COPD Travel Insurance

Why use our COPD travel insurance?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), also known as chronic airflow limitation (CAL) is one of the most common respiratory diseases in the UK. According to the NHS more than three million people live with the condition although only around 900,000 have been diagnosed. At Staysure, we believe that COPD should not stop you travelling, and we consider everyone for cover

As COPD affects people in different ways, we need to assess you before offering you cover. Simply complete our quick medical screening process online or contact our friendly travel insurance specialists on 0800 033 4902 to discuss the level of cover you need. Click below to get an online quote.

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Why do I need travel insurance for COPD?

If you’ve been diagnosed with COPD, there is a chance that you may need emergency treatment while away, so it’s a good idea to buy medical travel insurance, just to be on the safe side. Your doctor will have to declare you well enough to travel first, then our travel insurance team will offer you a policy to suit your needs.

It’s worth noting that our Comprehensive policies cover you for new flights home and accommodation, should the unexpected happen and you need to stay in a hospital stay in. We will also pay for your travelling companion or partner to fly home with you and provide a competent person to accompany any children home.

If you have to cancel your trip due to a COPD related problem, you will be insured against these costs. In addition, all our policies cover you for loss of luggage and passports.

What will I be asked during the screening process?

Our confidential screening process, which can be completed online or on the phone with one of our travel insurance specialists, involves answering a few questions including:

• How many medicines are you prescribed for the condition? If you are using inhaler(s), each one you use should be counted as one medicine
• Have you had any hospital admissions related to the condition in the last year? If so, how many?
• Have you ever been prescribed oxygen?
• Have you had a chest infection or an episode of pneumonia in the last year? How many episodes required treatment with antibiotics and whether any infections have been fully resolved?
• Have you been diagnosed with chronic bronchitis or emphysema?

Tips for travelling with COPD

• Discuss your travel plans with your doctor before booking a holiday to assess if you are well enough to go away
• Ask your GP for an updated medication list and written prescriptions for all your medications, including oxygen, if you use it
• Avoid countries or cities that can’t provide smoke-free restaurants or accommodation
• Avoid countries where the health care system is inadequate for COPD
• Try not to pack too much as this will only put you under more strain
• If you plan to explore a new city, book a bus tour so you don’t do too much walking. This will prevent you from getting weak and out of breath. You can also stay on the bus if you get tired
• Book accommodation close to the local amenities
• Take more than enough medication for the duration of your trip. You may need extra if your stay is longer than planned
• Don’t do too much on your trip or you may get tired and run down, making you more susceptible to infections. Get enough sleep, especially if you’ve crossed into a different time zone and have jetlag
• The National Health Service (NHS) advises all travellers to cover their holidays adequately with a private travel insurance policy, using their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) as additional cover only.

Common questions about COPD travel insurance