Asthma Travel Insurance

Asthma sufferers can find insurance to cover mild symptoms right through to those which are more severe. Asthma is triggered when a sufferer comes into contact with something that irritates their airways and causes the muscles around the walls of the airways to tighten. When travelling, Asthma can be trickier to control as it can be more difficult to avoid situations that create the Asthma trigger.

Do I need to declare I am an Asthma sufferer?

We would not suggest travelling without adequate travel insurance for any pre existing medical condition, even when a condition is mild. If an Asthma attack causes a more serious situation to develop, you could face significant medical costs which may not be covered if your insurer considers the root cause was your Asthma. Medical costs abroad can be very expensive and, without adequate insurance cover, you can end up facing financial ruin if you suffer from a health-related problem while abroad.

We have listed some of the companies on the left which will cover your condition, including some who do not load premiums for mild sufferers (although this is dependent on other factors such as age and medical history).

Benefits of Asthma travel insurance

The main benefit of this type of insurance is that it allows travellers with Asthma to go abroad with peace of mind and without having to worry about extra medical costs in case something happens. With this service, Asthmatic holidaymakers are free to enjoy themselves as any other person on holiday does.

What our Experts say

"Most asthma sufferers have their condition under control when going about their daily lives but you never know how a change in environment could affect your asthma. More humid weather, a higher altitude or being in a city with all its fumes could all possibly make your health worse. A travel insurance policy that will cover those with asthma can give you support when you need it most."

Sally Wilson Moneymaxim Insurance Expert

What are the requirements for Asthma travel insurance?

In order to make an accurate assessment of your risk, an insurance company will ask for your medical history in order to tailor the insurance to your specific case. Typical questions are the following:

• Have you ever had a diagnosis made of chronic airways disease (eg chronic bronchitis or emphysema)?
• How old were you when this diagnosis was made?
• How many medicines do you take for your Asthma (count each inhaler as one medicine)?
• Do you use nebulisers as part of routine maintenance of Asthma control?
• How many hospital admissions have you had for your Asthma in the last year?
• Have you been treated for Asthma in an intensive care unit in the last five years?
• Can you always walk 200yds on the flat without becoming short of breath?
• Have you ever been prescribed oxygen for use at home?
• Have you ever been a smoker?

The price you pay for travel insurance with Asthmatic conditions can vary widely depending on the specific type or circumstances.

Tips for finding the best Asthma travel insurance

Something to bear in mind when looking for relevant travel insurance to cover a specific health condition is to remember that you should always tell the truth when making an application for insurance. If you do not reveal your full state of health and make a claim on your insurance at a later date, it could be invalid and you'd be left to cover full medical and repatriation costs back to the UK.

Where can I purchase Asthma travel insurance?

Asthma travel insurance can be purchased in many ways. You can even get a quote for pre-existing Asthma travel insurance online or over the telephone. These days there are numerous platforms available, so purchasing travel insurance when in bad health can be solved within minutes.

This content was last reviewed on 03/04/2024