On World COPD Day we’d like to talk about the importance of getting the right travel insurance if you suffer from a lung condition.

World COPD Day is organised every year by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease to raise awareness of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease around the world. Within the UK World COPD Day is supported by The British Lung Foundation who organise a number of events across the country.

COPD affects approximately 3 million people living in the UK, with an estimated 2 million not knowing that they have the condition. Someone living with COPD is likely to have to make changes to their lifestyle, but there are ways of managing the condition, including breathing exercises, pulmonary rehabilitation, stopping smoking and oxygen.

Travelling with a lung condition (COPD)

Living with COPD shouldn’t stop you having a holiday abroad, but you should need to visit your doctor to ensure you are fit to fly first, and plan your trip carefully.

For instance you should ensure that you pack enough medication for your whole trip, plus some spares, in your hand luggage and if you are using oxygen tell your airline or tour operator as soon as possible, you may need to get a note from your doctor to be able to take your oxygen on board the aircraft.

The British Lung Foundation publishes some useful information about going on holiday with a lung condition; visit their website for more information.

Obtaining travel insurance cover for COPD

The most important element of a travel insurance policy is the protection it provides against the risk of incurring large medical bills if you fall ill on holiday.

In order to be fully covered by your travel insurance for all of your existing medical conditions, including lung conditions, you must declare them to your insurance provider.

If you don’t give your insurer an accurate picture of your health you could find that your policy is invalid and you become liable for the bills yourself.

It’s not difficult to declare your medical conditions; you can do it online or by phone and it should only take a few minutes. The important thing to remember is to take your time and answer all of the questions accurately and honestly.

When you declare COPD you will be asked a short series of multiple choice questions about your lung condition such as; how long you have had COPD, how many medicines you take and whether you have had any hospital admissions in the last year.

You will not need to give the names of your medication, or obtain a doctor’s note.

Goodtogoinsurance.com is proud to be able to provide travel insurance for all types of lung conditions, including COPD. Since our launch in 2010 we have insured over 100,000 travellers who may have had difficulty obtaining travel insurance due to their health or age.

Find out more about travel insurance for medical conditions >>