Travel Insurance Asthma

Travel insurance for asthma

If you are looking for holiday insurance with mild asthma, allergic asthma or even more acute forms of asthma, you may find it difficult or expensive to find. According to Asthma UK, one in five households is home to someone with asthma meaning that many people’s holidays will be affected by asthma in some way.

At Staysure we appreciate that not everyone is in perfect health; that’s why we partner with an expert underwriter that understands the cover required for travel with asthma and we consider all pre-existing medical conditions.

Our travel insurance specialists will gladly answer any queries you may have and steer you in the right direction to achieve the asthma travel cover you really need. Talk to us seven days a week on 0800 033 4902 or get a quote online with our simple medical screening process.

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Why do I need travel insurance if I have asthma?

Asthma is a common condition which can become aggravated when you travel to unfamiliar environments, particularly when your asthma is triggered by allergies. It is important therefore, to be sure that you are covered for any unforeseen eventualities and that you are treated promptly and with a minimum of fuss.

Your Staysure policy will not only cover you for asthma attacks, it will also cover you for repatriation costs, baggage loss, flight cancellations and much more.

What will I be asked during the screening process?

We can often offer cover for asthma with our travel insurance policies following a simple medical screening questionnaire where we’ll ask the following:

How old were you when asthma was diagnosed?
How many (if any) medicines are prescribed for your asthma? Count each inhaler as one medicine
Do you use nebulisers?
Have you been diagnosed with of COPD, chronic bronchitis or emphysema?
How many (if any) hospital admissions have you had for asthma in the last year?
Have you ever been prescribed oxygen other than when you are in hospital?
Have you ever been a smoker?

Tips for travelling with asthma

Asthma UK provides a free Asthma Attack Card, which helps people recognise an asthma attack and explains what to do in an emergency. Carry information with you at all times so that, should you have an asthma attack, people know what to do and when
If you have a tendency for severe asthma, ask your GP or nurse what length of journey would be safest for you, as they may be required by the airline to declare you “fit to fly”
Be well aware of your triggers and avoid them as much as possible when you choose your destination
Bring enough inhalers and tablets with you to last the holiday, plus extra for any unexpected delays
If you use a nebuliser, make sure it is properly serviced and ready for use in the country you are visiting. Bring a travel plug if required. You may consider bringing a battery operated device for use when flying with asthma if necessary
If applicable in the country you are visiting, bring with you a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in addition to your Staysure travel and medical insurance, to cover you for treatment.

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Common questions about asthma travel insurance

What if I need emergency treatment while on holiday?

If you have an emergency you can call the 24-hour helpline stated clearly on your policy document. We have a team of doctors, nurses and technical support staff on call and you can even reverse the charges when calling us. They will help arrange emergency treatment with local doctors and provide translation services should you need them. Please ensure all conditions are declared at the time of booking a policy and they will have to be accepted by our Underwriter when taking out travel insurance.
Can you fly with asthma?

Yes, flying with asthma is generally okay if you’re symptoms are well controlled and you’re otherwise healthy you should have no problem but you should still check with your doctor first. However, if your asthma is severe, the reduced air pressure in the plane may cause you breathing problems and your doctor or nurse may recommend in-flight oxygen.
I need several inhalers for my asthma, if I lose them on holiday what do I do?

If you take out our Comprehensive policy we can assist you in replacing any lost medication you might need.
During my asthma attacks I panic and might need someone to talk to. Is there anyone I can call?

Of course, call our Staysure Assistance emergency number for help to arrange emergency appointments with local doctors, so you are in safe hands.
Is it worth applying for a European Health Insurance Card too?

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) offers the same care that’s available to citizens of the country you’re visiting. So you’ll need to research what level of cover you’d get in a medical emergency. However, without an extra travel insurance policy you could be left with expensive bills for ambulance fees, new return flights home and more.
I’ve been admitted to hospital for asthma this year. Will this affect my insurance premium?

An additional premium may be charged. You can apply in a matter of minutes by phoning our travel insurance specialists or completing our quick online quote process.
I had been prescribed oxygen following a hospital visit before. What happens if I need it again on holiday?

First of all you need to check that you are fit to travel with your doctor. If you are given the green light, you’ll have to complete our easy medical screening process. If this is accepted by our underwriter and any additional premiums are paid, you will be covered should you need emergency treatment for your asthma.