How Will Claustrophobia Affect Our Holiday?

Around 10% of the population may experience claustrophobia during their lifetime. Being on a plane, train or boat can trigger an attack and become a fearful experience even when there is no threat or realistic danger. However, adding claustrophobia to your travel insurance policy is simple and can cover you if you have an attack. Even if you have experienced claustrophobia in the past you must still declare it so as not to invalidate your policy should you need to make a claim.

A Direct Travel policy comes with several key benefits. Should you need emergency medical help whilst on holiday, you will have access to our 24-hour helpline with operators who are fluent in several languages. Our cancellation cover protects you just in case due to your claustrophobia you are unable to go on your holiday. We will also cover baggage, expenses relating to ambulance and hospital costs and repatriation to the UK amongst many others.

Tips and advice for travelling with Claustrophobia

• Take lots of things to distract yourself whilst on your journey – iPod, tablet, DVD player, headphones so you can watch the movies available on the flight or take a book to read
• Keep breathing!! Take long and slow breaths to help keep yourself relaxed
• Seek help – Before you travel your Doctor / Specialist will be able to provide lots of help and advice. During your flight talk to the flight attendants as they are trained to cope with all types of inflight emergencies including anxiety attacks
• Does the airport you are flying from have a lounge? See if you can book some time in there as they are usually much quieter and more relaxing spaces
• Try to pre-book your seat depending on where in the plane suits you best. A window seat is good for looking at the scenery, but an aisle seat gives you the option to move around. Remember, if you book a seat near the emergency exits you will be required to help if an emergency occurs
• As with many conditions remember to drink lots of water to keep hydrated and avoid alcohol when possible during your journey
• If you are travelling to Europe, then it is essential that you carry an EHIC – European Health Insurance Card. Please see our dedicated page for more details - https://www.direct-travel.co.uk/faq/what-is-the-ehic/

You should always talk to your Doctor / Consultant before confirming travel plans. 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 you are ready to start searching for your tailored insurance policy, please click on the following link: https://www.direct-travel.co.uk/step1/

Before you start, either online or via our friendly call centre, make sure you have to hand information about your claustrophobia, any medication you are taking and any treatment you have received so that we can find the correct insurance policy for you. Our easy to follow screening process will only take a few minutes to complete.