing: 

• wrap-around sunglasses or sports glasses with UVA and UVA sun protection 

• a visor or hat with a wide-brim 

• glasses with antiglare coating for use at night-time  

• a warm compress for dry eye and pain relief 

• lens wipes or lens cleaning solutions

This depends on the type of surgery you’ve had and when you had it. If you’ve recently had eye surgery, you may wish to check with your doctor about the right time to take a trip, as you may need to attend follow up appointments. Please be aware that if you’ve recently had eye surgery, you’ll need to be signed off from any post-operative checkups to get travel insurance cover.

Hopefully, you won’t have to deal with an emergency while on your trip. But it’s a good idea to be prepared in the unlikely event that it does happen. Make sure you know the signs of acute glaucoma and know what to do.  

Contact the local emergency services first, and then call our 24-hour emergency helpline. Our team will help arrange your care, find the most appropriate place for treatment and follow-up care. 
  

Our helpline is open 24/7, 365 days a year:  
 

• Calling from outside the UK: +44 1403 288 414 

• Calling from USA or Canada: +1 844 780 0639 

• Calling from Mexico: +1 819 780 0639 

• Calling from the UK: 01403 288 414 

If you or someone on your policy is admitted to hospital or your outpatient treatment is likely to cost more than £350, contact us as soon as possible. Where you have a valid claim, and your medical expenses exceed £350 we will look to settle the bill directly with the medical provider where possible. 

If you have a non-urgent medical concern, such as sickness, headaches, or mild pain, contact our helpline first for advice on where to go for assistance 

When comparing travel insurance policies for glaucoma, you’ll want to look out for what’s covered and what’s not.  

The right travel insurance for glaucoma should: 
 

• agree to cover your glaucoma and any other pre-existing condition  

• cover medical expenses, including necessary emergency travel home 

• have a high medical cover limit 

• help you replace lost, stolen or damaged medications 

• cover you for cancellations or interruptions during your trip 

• include 24/7 emergency assistance services while abroad 

Learn more about what’s covered under our medical insurance for pre-existing medical conditions, or get a quote.  

As good as travel insurance is, some things can’t be covered.  

You’re not covered for: 

• travelling against your doctor’s advice 

• claims for pre-existing medical conditions you haven’t told us about  

• routine check-ups, planned treatment or non-emergency care 

• travel for medical procedures abroad  

• reimbursement for lost, damaged or stolen medicines or equipment 

• incidents related to alcohol or controlled substances 

• strike action that was common knowledge at the time of booking 

• choosing private treatment when suitable public facilities are available 

• choosing not to travel 
   

Discover more about what travel insurance covers. Always check your policy documents carefully to understand exactly what you’re covered for.