Specialist travel insurance for people with lung disease

For those living with lung disease, going on holiday can take extra time and consideration to plan, particularly if you require oxygen to aid your breathing.

However, as with many breathing conditions, a break can be completely worthwhile for the vital rest and relaxation it can bring.

As with any long-term health issue, one of the most important things you need to be sure of when going on holiday is that you have specialist travel insurance in place. Lung disease, in whatever form, is unpredictable and, if treatment is needed, it can often be due to an emergency situation.

Many standard travel insurance companies won’t cover someone with lung disease as the cost of potential treatment might be too high. Here at Free Spirit, however, we believe everyone has the right to some time away and that’s why we provide specialist travel insurance designed for people with pre-existing medical conditions, including lung disease.

What does specialist travel insurance for lung disease cover?

When you have travel insurance for lung disease in place, it means you’ll be covered should you need to see a doctor or go to the hospital for emergency medical treatment while you are away*.

In many countries overseas, medical care can be enormously expensive, which is why having medical travel insurance in place, such as Free Spirit, is so vital; it covers these costs*. That means, should you be taken ill, you don’t need to have a moment’s hesitation about the cost of seeking help.

The other main advantage of having specialist travel insurance in place to cover your lung disease is that you’ll also be covered in the event of having to cancel your holiday from the moment you book your trip**

Our travel insurance means you’ll be able to recoup some of the costs you have already paid out* if you can’t travel as planned due to your lung condition. We’ll also cover anyone that you are travelling with so long as they are also listed on your medical travel insurance*, even if they don’t have a medical condition themselves.

How do I get covered?

We know that having lung disease means you are probably no stranger to medical examinations and hospital appointments. That’s why at Free Spirit we avoid all of that, and simply ask you a few questions when establishing what level of specialist travel cover you need.

Simply call our medical travel insurance experts and they’ll ask you a short series of questions in order to understand more about your lung disease. Our friendly team are available on freephone 02392 419 080. Alternatively, you can do the whole process online*** by going to our get a quote online section.

Typical questions we will ask if you have lung disease

• How many medicines are prescribed for your breathing condition (count each inhaler as one medicine)?
• How many hospital admissions have you had for your breathing condition in the last year?
• How short of breath do you get when you are walking on the flat?
• Have you ever been prescribed oxygen other than when you are in the hospital?
• Have you ever been a smoker?
• In the last year have you had a chest infection or an episode of pneumonia?

*Cover is subject to the terms, conditions and limits of the Insurance Policy.

** Cancellation starts from the date you purchase your travel insurance (Single Trip), and on the date that you choose to start the policy (Annual Multi-trip).

*** In some cases, a quotation is not available online and you will be asked to telephone us to see if we can provide cover.

Travelling when you have lung disease

As with any pre-existing medical condition, it’s vital that you discuss your travel plans with your doctor before you book, and that they are happy for you to take the trip you’re planning.

If you are thinking of going abroad and need to take oxygen with you, be sure to check with the airline you will be flying with to find out their policy, as these can vary. Also, discuss with your oxygen supplier how you can boost your supply while you are away.

Make sure you have any medication you need with you at all times and take more than you need away with you just in case you lose any.

Try to reduce the amount of walking you will need to do by arranging transport to and from your destination and getting airport assistance as well. This can save you a significant amount of energy and effort walking to the gate in a large airport.

When you arrive at your holiday destination, it’s a good idea to make yourself aware of where the medical and emergency hospital facilities are so that in the event of you needing help you’ll know where to go.

Also, write down the 24-hour medical assistance phone number (you’ll find this in your travel insurance policy) as you will need to contact them as soon as possible should you need emergency medical treatment.

Having specialist travel insurance in place that covers your lung disease will mean you can relax and travel with complete peace of mind.

We hope you have a wonderful holiday.