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Breathing conditions travel insurance

Despite the fact that they can often go unnoticed, breathing conditions – also known as respiratory conditions – are very common. As part of their study into the Respiratory Health of the Nation, the British Lung Foundation found that approximately one in five people in the UK is living with a long-term breathing condition. Some of the most widespread of these include asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These conditions affect approximately 8 million and 1.2 million people respectively.

Breathing conditions can affect anyone of any age and gender. Although they are more common amongst adults, around 9 per cent of children’s hospital admissions can be attributed to a breathing condition. There are a huge range of causes for different types of breathing conditions, but smoking is still the main cause of both COPD and lung cancer, two of the most serious illnesses within this group.

Living with a breathing condition can be a challenge, but with your doctor’s consent, it need not stop you from experiencing time away on holiday with friends and family. We aim to offer travel insurance for breathing conditions, and conditions that cause breathing problems. That way you can be safe in the knowledge that your medical travel insurance policy will be there for you if you need it.

Polaroid images holiday insurance with medical conditions

Why do I need travel insurance for my breathing condition?

Breathing is something most people think about very rarely. However, for those with a long-term respiratory condition or a condition that affects their breathing ability, the struggle to breathe freely can affect virtually every aspect of their lives. Some breathing conditions, such as asthma, are characterised by sudden ‘attacks’ of acute symptoms, but it is possible for any condition that affects your breathing to deteriorate without warning, no matter where you are.

It is vital to have the protection of specialist travel insurance when taking a trip. This is in case your breathing condition flares up or worsens – without it, you could be left unsure where to turn and with a hefty bill for overseas healthcare. Standard travel insurance companies might refuse to cover people with existing medical conditions. Specialist providers like Free Spirit, on the other hand, are dedicated to helping people who find it difficult to find cover due to their health. It is one of the UK’s largest travel insurance providers for people who have existing medical conditions, including breathing-related conditions.

Our travel insurance for breathing conditions includes a range of medical and non-medical features. These range from cover for your particular condition to emergency medical cover, protection for your passport, travel money and important travel documents to cover for damage to medical aids. We offer a medical emergency helpline that is available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, so you can rest assured that if you have a medical issue while you are away, there will always be someone on hand ready to help.

Benefits are also included for aftercare at home following hospitalisation, personal accident, personal liability, money & documents, missed/delayed departure, legal expenses and a winter sports option.

Take a look at the insurance policy for the full terms and conditions of our breathing and lung conditions travel insurance cover to make sure it’s suitable for your needs.

We specialise in travel insurance for breathing related conditions including:

Asthma

Over 12 percent of the UK population has been diagnosed with asthma, a long-term condition that affects the airways that carry air in and out of the lungs. Certain triggers can cause the airways to tighten during an asthma attack, including exercise, stress, cold air and inhaling certain substances.

COPD

Several other breathing conditions fall under the umbrella term of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Most people who have COPD have both of these conditions, although one may be worse than the other.

Alveolitis

Also known as hypersensitivity pneumonitis, alveolitis is an allergic reaction to repeatedly breathing in something that irritates the lungs over a long period of time. This could be mould or particles in animal droppings, although it can be very difficult to find the exact cause.

Asbestosis

This is caused by long-term exposure to asbestos; a potentially harmful substance found in some older buildings. Asbestosis results in wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain and a persistent cough. It usually takes many years of asbestos exposure for this condition to develop.

Pulmonary embolism

A pulmonary embolism is a serious medical problem and happens when a blockage forms in a blood vessel in your lungs. In most cases, a pulmonary embolism is caused by a blood clot in another part of the body, usually the leg, travels to the lungs and gets stuck in a blood vessel there.

Lung disease

Lung disease refers to any medical problem or condition that affects the way the lungs work. It includes problems with the airways that carry air into and out of the lungs, and conditions that affect lung tissue and lung circulation.

Cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a condition caused by a faulty gene. It results in a sticky mucus build-up in the lungs.

Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonary Fibrosis is a health condition where the lungs (pulmonary) tissue is scarred (fibrosis) and damaged.

Why choose Free Spirit for your breathing condition?

  • Most medical conditions and disabilities covered
  • No upper age limit on Single Trip and Annual Multi-trip
  • Choice of two cover options – Super and Super Duper
  • Single trips covered up to 94 days (45 days if aged 76 years or over)
  • Annual Multi-trip provides unlimited number of trips – travel up to 32 days per trip (Super) and 45 days (Super Duper)
  • Fully interactive website including online medical screening
  • Journey disruption / Airspace closure cover
  • Loss or damage to medical aids and prescribed medications

Cover your travelling companions on the same policy

Travelling companions can also be covered on Free Spirit, whether they have an existing medical condition or not. By including your travelling companions on your breathing conditions travel insurance policy, you can ensure the whole party has the same level of travel insurance cover. For example, if you had to cancel your holiday due to your breathing condition worsening, you and your travelling companions on the same policy would all be able to recoup some of the costs you’d already spent on flights and/or accommodation, which may not be the case if they had all taken out policies elsewhere.

How to get your Free Spirit breathing conditions travel insurance quote

Obtaining an instant quote for breathing conditions travel insurance and arranging cover could not be easier. Our fully interactive website includes quick and simple online medical screening, or you can call us and speak to a friendly member of staff in our UK-based call centre on 02392 419 080.

Travel, with confidence

Do you or a travel companion live with a breathing condition? If you’re planning a trip soon view the action for pulmonary fibrosis website which has lots of travel advice and tips to guide you in the right direction.

  • Testimonials

    I couldn’t find any record of my mum’s insurance and Mary helped me by sending several emails and by forwarding me the documents. I must commend Mary …
    J.Howcroft Middlesex


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