Travel insurance for asthma.

Feel confident in your travel insurance when you have asthma

When you’re living with asthma, it’s important that you tell us about it and any other pre-existing health conditions you have on your travel insurance. That way, we can build a travel insurance policy with your needs in mind so you’ll be protected if the unexpected happens while you’re on holiday.

Why keeping your travel insurance up-to-date is important

When Richard ¹ had to cancel a special celebration cruise, being insured with us meant he was covered for the cost of his holiday with our cancellation cover. Not surprisingly, he didn’t think he’d need our help again any time soon.

But a few months later he got in touch again to tell us about a new medical condition, just as he was about to book his rescheduled cruise.

He feared it might be too late to be covered.

Once again, Richard was in safe hands. We helped him update his policy at very short notice to include his new medical condition, and he was able to rebook his cruise just as he’d hoped.

Making sure your travel insurance matches your medical history is vital. Like Richard, it can give you confidence that when we say your health conditions are covered – they’re covered.

Is asthma a pre-existing condition for travel insurance?

Asthma is seen as a pre-existing medical condition for travel insurance, so it’s important you let us know how your condition affects you on a day-to-day basis. That way, we can build your travel insurance policy to suit your needs so you can travel with cover that protects you.

That’s what we like to call peace of mind.

Is my asthma covered by my Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)?

If you’re planning a holiday to Europe, you’ll need to take a free GHIC (or an EHIC) as a condition of our travel insurance.

When the United Kingdom left the European Union, the GHIC replaced the EHIC as the means for accessing free or subsidised healthcare in selected European countries. Before you travel, make sure you check that your destination is covered by GHIC, just so you’re ready if you do need any emergency or necessary treatment for your asthma during your trip.

Remember, your GHIC is not the same as having good health conditions travel insurance. For example, it won’t cover you if you need to cancel your holiday.

Your GHIC helps reduce your medical costs where subsidised healthcare is available. If you can use your GHIC and have to pay a subsidised fee for your treatment, we’ll remove the excess fee on medical emergency claims for you.

What types of questions will I be asked about my asthma?

To give you an accurate quote, we will need to ask you some questions about your asthma:

• How many medicines are prescribed for your breathing condition? (Count each inhaler as one medicine.)
• Have you ever had a diagnosis of COPD (chronic bronchitis or emphysema)?
• Have you had any unplanned hospital admissions due to this condition?
• How short of breath do you get when walking on the flat?
• Have you ever been prescribed oxygen other than when you were in hospital?
• Have you ever been a smoker?
• In the last year have you had a chest infection or an episode of pneumonia?

Can I get travel insurance for my holiday activities?

Travel insurance can cover you for most sports and activities while you’re on your holiday. From swimming or golf to hiking and tennis, you’ll be able to enjoy your sports and activities knowing that if the unexpected happens, you’ll have our support.

With over 80 activities included on all our travel insurance policies, you can enjoy your holiday adventures with peace of mind.

Off on a ski trip? Make sure you buy your Winter Sports Travel Insurance, to be covered if disaster strikes on the slopes.

I’ve already bought cover for my asthma, do I need to keep you updated if my medical conditions change?

Yes, it’s essential that you let us know if your health conditions change so we can add any new conditions to your policy.

If you forget to let us know about any changes to your health, this may affect the validity of your policy, meaning your claim may not be accepted if you needed our help further down the line.