Understanding Asthma Coverage in Travel Insurance

Travelling with asthma can be a daunting experience, especially when it comes to navigating travel insurance. We discuss the basics, including what is covered, what to look for in a policy, and some helpful tips for travelling with asthma.

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Do I really need specialist travel insurance for my asthma?

Around 5.4 million people in the UK are receiving treatment for Asthma, and although asthma is generally well managed, travelling away from home can increase the risk of  exposure to triggers. 

Severe symptoms could be caused by a number of factors including air quality, allergens, illness, and experiencing these in an unfamiliar place can be very frightening.

A specialist asthma travel insurance policy includes cover for the unexpected, even if your condition is usually well controlled.

What does asthma travel insurance cover?

Most asthma travel insurance policies will cover emergency medical expenses related to asthma, such as hospitalisation, doctor visits, and medication.

It is important to note that pre-existing conditions must be declared when arranging travel insurance policies. If you have asthma, it is crucial to disclose this information when purchasing to ensure that you are adequately covered.

What to Look for in a Policy?

Emergency Medical Coverage: As mentioned, most travel insurance policies will cover emergency medical expenses related to asthma. However, it is crucial to check the policy’s limits and exclusions to ensure that you have adequate coverage.
Pre-Existing Condition Coverage: If you have a pre-existing condition, such as asthma, it is essential to look for a policy that offers coverage for these conditions. 
Coverage for Emergency Asthma Medication: If you require emergency medication for your asthma, it is crucial to check if your travel insurance policy covers the cost of these medications. 
Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage: Asthma attacks can happen unexpectedly, and they may force you to cancel or cut short your trip. It is essential to look for a policy that offers trip cancellation/interruption coverage for asthma-related emergencies.
24/7 Assistance: When travelling with asthma, it is reassuring to know that you have access to around-the-clock assistance in case of an emergency. All our policies come with a 24/7 multilingual helpline for total peace of mind!

Tips for Travelling with Asthma

Travelling with asthma requires some extra planning and preparation to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Here are some helpful tips for travelling with asthma:

Pack Your Medications- It is crucial to pack all your asthma medications and prescriptions when travelling. Make sure to bring enough medication for the duration of your trip, plus a few extra days in case of any delays. It is also a good idea to keep your medication in your carry-on luggage, so you have easy access to it during your flight.
Take a Prescription – not only will this allow you to get more medication in case yours gets lost or stolen, but it also prove that the medications you have with you are legal and needed.
Check the Air Quality of Your Destination – If you have asthma, it is essential to check the air quality of your destination before travelling. If the air quality is poor, it may trigger your asthma symptoms, and you may need to take extra precautions or consider changing your travel plans.
Get a Doctor’s Note – If you have a severe case of asthma, it is a good idea to get a doctor’s note before travelling. This note can be helpful if you need to explain your condition to airport security or customs officials. It can also come in handy if you need to seek medical attention while travelling.
Research Local Medical Facilities – Before travelling, research the local medical facilities at your destination and the emergency numbers. It is also a good idea to have the contact information for your doctor and any specialists you see regularly.
Get Travel Insurance with Asthma Coverage – As mentioned, it is crucial to have travel insurance that provides coverage for asthma-related emergencies. Consider purchasing a policy that offers coverage for pre-existing conditions, including asthma, to ensure that you are adequately covered.

Get Asthma Travel Insurance from the Experts!

We offer specialist travel insurance policies for all sorts of pre-existing medical conditions. All of our policies come with a 24/7 multilingual helpline and each policy can be tailored to suit your unique needs, no matter where in the world you are! 

Get in touch with us for a quote or call us on 01892 833338