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Can I get travel insurance if I have COPD?
You may be able to get travel insurance if you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including both emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
We understand that COPD affects everyone differently, which is why we assess each person individually. Whether you use inhalers, take regular medication, or need oxygen therapy, we could provide cover tailored to your needs.
Why get travel insurance for COPD with Staysure?
We’re specialists in covering pre-existing medical conditions, including COPD.
We’re the UK’s number one travel insurance provider, based on Trustpilot reviews.
No upper age limit to get cover.
Easy medical screening process.
How Staysure travel insurance for COPD works in three easy steps
To get cover, you’ll need to declare your COPD and any other pre-existing conditions to us when getting a quote for travel insurance. We make it easy to tailor a quote to your trip and health.
1. Tell us about your trip
We’ll need a few quick details to get started:
If you need cover for one trip or multiple trips.
Who the insurance is for.
Where you’re going and how long for.
2. Let us know about your COPD
Our simple medical screening helps us understand you better and the care you could need abroad.
Some of the things we’ll ask about:
If you use inhalers or other medicines, including oxygen.
Any hospital admissions for your condition.
How your symptoms affect you.
Don’t forget to let us know about any other pre-existing medical conditions.
3. Get your quote
If you complete the screening and we can cover you, your tailored quote will be available to view online, and emailed to you. It includes travel insurance tailored to cover your condition(s).
Explore and choose from three levels of cover to suit your needs (as below).
Choose optional add-ons to tailor your quote to your trip, including winter sports or cruise plus benefits.
We understand that COPD flare-ups can happen unexpectedly and require immediate medical attention. Our policy covers emergency medical treatment, including:
Unplanned hospital admission and overnight stays
Emergency oxygen therapy and specialist respiratory care
Medical tests and assessments
Doctor and consultant fees
If you experience a sudden worsening of symptoms, our 24/7 emergency assistance team will help coordinate your care and keep in touch with your medical team.
If your essential COPD medications or equipment are lost, stolen, or damaged during your trip, it can be tricky to find replacements abroad. With our Comprehensive and Signature policies, we offer Personal Assistance Services for situations just like this. We aren’t able to cover the cost of replacement medication, but our medical experts can help you locate and replace:
Inhalers and bronchodilators
Steroid medications
Antibiotics
Nebulizers and spacers
Our emergency assistance team can liaise with local pharmacies and medical providers to ensure you get replacement medication quickly.
If there’s a medical need to cancel your trip or cut it short, our priority is your safety. We’re here to help you with:
Cancellation cover from the date of policy purchase for single trips or the agreed start date for multi-trips.
24-hour medical emergency helpline with English-speaking support team.
Support coordinating care with your medical team back home.
If you need to come home, we’ll coordinate with overseas and UK medical teams.
We’ll take care of your transport arrangements, including travel to your local hospital if needed.
Help with accommodation if you need to extend your stay.
Assistance rebooking flights and transfers.
How much does travel insurance cost with COPD?
The cost of your travel insurance is tailored to your individual circumstances and travel plans.
Things we consider include:
The severity of your COPD and any recent changes in your condition
Your age and destination
Length and type of trip
You can find out how much your policy costs in minutes using our straightforward medical screening when you get a quote.
Proud to be a part of BIBA's medical directory
For people who have trouble finding travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions, the British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA) has a directory of specialist insurers, like us!
To find out more, or if on the odd occasion we are unable to provide the cover you need, contact BIBA on 0370 950 1790. You can also search BIBA's medical directory online.
Flexible cover add-ons to suit you
Tailor your insurance to your trip with optional add-ons. Everything you need, covered under one policy.
When you live with a long-term health condition like COPD, getting away and relaxing can be especially important.
“By planning trips that work for you and your condition, you can still travel, visit loved ones and see new places. Travel insurance is a key part of the preparation that lets you travel securely.”
Other conditions we cover at Staysure
We’re experts in travel insurance for pre-existing health conditions. Just let us know your conditions when you fill out your quote, or contact us to amend an existing policy.
Living with a chronic condition like COPD can mean travel takes some extra planning. But being able to relax and enjoy a trip away will hopefully make all your preparations worthwhile.
Pre-travel checklist for travelling with COPD
Visit your doctor first if you’re newly diagnosed, or if you’ve had a flare up or a change to your treatment plan – you may need to review your condition and ask for advice on travelling.
The above could include seeing your GP for a fit to fly check or confirm you’re fit to travel or cruise.
Give yourself enough time to provide any fit to fly or travel documents that your travel provider may need to cover you.
Consider the destination of your travel – depending on your condition, you may want to think about triggers like hilly terrain, or hot or cold climates.
Check any medicines and inhalers are in date and that you have enough for the duration of your trip, plus extra in case of delays or lost baggage.
Don’t forget to check your rescue medications are also in date, including antibiotics and steroids.
Leave yourself enough time to order and collect any prescriptions.
Check any restrictions on travelling with medication in the country you’re visiting, including whether you need a signed doctor’s letter, which you can check with the country’s embassy.
Arrange any assistance you need en-route, such as mobility aids to help you get around the airport.
If you’re travelling in Europe, get a GHIC – remember, this doesn’t replace travel insurance.
Beth Craig
Travel insurance expert
With proper cover in place, you can enjoy your trip knowing help is just a phone call away if you need it.
“When you have COPD, it's natural to feel anxious about travelling and managing your breathing in unfamiliar places. That's why declaring your conditions and getting the right travel insurance is so important - it gives you access to emergency medical cover and support.
”
Tips for travelling with COPD
Depending on how your COPD affects you, you may need to manage symptoms while flying.
Oxygen levels on planes are lower than on the ground, which can worsen breathing symptoms. Make sure you bring any inhalers or medicines onboard with you.
Your fit to fly assessment should indicate whether you need to take extra steps to fly, such as using a portable oxygen concentrator.
If so, you’ll need to bring your own portable oxygen concentrator. Contact your airline to tell them you’ll be travelling with this. Ask them about any paperwork and back-up batteries that you’re required to bring.
Shorter transit times can mean it’s easier to manage COPD symptoms, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to travel long distance. Speak to your doctor about what’s right for you.
Consider whether to avoid short layovers. The upheaval between flights can be stressful and increases your overall time en-route. If necessary, consider a longer layover with an overnight stay at the airport, giving you time to rest.
If you travel with oxygen, ask your healthcare provider to help calculate how much you’ll need for the journey, including extra for delays.
Think ahead about what you need to pack, including medicines, snacks, blankets and neck rests. If you’re worried about the long journey, some light distraction could help the time pass, like a book or podcasts.
A trip away can mean encountering new things that could trigger your COPD. It’s worth thinking about these when you book your destination and accommodation, and when planning your day-to-day activities.
You might want to consider whether your accommodation has HEPA air filters, air conditioning, and is smoke free.
Respiratory triggers for COPD can include:
Infections – check with your doctor which vaccines you may need before travelling, and if you’re up to date with flu, COVID and pneumonia vaccines
Pollution – if you’re considering a city break in a busy urban destination, check the air quality index first
Smoking – check if your destination still allows smoking indoors, including bars, restaurants and hotels
Weather – when choosing your destination, consider that cold and hot weather, humidity and hay fever can worsen COPD symptoms
Activities – consider how much walking or other activities are realistic for you so that you can make a fun itinerary more manageable
Common questions for travelling with COPD
COPD is a respiratory condition that must declared for travel insurance. If you don’t tell your travel provider about your pre-existing conditions, your cover won’t be valid if you need to make a claim.
The extent to which COPD affects your travels will depend on the stage of your condition, how well it’s managed, and whether it’s stable.
The best person to advise on travelling with COPD is your doctor. They can check your lung function and discuss your symptoms with you to offer tailored advice on travelling.
The following tips are important when travelling long distance with COPD:
Keep your medicines to hand rather than stowed away in your luggage
If you use oxygen, bring enough for your journey plus extra for delays
Plan how you’ll get around on your journey, including if you need any assistance at the airport or during changeovers
Avoid short layovers – consider flying direct or having a long layover where you can rest properly
In an emergency, contact the local emergency services first, and then call our 24-hour emergency helpline. Our team will help arrange your care, find the most appropriate place for treatment and follow up care.
If you or someone on your policy is admitted to hospital or your outpatient treatment is likely to cost more than £350, contact us as soon as possible. Where you have a valid claim, and your medical expenses exceed £350 we will look to settle the bill directly with the medical provider where possible.
If you have a non-urgent medical concern, such as sickness, headaches, or mild pain, contact our helpline first for advice on where to go for assistance.
As good as travel insurance is, some things can’t be covered.
You’re not covered for:
Travelling against your doctor’s advice
Claims for pre-existing medical conditions you haven’t told us about
Routine check-ups, planned treatment or non-emergency care
Travel for medical procedures abroad
Reimbursement for lost, damaged or stolen medicines or equipment
Incidents related to alcohol or controlled substances
Strike action that was common knowledge at the time of booking
Choosing private treatment when suitable public facilities are available
Choosing not to travel
Discover more about what travel insurance covers. Always check your policy documents carefully to understand exactly what you’re covered for.
When comparing travel insurance policies for COPD, you’ll want to look out for what’s covered and what’s not.
The right travel insurance for COPD should:
Agree to cover your COPD and any other pre-existing conditions you have
Cover medical expenses, including necessary emergency travel home
Have a high medical cover limit
Help you replace lost, stolen or damaged medications
Cover you for cancellations or interruptions during your trip
Include 24/7 emergency assistance services while abroad
Learn more about what’s covered under our medical insurance for pre-existing medical conditions, or get a quote.
Stay in control of your account with My Staysure
You can make changes to your policy, online and in your own time with My Staysure.
It’s quick and easy to make changes to your policy online. If you need to make simple changes such as updating traveller details or renewing a policy that’s details are staying the same, just visit your My Staysure account.
By your side in an emergency abroad, day or night
