Travel abroad

Contents

• Introduction
• Flying
• Reducing the risk of seizures when travelling
• Anti-epileptic drugs when travelling out of the UK
• Getting supplies of your anti-epileptic drugs outside the UK
• Getting medical treatment when travelling out of the UK
• Travel medicines
• Information in different languages
• Telling people about your epilepsy

Introduction

The initial information on flying and reducing the risk of seizures is appropriate for anyone, no matter where they live.

The rest of the information is mostly for people with epilepsy in the UK when travelling abroad.  It gives guidance on reducing the risk of seizures, anti-epileptic drugs, getting treatment, and airport restrictions.

Flying

Some people with epilepsy have concerns about flying. There is no evidence to suggest that flying is harmful, and people with epilepsy travel the world.
If your epilepsy is not completely controlled it may be advisable to let the travel agent/cabin staff know. Some airlines also have additional guidelines concerning people with epilepsy. An example might be for you to sit in an aisle seat in case you have a seizure. Further details may be available from your travel agent, or directly from the airline concerned.

Reducing the risk of seizures when travelling

Some people with epilepsy have certain things that can trigger seizures for them. These triggers include lack of sleep and changes in sleep patterns. So avoiding changes to sleep patterns, as much as possible, may reduce the risk of seizures.

Travel insurance

Epilepsy Action works with InsureandGo on a policy which we believe offers quality travel insurance for people with epilepsy, at a competitive price.