Osteoporosis Travel Insurance

To get a quote by telephone, please call us on 01273 773 017 or chris@jsinsurance.co.uk

Osteoporosis is a progressive condition that causes bones to become fragile and more likely to break. Bones gradually become stronger during childhood and in to the mid 20s. However, by the mid 30s bones gradually start to become weaker and less dense as part of the natural aging process. Consequently in later life bones can become increasingly susceptible to breaking. At particular risk are the wrists, hips and spine.

Travel Advice

• Before your trip get a vision and hearing check-up. Good vision and hearing will decrease the likelihood of trips and falls.
• Stay relaxed and leave plenty of time to get from the airport to the hotel etc. Getting stressed and rushing around may result in a trip or fall.
• On arrival check for any hazards in and around the hotel.
• Avoid bending at the waist to lift heavy luggage as this will cause the spine to become compressed.
• Be careful if walking around busy markets etc and do not go out in icy conditions.

When getting a travel insurance quote, you will be asked a number of questions to ensure you get the right quote for you. When travelling with osteoporosis these will be:

• How many broken bones have you had in the last 5 years?
• Have you had any vertebral (backbone) fractures?
• Overactive thyroid
• Have you had all (or part) of your thyroid gland removed?
• Enlarged prostate
• Have you had more than two urinary tract infections in the last twelve months?

Women are at an increased risk because they generally have smaller bones and following menopause bone density loss increases as the ovaries stop producing the protective hormone oestrogen. Smoking, drinking alcohol to excessive quantities and doing little or no weight bearing exercise also increases the risk. Approximately half the population will have some level of Osteoporosis by the time they reach 75 years of age.

Thin, weak bones are not painful but obviously broken bones are. Broken wrists are usually the first indication of Osteoporosis. Broken hips commonly occur during the 70s and 80s due to Osteoporosis and can affect a persons independence. A full recovery is always possible but it may depend on how well a person was before the fall. Fractures in the spine can occur resulting in reduced height or an outward curvature. This can lead to complications due to reduced space being available for the internal organs.

To decrease a persons susceptibility to Osteoporosis it is important to maximise bone strength throughout all stages of life by eating a calcium rich diet and doing plenty of exercise. Falls in later years can be prevented by staying active to maintain good balance and co-ordination. A variety of medications may be prescribed to prevent and treat bone loss.

If you are travelling with others, we can include them on the policy even if they do not have any pre existing medical conditions.

Useful Websites: National Osteoporosis - About Osteoporosis by NHS - Osteoporosis Indepth

This Insurance is arranged by JS Insurance, underwritten by Towergate Underwriting and administered by UK Underwriting Ltd on behalf of Ageas Insurance Limited.