Travelling abroad with epilepsy
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Key points
- Most people with epilepsy can safely fly by plane and travel abroad
- Speak to a healthcare professional in plenty of time before you travel. They can help you prepare
- Shop around for the best travel insurance quote before booking your trip. You will need to declare your epilepsy to get an accurate quote
- Carry your epilepsy medicine in your hand luggage in its original packaging, with a copy of your prescription or letter from your doctor. It may help to have some medicine in any other luggage, in case a bag is lost
- Ask the embassy of the country you are travelling to about any restrictions on your medicines
- Our ReciteMe toolbar can be used to translate the information on our webpages into multiple languages. This could help you to explain your epilepsy to people in another language, if needed
“Go! Don’t let your epilepsy prevent you from enjoying yourself! You may need to make adjustments – rather than spending the entire day sightseeing, you may need to take a break to cool off in the pool or sea.”
-Epilepsy Action supporter
How can I prepare for travelling abroad with epilepsy?
1. Discuss your travel plans with your GP or healthcare professional
It may help to talk to your GP, epilepsy specialist or epilepsy specialist nurse in plenty of time before your travel date. They can advise you on things like:
- If you need to change the times you take your epilepsy medicines. For example, if you are travelling to a different time zone
- Any travel vaccinations that you may need. They can discuss which vaccinations are suitable for people with epilepsy
- If you need a letter from your doctor about your epilepsy and the medication you take
- How to manage jetlag or any other possible seizure triggers
- Travelling safely depending on your individual situation
- If you need any extra medicine. You will need enough medicine for the time you are away as well as when you return home
2. Apply for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
The GHIC card allows you to access any necessary state-provided healthcare that cannot reasonably wait until you come back to the UK. It is valid in the European Economic Area (EEA) and some other countries, including Australia.
The GHIC has replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). If you have a UK EHIC, it will be valid until the expiry date on the card. You will then need to apply for a GHIC to replace it.
Not all state healthcare is free outside of the UK using a GHIC card. If you must pay for a treatment abroad, the cost will be the same as for someone who usually lives in that country.
The GHIC does not cover everything. For example, it does not cover being flown back to the UK (medical repatriation). So it is important that you also have valid travel insurance.
The NHS website explains:
- Who can apply for a UK GHIC
- Where you can use it
- What treatments the card covers
- What your card does not cover
- How to apply for a GHIC card
It is free to apply for GHIC card on the NHS website. Beware of using unofficial websites which may charge you.
3. Take out travel insurance for epilepsy
The cost of medical care and treatment can be very expensive outside the UK. Getting the right travel insurance for your circumstances will help cover any unexpected medical costs.
Some travel insurance companies provide insurance for people with pre-existing conditions, including epilepsy.
Travel insurance policies can vary, so shop around to find the best deal. It may be helpful to use price comparison sites or an insurance broker to compare different policies.
“Make sure you take adequate travel insurance and fill it all in. Read the small print.”
– Epilepsy Action supporter
Make sure that your travel insurance policy covers any possible incidents that are related to your epilepsy. It is also important to tell your insurer if your medical condition changes after you take out the policy.
Epilepsy Action cannot recommend a particular travel insurance company or policy.
4. Check if you can take your medicine abroad
Different countries have their own rules about travelling with medicine. These rules vary about:
- What medicines you can take into the country
- How much medicine you are allowed to take
Some medicines that you get on prescription or over the counter in the UK may have restrictions in other countries. You might need to carry paperwork to show why you need them.
You can check the rules for your medicine by contacting the embassy for the country you are travelling to. GOV.UK has a list of foreign embassies.
It may be helpful to travel with a copy of your prescription and a letter from your GP that confirms:
- The generic name and brand name of your medicine
- The health condition that you need the medicine for
This can help avoid any problems at customs. It may also be useful if you need medical help while you’re away. Your GP practice may charge you for this service.
It may be helpful to translate the letter into the language of the country you’re visiting. Apps like Google Translate can help you to do this.
The National Travel Health Network and Centre has information about taking medicine abroad.
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Is my epilepsy medicine a controlled drug?
Some epilepsy medicines are controlled drugs. This means they are tightly controlled by the government. This is because they may be addictive or harmful.
There may be restrictions on your medicine when you are leaving and entering the UK. There may also be restrictions when you arrive in the country that you’re visiting.
You should be able to prove that the medicine is yours if you are leaving the UK. GOV.UK recommends that you have a prescription or letter from your healthcare professional.
Find out if your medicine is a controlled drug in the UK by:
- Asking your doctor, epilepsy nurse or pharmacist
- Search the name of your medicine on GOV.UK’s list of controlled drugs
You should also check if there are any extra rules for taking it into the country you are visiting. You can do this by contacting the country’s embassy.
At the time of writing the following epilepsy medicines are controlled in the UK:
- Buccal midazolam
- Clobazam
- Clonazepam
- Diazepam
- Epidyolex
- Phenobarbital/phenobarbitone
- Pregabalin
- Gabapentin
5. Check if you need vaccinations or anti-malaria medicine
Most vaccines are safe for people with epilepsy. But some anti-malaria medicines should be avoided.
Public Health England has published the following advice on anti-malaria medicine for people with epilepsy:
- Atovaquone/proguanil can be used
- Chloroquine is not suitable
- Mefloquine is not suitable
- Doxycycline can be used, but another antimalarial medicine might be more suitable. Doxycycline may be affected by phenytoin, carbamazepine and barbiturates. Your doctor might recommend a different antimalarial medicine or increase the dose of doxycycline.
The NHS has more information about travel vaccinations.
6. Check if you need medical clearance
Many airlines follow the International Air Travel Association (IATA) medical guidelines. The guidelines recommend that you will need medical clearance to fly if you have had a tonic-clonic seizure less than 24 hours before your flight. They do list recommendations about other seizure types.
You do not usually need medical clearance if your seizures are generally well controlled.
There are no international medical guidelines for cruise travel. Individual cruise operators may set their own rules about medical clearance.
You can check if you need medical clearance with the individual policy of the airline or cruise operator you are travelling with.
Visit our epilepsy and your rights page if you feel you have been treated unfairly due to your epilepsy. This could be by a travel company, airline or insurance provider.
7. Check if there is a time difference where you are going
There might be a time difference where you are travelling. This could mean that you struggle to take your epilepsy medicine at your normal time. For example, it could be in the middle of the night in the country that you are travelling to.
You could gradually change the times you take your epilepsy medicine in the weeks before you travel.
Your doctor, epilepsy nurse or pharmacist will be able to give you more advice about this.
Got a specific question about travelling abroad with epilepsy?
Our helpline is here to help.
Call us on 0808 800 5050 or message us online.
Travel advice for during your journey
1. Carry your epilepsy medicine in your hand luggage
- Carry your medicine in your hand luggage. It can also help to carry a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor if you have one
- Keep the medicine in its original packaging
- Pack a spare supply of your medicine and another copy of your prescription in any other luggage, just in case you lose your hand luggage
- Take extra medicine with you in case there are any delays or cancellations when travelling
UK airport hand luggage restrictions allow you to carry essential liquid medicine over 100ml in your hand luggage. You will need to carry evidence that liquid medicine over 100ml has been prescribed to you. This can be a copy of your prescription or letter from your doctor.
Unless your medicine is a controlled drug, you do not need to show proof if your medicine is in tablet form or in a container less than 100ml.
2. Keep your medicine cool if needed
Check how your medicine needs to be stored before you travel. Some epilepsy medicines need to be kept in a cool dry place.
You could use a thermos flask, an insulated pouch or cool bag with an ice pack.
Your pharmacist can give you advice about storing your medicine while you are travelling and while you are away.
3. Consider wearing identity jewellery or carrying an epilepsy ID card
Wearing identity jewellery or carrying an epilepsy ID card will let people know what is happening if you have a seizure while you are away or travelling.
Our epilepsy medical ID products page has information about companies that supply identity jewellery.
You can also order or download Epilepsy Action’s free ID card.
4. Consider telling the travel company about your epilepsy
Airline
You may want to tell the airline or cabin staff that you have epilepsy. That way, they will know what is happening if you have a seizure and how they can help you.
You can do this in advance or when you board the plane.
You can use our first aid information to help with this.
UK airports use the sunflower lanyard scheme. The hidden disability lanyard has been designed to act as a sign that the wearer has a hidden disability. Find out more on the travel and public transport page.
You have the right to travel with your assistance dog, if you have one. You need to follow the rules on travelling with a pet.
Ferry or cruise ship
A ferry company or cruise line can help you with specific arrangements if you have a disability. GOV.UK recommends telling the cruise line at least 48 hours before you travel.
Train
Assistance is available if you are travelling with Eurostar. You can find out more information on the Eurostar website. They recommend contacting them at least 24 hours before you travel.
Visit our public transport page for more information about travelling by train.
5. Tell airport security staff if you have a vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) device
Airport security scanners and metal detectors should not cause problems with your VNS.
You can let airport security staff know that you have an implanted device. It may also help to carry your VNS patient information card with you.
The company that makes VNS recommends the following as a precaution:
- Move through the scanners at a steady pace
- Do not linger in the area
- Stay at least 40cm (16 inches) away from the equipment
If you have a scan with a handheld metal detector, let security know. This is to let the security staff know that it may set off the metal detector. It should not cause any problems with your VNS.
6. Set a reminder to take your epilepsy medicines at your usual time
Things like stress, excitement and time differences can make it easier to forget to take your epilepsy medicine. Not taking your medicine may make you more likely to have a seizure.
Setting a reminder on your watch or phone can help you to take your medicine at the right time.
We asked the Epilepsy Action community for their tips for travelling abroad with epilepsy:
“Break every part of the journey into one step at a time to avoid getting overwhelmed. Book reasonable flight times to avoid sleep deprivation…. Don’t let epilepsy make you feel you can’t travel”
“Carry medication in hand luggage. Tell flight crew I have epilepsy so they’re aware. Take your time with everything, travelling is fun and doesn’t have to be stressful”
“I always put my medication in my hand luggage and suitcase in case it gets lost. I always bring music with me as it helps me relax as I am not a great flyer, and I make sure I eat regularly”
Planning ahead for while you are abroad
1. How can I get more of my medicine while abroad?
If you need more prescribed epilepsy medicine while aboard you can:
- Contact your travel insurance company for advice and next steps
- Speak to a pharmacist in the country you’re visiting. You may need to pay for a prescription from a local doctor
- Use your GHIC card to access medicines for free or at the local price. You can find out more about GHIC cards in the section above or on the NHS website
Travel Health Pro have more information on medicines and traveling.
2. Try to get your usual amount of sleep
Lack of sleep or feeling tired can be a seizure trigger for some people. You could be affected by jet lag if you are travelling across several time zones.
It may help to plan in time to rest while you are on your holiday to avoid becoming very tired.
The NHS website has more information about dealing with jet lag.
There a few things you can do during your flight to reduce the effects of jetlag:
- Stay hydrated by drinking water, but avoid drinking caffeine and alcohol
- Try to sleep if it’s night time at your destination. An eye mask and earplugs might help you sleep
First aid for seizures in different languages
Our ReciteMe tool can translate any webpage on our website into many different languages. You can find the ReciteMe tool bar at the top of each page.
You can use this tool to translate our first aid information. All our webpages also have a ‘print this page’ option if you prefer to have a printed copy with you.
Travel health information
Government websites:
Other sources of information:
- The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) provide information for air passengers
- The Association of British Insurers have pages on travel insurance
- The Money & Pensions Service have a travel insurance directory including specialist providers that cover medical conditions
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Sources
UK Civil Aviation Authority (no date) Neurology. Available at: https://www.caa.co.uk/passengers-and-public/passenger-guidance/health-guidance/guidance-for-health-professionals/neurology/ (Accessed: 21 July 2025).
Travel Health Pro (2019) Medicines and travel. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/medicines/can-i-take-my-medicine-abroad/ (Accessed: 26 April 2022).
NHS (2023) Applying for healthcare cover abroad (GHIC and EHIC). Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-uk-global-health-insurance-card-ghic/ (Accessed: 25 June 2025).
Gov.uk (2024) Foreign travel insurance Available at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/foreign-travel-insurance (Accessed: 9 May 2025)
GOV.UK (2025) List of most commonly encountered drugs currently controlled under the misuse of drugs legislation. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/controlled-drugs-list–2/list-of-most-commonly-encountered-drugs-currently-controlled-under-the-misuse-of-drugs-legislation (Accessed: 8 May 2025).
Gov.UK (2025) Malaria prevention guidelines for travellers from the UK. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/malaria-prevention-guidelines-for-travellers-from-the-uk (Accessed: 12 June 2025)
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) (2020) Medical Manual: Edition 12. Available at: https://www.iata.org/en/publications/medical-manual/ pp.56
GOV.UK (no date) Hand luggage restrictions at UK airports. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/hand-luggage-restrictions/essential-medicines-and-medical-equipment (Accessed: 13 June 2025).
Travel Health Pro (2019) Medicines and travel. Available at: NaTHNaC – Medicines and travel (Accessed: 13 June 2025).
GOV.UK (no date) Transport support services for disabled people: Planes. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/transport-disabled/planes (Accessed: 8 August 2025).
GOV.UK(no date) Transport support services for disabled people. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/transport-disabled/ships (Accessed: 8 August 2025).
GOV.UK (no date)Transport support services for disabled people: Planes. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/transport-disabled/planes (Accessed: 8 August 2025).
LivaNova (no date) VNS Therapy Safety FAQs. Available at: https://www.livanova.com:443/epilepsy-vnstherapy/en-gb/faqs/safety (Accessed: 13 June 2025).
NHS (2017) Jet lag (2017). Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/jet-lag/ (Accessed: 13 June 2025).
