Living with a lung condition, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), doesn’t mean you have to give up on your travel plans. It just means a little extra planning to make sure you’re safe and comfortable.
Whether you’re planning a city break or a long-haul holiday, here’s what you need to know. From travel insurance to what to pack and everything in between!
Can I get travel insurance if I have COPD?
Yes, you can still get travel insurance if you have COPD.
You just need to declare it as a pre-existing medical condition when you get a quote to make sure you’re covered.
What does travel insurance with COPD cover?
Travel insurance can help cover the cost of medical treatment if you get ill or injured abroad.
It also covers other things that matter to you too, like if your trip is cancelled or your belongings are stolen.
What doesn’t it cover?
We won’t cover your trip if:
- a medical professional told you not to travel
- you don’t take your medication with you
- you're travelling to get treatment abroad
- you behave irresponsibly
This isn’t the full list. You should always check your policy book for all limits and exclusions.
Should I declare my COPD?
It’s really important that you tell us about your condition when you get a quote. This is so we can give you the right type of cover and a policy that works for you.
If you don’t tell us about it and you have to make a claim, we could cancel your policy or refuse to pay you.
If we can’t cover you, you might be able to find a specialist insurer who can on the MoneyHelper directory.
The directory helps you find 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
- quoted 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.
You can access the MoneyHelper directory online or call MoneyHelper on 0800 138 7777 (phone lines are open Monday to Friday 8:00am - 6:00pm, excluding bank holidays).
Is COPD considered a pre-existing condition?
Yes, COPD is a pre-existing condition. This means it’s a condition that you have before you take out a policy.
Find out more about travelling with a pre-existing condition and what you need to declare.
How much does travel insurance cost with COPD?
How much your travel insurance costs depends on a few things. We’ll look at:
- where you’re going
- how long you’re going for
- what you’re going to get up to
- the nature of your pre-existing condition
Having COPD could make your travel insurance more expensive. That’s because you might be more likely to need medical treatment abroad.
Can I fly if I have COPD?
Yes, your condition shouldn’t stop you from seeing the world!
You just need to speak to your doctor first to make sure it’s safe for you to fly.
They can also give you a fit-to-fly assessment so cabin crew can understand more about your condition and what you need.
For example, you might need oxygen or extra support on the plane. Check with the airline how much notice you need to give them if you do need extra support.
Can I use an oxygen concentrator on my flight?
You should be able to take your oxygen concentrator on the flight with you. Just tell the airline beforehand to make sure it’s allowed.
You’ll also need to give them your doctor's letter, so they know more about your condition. And bring enough batteries to last you the flight and back.
What should I prepare before travelling with COPD?
Use these handy tips to make sure you have everything prepped before you go away.
Consider your destination and travel activities
Think about where you’re going and what you’re planning to do while you’re away.
Choose somewhere that's comfortable for you. Think about the activities you want to do and walking distances to places.
Also, be aware of extreme hot or cold weather as different climates can affect your breathing.
Visit your GP/doctor
Remember to get your fit-to-fly assessment from your doctor before you travel.
Contact your travel operator about your condition
It’s worth letting who you’re travelling with know about your COPD condition. Especially if you have to carry equipment with you, or if you need oxygen services.
Look up medical facilities at your destination
Make sure you know where the nearest hospital is in case there’s an emergency on holiday.
Look up drug restrictions in the country you’re visiting
Different countries have different laws and rules about medication. Make sure the country you’re going to lets you bring your medication with you.
You can check GOV.uk to find out about the latest laws and restrictions on taking medication in and out of different countries.
We've also covered some of the restrictions in our article on travelling with medication.
Tips for travelling with COPD
There are always things to prepare before setting off on your holiday.
But if you have COPD, it’s worth taking the extra time to make sure you have everything you need in case of an emergency.
Have a list of emergency contacts
This will help medical services know who to contact if you have an emergency abroad.
Pack your medication
Pack your medication and prescriptions in your hand luggage. Take extra to cover you for emergencies and delays. I
t's also worth taking a written list of the medication you need or the original packaging. This will help medical professionals and others know what you need to take in an emergency.
Keep your GHIC on you
If you have a GHIC card, take it with you.
A GHIC card helps you access treatment abroad. It shows foreign medical professionals that you're a UK national and entitled to cheaper medical treatment.
Sometimes, treatment can be cheaper if you have a GHIC card. But this depends on the country and where you're getting treatment from.
Will a GHIC cover my COPD medical expenses?
No. A GHIC card doesn’t cover medical expenses – you still have to pay. But it could make them cheaper.
That’s why it’s super important to get travel insurance. It covers medical costs if you have an emergency or need treatment abroad. It can cover pre-existing conditions like COPD, if you declare it on your policy.
What type of climate is best if I suffer from COPD?
Really cold or hot weather can cause breathing problems if you have COPD. If you’re wondering where to travel, look for destinations that are known for their comfortable climate.
Also, consider the time of year. It might be cooler to visit some places in spring rather than in the height of summer.
What should I do if I get ill on holiday?
First of all, you should:
- Call the emergency services straight away
Find the nearest hospital to get treatment.
- Call the 24-hour emergency assistance helpline as soon as possible
If you’re insured with us, you can find the contact details under the 'How to contact us’ section in your policy book.
Follow these steps for what to do if you get ill or injured abroad.
