Asthma doesn’t need to hold you back! If you're travelling with asthma, a little extra planning can mean you have a smooth and enjoyable trip.
That includes getting the right travel insurance, so you have a safety net if you get ill abroad.
We’ve broken down everything you need to know about travel insurance for asthma.
Why do people with asthma need travel insurance?
If you have asthma, you could get ill on holiday or need some extra care.
Travel insurance is there to help cover emergency medical costs, so you’re not left out of pocket.
It may feel like an annoying extra cost, but it can really come in handy if you run into health issues on your trip.
What does travel insurance for people with asthma cover?
It should cover:
- emergency medical costs
- the cost of bringing you home if a medical professional says you need to – this is known as repatriation
- any lost, stolen or accidentally damaged medication – like your asthma pump
- if you need to cancel or cut your trip short because of your asthma
Don’t forget that limits and exclusions always apply here!
Is asthma a pre-existing medical condition?
Yes – when it comes to buying travel insurance, asthma is considered a pre-existing medical condition.
We define a pre-existing medical condition as an illness or injury that:
- has been identified by a medical professional
- is under investigation by a medical professional
- existed before your policy starts or when you book a trip - whichever is later
Do I have to declare that I have asthma when buying travel insurance?
Yes – you need to tell your insurer that you have asthma when buying your policy.
If you don’t, you could invalidate your insurance. That means your insurer might not pay for your medical costs if you need to claim – even if your claim isn’t related to your asthma.
What questions will my insurer ask when I tell them about my asthma?
We’ll ask you questions about:
- the medications you take for your asthma
- whether you've been in hospital recently for your condition
- if you have any related health conditions, like osteoporosis
Whatever we ask you is between us – it's just to make sure we can give you the right cover.
How much is travel insurance for people with asthma?
The cost of travel insurance with a pre-existing medical condition will probably be higher.
We know that can be frustrating - but paying for your own medical care abroad would be a lot more expensive.
The price of your travel insurance will always depend on:
- where you're travelling to
- how long you're going there for
- what you'll be doing while on your trip
- if you have any other health-related conditions
- the nature of your pre-existing condition
Does a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) cover my asthma?
Yes. A GHIC can help with medical costs in certain countries if you have asthma.
The point of these cards is to get you cheaper medical care abroad, or sometimes even for free.
Your GHIC can be used when you’re visiting certain EU and non-EU countries. Head to the official NHS webpage for a full list of these.
Read our guide on how and where you can use the GHIC or EHIC.
Don’t forget that the GHIC doesn’t cover costs outside of medical care, like coming home early because of your asthma or travel disruption.
How should I prepare to travel with asthma?
Before jetting off on your trip, get yourself ready so things go smoothly.
Visit a medical professional
Before you travel, see a medical professional for a check-up.
If your asthma is very bad, you might need their permission to confirm that you’re fit to fly.
Think about how you manage your asthma
If you’ve been diagnosed with asthma, a medical professional should give you some advice on how to manage it.
If you haven’t been given any advice, get in touch with them to see if they can offer you any extra support.
Think about the things that could make your asthma flare up and whether they’ll be an issue on your trip. That might include:
- exercising
- cold weather
- high pollen count
Check if it’s safe to travel to your chosen destination
Some countries restrict certain medications or have climates that can irritate your asthma.
Before you book your trip, check:
- the pollution levels and air quality where you’re travelling
- where you’ll be staying, and if the area is particularly hot, hilly or doesn’t have great transport links
- how far your accommodation is from the nearest hospital
- if the country you’re visiting has any rules or restrictions around importing medication – you might need to take your prescriptions with you to confirm that the medicine is just for you
Flying with asthma
Before taking to the skies, there are a few things you can do to prepare.
Pack your medication
Unfortunately, luggage can get lost or delayed sometimes.
Pack two inhalers, or two kinds of any medication you need, in separate bags just in case one of them gets lost.
Tell the airline about your asthma
If you’re asthma is very bad, chat to your airline about your needs at least 48 hours before you fly.
This might be if you need any medical equipment or what urgent care you might need if you have an asthma attack.
Read our guide on travelling with medication.
What should I take with me when I travel with asthma?
When you’re travelling with asthma, make sure you take:
- your chosen medical professional’s contact details
- a note about your medical history, translated into the language spoken where you’re heading
- a written list of all the medications you take
What should I do if I become ill while I’m abroad?
If it’s urgent, call the emergency services or go to the nearest hospital.
You should call us if you’re going into hospital or your medical costs are likely to be over £500, so we can help you.
Call your insurer’s emergency service or helpline as soon as possible. If you’re with us, our 24-hour emergency helpline is +44 (0) 292 010 7777.
You’ll need to call us within 24 hours of your medical emergency.
MoneyHelper Directory
If we can’t cover your medical condition, you can use the MoneyHelper directory to find a specialist insurer who might be able to cover you if you’ve been:
- refused travel insurance or had your policy cancelled
- offered cover with a medical exclusion that you can’t remove from your policy
- given a price for a travel insurance policy with high medical costs
MoneyHelper makes it easier to find and compare policies you can afford that cover your condition and medical needs.
Use the MoneyHelper directory online or call MoneyHelper on 0800 138 7777 (phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 6:00pm, excluding bank holidays).
