If your holiday plans and seasonal getaways are often marred by the presence of a chronic illness, or you feel uneasy booking extensive travel experiences as a result of a lifelong condition, then you are not alone.

The desire for independence and freedom is never greater than when living with a restrictive chronic condition. But such freedom and flexibility needn’t be impossible, provided you have the right insurance cover and take the right precautions.

MedicAlert members benefit from access to our vast collection of medical ID jewellery which not only draws attention to the presence of an underlying condition or illness but also provides access to a 24/7 emergency helpline. This helpline, which connects first responders and medical professionals to a comprehensive breakdown of the information relating to the MedicAlert member, is available in over 100 different languages. So, wherever in the world you find yourself, your medical information can be accessed and interpreted efficiently and effectively.

Members of MedicAlert also benefit from exclusive discounts across a range of organisations and providers, including a travel insurance company and an organisation which specialises in the translation of allergy information for overseas travel.

We believe that travel, both locally and internationally, isn’t something that you should shy away from – provided you take the steps necessary to protect yourself.

Here’s what you need to do as you prepare for your next great adventure.

Becoming a MedicAlert member

Travel remains one of the biggest challenges for those living with a chronic illness. The fear of facing a health scare overseas with no access to the NHS or English-speaking medical staff can feel daunting and is enough to put many off travelling altogether.

That is until they discover MedicAlert membership.

As the most comprehensive medical ID provider in the UK, MedicAlert offers more than just a bracelet with a few key details. We understand that the complexity of modern life means our members need access to more than just the medical ID bracelet, which is why our service is supported by a 24/7 emergency helpline which is accessible in over 100 languages, as well as an additional advocacy function, a document sharing platform, and more.

With an eye to offering both practical support and peace of mind, MedicAlert membership offers a lifeline to those who want to see the world and makes travel not only possible but enjoyable – taking away stressors which, we believe, have stood in the way of travel for long enough.

Be like MedicAlert member, Sarah

MedicAlert member Sarah lives with complex congenital heart disease as well as scoliosis – both of which affect her daily life and various decisions, including where she can safely travel to.

Having been gifted a MedicAlert bracelet, and signing up for membership in an effort to become more independent, Sarah had never had much call for the international benefits of her membership until a recent trip in adulthood with her husband. Faced with a very high heart rate in the middle of the night in Greece, Sarah’s MedicAlert bracelet and the 24/7 helpline, along with the access to over 100 languages (including Greek), meant that she was able to get the medical help she needed quickly and safely.

As Sarah herself says, you may never need to use your MedicAlert membership overseas or even on home soil, but the peace of mind it provides is invaluable and makes travelling with a chronic illness safer and much easier to handle.

What to do next

As a MedicAlert member, you will be granted access to a classic MedicAlert ID bracelet as well as a host of other accessories which fit with and complement everyday life. The intention behind both the bracelet and other accessories is to attract the attention of first responders and ensure that any vital medical information relating to illness and underlying conditions is understood and communicated quickly, even if you are unable to speak for yourself.

To sign up, simply get in touch to find out more about membership and how it can transform your life both in the UK and overseas.