Asthma Travel Insurance

Asthma is a common condition affecting the lungs which can cause difficulties with breathing. Asthma is affecting 5.4 million people in the UK of which 1.1 million are children. Main symptoms include wheezing, a tight chest and coughing. The severity of these symptoms will vary between individuals. While for some they can come and go for others they can become more persistent.

Asthma is very difficult to diagnose in young children as their airways can easily be irritated by viruses. As you cannot obtain travel insurance for undiagnosed conditions, but it is suspected that your child may have asthma, then their medical records will use the exact medical terminology, which is usually “Viral Induced Wheeze”, “RSV Bronchiolitis” or “Respiratory Syncytial Viral Bronchiolitis”. You can give these medical terms to insurers to obtain cover.

Travelling with asthma needn’t be a problem provided you take steps to research and prepare for your holiday and are fully covered with a comprehensive travel insurance policy.

Tips and advice for travelling with Asthma

• Make sure you are aware of your asthma triggers and try to avoid them, where possible
• Consider having a free Asthma attack card available from Asthma UK. This has contact details of who to call in the event of an attack, your Dr’s contact details, signs of an attack and what to do if you are having an attack. You should keep this with you at all times
• Discuss your plans with your GP or asthma nurse. Are you fit to fly? They may also be able to advise you the best length of journey for you
• Have a look at the weather for your destination. Changes in temperature and humid or damp air may make your symptoms worse
• Remember to pack your asthma action plan including some extra copies so you can have one in your hand luggage as well
• Ensure you have enough medication including your inhalers with you. Pack extra in case of travel delays or your luggage is lost or stolen. It may be worthwhile to pack your medication in separate bags
• If you use a nebuliser it will need to be properly serviced, so it is ready to use in the country you are travelling to. If you need a travel plug, make sure you have one available
• If you are travelling to Europe, then it is essential that you carry an EHIC – European Health Insurance Card. You can apply for a free card by following the link www.nhs.uk/ehic

Booking your asthma travel insurance

By booking your travel insurance with Direct Travel we may be able to offer cover to customers with asthma as a pre-existing condition, provided it is declared at the medical screening stage of the booking process. Please have to hand information about your condition, any medication you are currently taking and any treatment you have received. Unfortunately, it is harder to arrange travel insurance if you are awaiting a diagnosis or treatment, depending on which type of asthma you have. You should also talk to your Doctor / Consultant before confirming travel plans.

To provide peace of mind for patients, a policy which covers family members, and/or a carer may be suitable depending on your circumstances to ensure that everyone is covered appropriately. If, due to complications relating to your asthma you are unable to travel you may be able to make a claim for cancellation. Our policies also provide a 24-hour medical assistance line, expenses relating to ambulance and hospital costs and repatriation to the UK amongst others.