Asthma Travel Insurance

If you have Asthma, even Mild Asthma, getting a Travel Insurance policy is a good idea, so you are fully covered for any medical expenses whilst travelling.

To contact us by telephone, 0800 043 0020 / 01273 092 757.

• Summary of Cover
• Medical Questions
• Symptoms and Causes
• Treatment for Asthma
• Travel Advice
• Useful Websites

*Excess payable does vary depending on the claim benefit.

JS Travel Insurance has partnered with Goodtogoinsurance.com to provide this Travel Insurance that covers Asthma. Goodtogoinsurance.com is a trading name of Ancile Insurance Group Limited, Registered Address: Kao Hockham Building, Edinburgh Way, Harlow, Essex, CM20 2NQ. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority - No. 471641.

When obtaining a quote for Travel Insurance to cover Asthma, you will be asked several questions:

• Have you ever been diagnosed with chronic airway disease (e.g. Chronic Bronchitis or Emphysema)?
• How old were you when this diagnosis was made?
• How long ago was the date of onset of your breathing problem?
• How many medicines do you take for your respiratory condition (count each inhaler as one medicine)?
• How many hospital admissions have you had for your respiratory condition in the last year?
• Have you needed treatment in an intensive care unit for this condition?
• Can you always walk 200 yards on the flat without shortness of breath?
• Have you ever been prescribed oxygen for use at home?
• Have you ever been a smoker?
• Do you use nebulisers as part of routine maintenance of asthma control?

When a patient comes into contact with an Asthma trigger, their condition can become irritated, leading to a tightening of the muscles around the walls of the airways. The lining of the airway also becomes inflamed and starts to swell.

Asthma triggers include air pollutants, colds and viruses, pollen, household dust mites, smoke and some foods.

What causes Asthma is unknown, but you are more likely to be a sufferer if you have a family history of Asthma, Eczema or other Allergies.

Rapid climate changes can bring on attacks; for example, travelling in an air-conditioned plane and coming out into a tropical climate can trigger an attack.

Asthma attacks often happen after a thunderstorm because the grass pollen ruptures and particles are released into the atmosphere.

Most people lead a public life by working on their condition through effective treatments. Some examples of treatments for Asthma include:

• Reliever and Preventer Inhalers (which deliver Medication directly to the lungs)
• Spacers (more common for children)
• Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists
• Theophyllines
• Oral Steroids
• Omalizumab
• Nebulisers (for severe Asthma attacks)
• Bronchial thermoplasty (for severe Asthma)

Asthma should not restrict your holiday plans; you must plan to minimise any problems. However, it is not advisable to travel during an Asthma flare.

• Discuss your travel plans with your Doctor and research where you can get medical help and extra medicine when you arrive at your destination.
• Pack enough Medication and inhalers to cover you for the entirety of your trip, and include an extra supply in case of loss or baggage delay.
• Take your reliever inhaler onto the flight as hand luggage. You may also need your preventer inhaler and Medication if taking a long-haul flight.
• If possible, take all your Medication onto the flight as hand luggage because Asthma medication would become less effective if it were to freeze in the hold.
• Remember to carry supporting documentation from your Doctor detailing why you must have your medicine on the flight.
• Know what to do during an Asthma attack, and do not ignore any gradually worsening symptoms.
• If you are travelling with a companion, inform them of your condition and what they can do to help you during an Asthma attack.
• Travelling to highly polluted cities may trigger a flare-up, so it is essential to be aware of the conditions at your destination.
• Travelling to mountainous and cold destinations may require an increase in Medication; consult your Doctor.
• If you know that you have specific triggers for your Asthma, such as animals, smoke or feather pillows, check ahead to see if you are likely to encounter them at your accommodation.
• If you are affected by pollen, plan your trip when pollen levels are low. Remember that you may react to pollens you have not previously encountered in your home country.
• Suppose you have severe Asthma and need assistance at the Airport. Let your Airline know at least 48 hours before your flight.
• If you use a Nebuliser, remember that other countries may have different power points. If your Nebuliser is battery-powered and you intend to take it on the plane, check with your Airline in advance.
• If you have not already had a flu shot, get one before flying, as air travel will increase your risk of getting the flu.

Asthma Society

Travelling with Asthma