Travel and holidays for people with epilepsy

Planning ahead and making sure you have everything you need for your trip can help to make travel more enjoyable and relaxing. Speak to your GP or epilepsy nurse about your travel plans at least eight weeks before your trip. They can tell you what arrangements you need to make, and help you to prepare to travel safely, depending on your individual situation.

If possible, find out how you would get medical help if necessary in the location you are travelling to.

Most UK residents are entitled to free, or reduced cost, emergency medical treatment during short visits to the European Economic Area.

You will need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This replaces the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). If you have an EHIC it will be valid until it expires but then you will need to apply for a GHIC to replace it. Both the GHIC and EHIC are free. They last for up to five years. Apply for your new card through the NHS website. Avoid unofficial websites as they may charge you a fee to apply.

If the country you are visiting charges for GP consultations, prescriptions, or stays in hospital, you will need to pay for these.

The NHS website has further information on the cards and how to apply.  

A GHIC or EHIC does not replace the need for travel insurance. It may not cover all health costs and never covers the cost of getting you home if you are taken ill or are injured abroad. 

Having epilepsy does not usually prevent people from being able to fly. However, some people’s seizures are triggered by being very tired (which could happen because of long journeys or ‘jet lag’). Some people’s seizures can also be triggered by anxiety or excitement, which can affect some people when they are flying.

If there is a chance that you might have a seizure on the plane, it is useful for someone travelling with you to know about your epilepsy and how to help if you have a seizure. Also, telling the airline about your epilepsy when you book means that they can let the cabin crew know about your seizures. Some airlines may have policies that may affect you. For example, if medical clearance is required due to you having seizures, or policies on how long after a seizure you need to be clear before you can fly.

Take your medication, including your emergency medication, if prescribed, in your hand luggage, in its original packaging, with a copy of your prescription, and a letter from your doctor if you have one. You could also pack some medication in your hold luggage with a copy of the prescription, just in case you lose your hand luggage.

Current airport security regulations allow you to carry tablets and capsules, or liquids up to 100ml, in your hand luggage, although some airports have removed the liquid limit. If your medicine is a liquid in a container larger than 100ml, check with the airport before you fly.

You may need to have a letter from your GP or specialist explaining about your epilepsy and the medication you take.

If you have a vagus nerve stimulator (VNS), at the airport you can provide security officers with your VNS Therapy ID Card, which explains that you have an implanted medical device. This ID card will have been given to you when the VNS was fitted, and each time you have your VNS battery changed you will be given a new one. If you have lost it, you can ask the team who monitor your VNS, or your epilepsy nurse for a new one. Whilst the security systems at the airport shouldn’t affect your VNS, you can request a pat down check instead of walking through a metal detector.

Having epilepsy does not usually prevent people from being able to fly. However, some people’s seizures are triggered by being very tired (which could happen because of long journeys or ‘jet lag’). Some people’s seizures can also be triggered by anxiety or excitement, which can affect some people when they are flying.

If there is a chance that you might have a seizure on the plane, it is useful for someone travelling with you to know about your epilepsy and how to help if you have a seizure. Also, telling the airline about your epilepsy when you book means that they can let the cabin crew know about your seizures. Some airlines may have policies that may affect you. For example, if medical clearance is required due to you having seizures, or policies on how long after a seizure you need to be clear before you can fly.

Take your medication, including emergency medication, if prescribed, in your hand luggage, in its original packaging, with a copy of your prescription, and a doctor’s letter if you have one. You could also pack some medication in your hold luggage, with a copy of the prescription, just in case you lose your hand luggage.

Current airport security regulations allow you to carry tablets and capsules, or liquids up to 100ml, in your hand luggage, although some airports have removed the liquid limit. If your medicine is a liquid in a container larger than 100ml, check with the airport before you fly. 

You may need to have a letter from your GP or specialist explaining about your epilepsy and the medication you take.

If you have a vagus nerve stimulator (VNS), at the airport you can provide security officers with your VNS Therapy ID Card, which explains that you have an implanted medical device. This ID card will have been given to you when the VNS was fitted, and each time you have your VNS battery changed you will be given a new one. If you have lost it, you can ask the team who monitor your VNS, or your epilepsy nurse for a new one.

Whilst the security systems at the airport shouldn’t affect your VNS, you can request a pat down check instead of walking through a metal detector. 
Visit epilepsysociety.org.uk/vagus-nerve-stimulation
 

If you are travelling to a different time zone, you may want to gradually adjust when you take your medication, so that you can take it at a manageable time of the day. If you are going on a long-haul flight, to avoid confusion with time zones, consider setting an alarm to remind you when to take your medication.

The charity Phab runs holiday schemes around the UK, for people with and without disabilities.

You may also find the following websites helpful (all links opens new window)

• Disabled Travel Advice - Information and travel advice for people with disabilities.
• Equality and Human Rights Commission - Information about air travel for disabled passengers.
• Foreign and Commonwealth Office - Travel advice and information by country, including safety and security warnings.
• The Hospital for Tropical Diseases - General health advice for travellers.

Information updated: February 2026. Review date: February 2028.