Insurance

Many people with neuromuscular conditions may find it difficult to purchase various forms of insurance.

It is always best to shop around before you make a decision to take out any insurance.

When it comes to travel and life insurance you need to declare any pre-existing medical conditions, otherwise it could invalidate your claim. It is worth checking that privately-owned wheelchairs or adaptation equipment (for example, hoist tracking) is covered for damage or loss by your household/contents insurance.

MDC launched partnership with insurance broker

The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign launched its innovative partnership with Heath Lambert Affinity Partnerships. The new venture will see the two organisations working together to provide comprehensive travel cover for individuals living with muscle disease throughout the country.

Unique provides comprehensive travel and life assurance for those living with muscle disease.
Tel: 01603 828218
Web: Unique web page

Other insurance companies

The following companies provide insurance for disabled people. (This is not an endorsement by the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign of their policies.)

Chartwell Insurance and Disabled Drivers Bureau - specialist disability driving and wheelchair insurance
Tel: 020 8958 0900
Email: Info@chartwellinsurance.co.uk
Web: www.chartwellinsurance.co.uk

Enable Disable has lists of insurance companies that specialise in disabilities on its website www.enabledisable.co.uk

En Route Insurance provides car, home, travel and wheelchair insurance for people with disabilities.
Grove Mills
Cranbrook Road
Hawkhurst
Kent TN18 4AS
Tel: 0800 783 7245
Web: www.enrouteinsurance.co.uk

Lockton Provides insurances for wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
Tel: 020 7933 0000
Web: www.uk.lockton.com

The Insurance Helpline is an insurance broker that provides life insurance for people with a pre-existing medical condition.
Tel: 0800 377 7763
Email: info@theinsurancehelpline.co.uk
Web:www.theinsurancehelpline.co.uk

The Insurance Surgery provides help for people with pre-existing medical conditions to find insurance.
King Edward House
Macclesfield
Cheshire
SK10 1ES
Tel: 0800 083 2829
Web: www.the-insurance-surgery.co.uk

Travel insurance

If you are travelling within the European Union (EU) and Switzerland you need to get an European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The Department of Health, working with the NHS Prescription Pricing Authority (PPA), provides the EHIC free of charge. This card replaces the older E111, which has not been valid since 1 January 2006. You can apply for a card over the phone on 0845 606 2030, online at www.ehic.org.uk or pick up an application form from the Post Office.

The insurance providers listed below specialise in catering for disabled people or people with a pre-existing medical condition. (The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign can not endorse any particular insurance company - you need to make sure that you are happy with the company you choose.)

Chartwell Insurance provides low cost travel insurance for people with a pre-existing medical condition.
Tel: 0845 2607 051/52
Email:info@chartwellinsurance.co.uk

En Route Insurance provides low cost travel insurance for people with a pre-existing medical condition. Sometimes it refers cases to a medical screening line for assessment.
Tel: 0800 783 7245
Email:info@enrouteinsurance.co.uk

Freespirit provides low cost travel insurance for people with a pre-existing medical condition as long as they are fit to travel. A doctor's letter is required. You also have to be clear of hospital waiting lists for treatment or medical investigation.
Tel: 0845 230 5000
Email: freespirit@pjhayman.com
Web:www.free-spirit.com

Travelbility provides travel insurance for disabled people and those with pre-existing medical conditions and their carers.
Tel: 0845 338 1638
Web: www.travelbility.co.uk