Empowering Mobility Solutions
When people think about the specialist insurance that Fish can provide, they might think of the ‘big ticket’ items – Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs), mobility scooters, powered wheelchairs and prosthetics – all things that Fish has long been trusted to cover. But real life with a disability or limited mobility doesn’t revolve around just these core pieces of equipment.
At Fish we understand that independence, comfort and participation rely on a whole eco system of specialist aids, many of which don’t immediately spring to mind when people think of ‘mobility equipment.’ Equipment that transforms daily life can look very different, and we recognise that. We’re proud to provide cover for a wide range of additional, highly specialised items that play a vital role in everyday living for people with a disability.
In this blog we highlight some of the less obvious – but equally important – types of equipment that Fish Insurance can help protect.
Eating devices that enable mealtime independence.
The process of eating (something many of us take for granted) can be one of the biggest daily challenges for people with limited upper limb movement. Eating devices are more sophisticated than ever and are designed to restore independence at mealtimes.
The more modern of these robotic devices use advanced adaptive technology to bring food to the user’s mouth with remarkable precision. An example includes the Neater Eater which uses multiple control methods (including touchscreen, joystick, eye-gaze and voice control) and accommodates a wide range of abilities. From automatic spoon wiping to intelligent plate scraping, it’s engineered to make meals more manageable and dignified.
This kind of equipment doesn’t always fit neatly into traditional insurance categories, but we understand it’s value to our customers and are proud to offer cover options.
Product example: https://www.neater.co.uk/neater-eater-robotic
Paediatric car seats offering support whilst on the move.
For children and teenagers with special seating needs, getting safely and comfortably from A to B can be a challenge and a source of anxiety for both the users and their families. Paediatric seating solutions are designed to provide essential postural support while travelling in a car. While many insurance policies do offer cover for child seats, this is usually limited to standard car seats with a lower value.
They are available in a variety of sizes and most offer adjustable seating depths, reclining backrests and harnesses allowing bespoke support.
This type of equipment is essential to mobility in the wider sense of the word and enables the user access to schooling, healthcare, social activities and family life.
Product example: https://uniquemobility.co.uk/products/kidsflex
Rising recliners chairs supporting comfort and independence.
Independence isn’t only about being mobile, it’s also about comfort, posture and the ability to relax safely at home. Rising recliner chairs offer supportive seating with ease of use and are designed to support posture, relieve pressure and assist with standing and sitting. For users this can make the difference between managing independently and requiring physical assistance.
Rising recliners can be a gamechanger for people whose mobility is limited by pain, fatigue or balance issues. Although these may be classed as furniture in other contexts, for many, they are mobility aids.
Equipment that supports safe movement within the home is just as important as equipment used outdoors. That’s why riser recliners can be insured with Fish alongside other core mobility products.
Indoor assisted movement when you need it.
Not all mobility challenges are about distance. For many people, even short movements around the home can be exhausting or unsafe. Indoor moving equipment and assisted mobility aids are designed to support short distance movement, transfers and positioning within the home environment. They can help conserve energy, reduce strain and lower the risk of falls, all whilst supporting greater independence in daily routines.
We’re proud to cover adaptive seating options and realise how important it is to support mobility not just out and about, but within the home too.
Product example: https://www.vela.eu/product/vela-tango-700e-power-wheels
Outdoor and all terrain wheelchairs
Wheelchairs don’t have to be confined to pavements and indoor spaces. All terrain or beach wheelchairs can open up the great outdoors. Mobility is about inclusion and participation, and these wheelchairs are designed to tackle environments that standard wheelchairs simply cannot – from beaches and parks, to uneven paths in the countryside.
These chairs enable people to take part in family outings, holidays and social activities that might otherwise be inaccessible. Mobility support can – and should – embrace freedom, not just function. Whilst it may not be used every day, its value to wellbeing is huge and we’re proud to be able to offer cover for specialist outdoor mobility equipment.
Product example: https://www.delichon.uk/hippocampe
A broader understanding of mobility.
These products represent a broader vision of mobility: one that embraces independence, participation, comfort and joy. Whether it’s eating a meal independently, travelling safely, exploring the outdoors or moving comfortably at home, each item unlocks possibilities that go far beyond traditional mobility devices.
At Fish, we understand that true mobility and accessibility isn’t one-size-fits-all, and we’re here to support our customers with cover that reflects each individual’s unique life and aspirations.
Do you have specialist equipment that you would like to insure? Contact our team today for friendly help and advice on 0333 331 3770.
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