Cystic fibrosis travel insurance

Cystic fibrosis travel insurance covers you if you’re living with cystic fibrosis and wish to travel with peace of mind. This type of insurance covers you for medical emergencies, even those related to COVID-19, which is vital to prevent unexpected medical bills and give you the support you need if you have any medical problems while you are away. Providing you have fully declared your cystic fibrosis, cystic fibrosis travel insurance should cover you:

• To use a 24 hour emergency medical assistance line from abroad.
• To claim for any unplanned medical treatment and replacement medication*.
• For cancellation if you need to cancel your trip due to your cystic fibrosis.

*Providers will vary, so do check the cover limits of the policy you intend to purchase.

When you come to declare your cystic fibrosis, you’ll be asked the following questions:

• How many medicines do you take for the cystic fibrosis?
• How many hospital admissions requiring urgent treatment for CF have you had 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 hospital?
• Have you had or are you on a waiting list for a lung or liver transplant?

It’s important you answer these questions as accurately and honestly as possible. If you miss any important details, this could result in a claim being invalidated.

It’s important to declare your cystic fibrosis to ensure you’re covered for any medical treatment you may need for your cystic fibrosis while you’re away. If you need medication or antibiotics for your cystic fibrosis while you’re abroad, you should be able to claim back expenses, and if you have any more serious complications with your cystic fibrosis while you’re away, you will be covered for this as long as you have fully declared your condition.

What happens if you need to change something regarding your medical situation after you’ve purchased your policy?

If your medical situation changes after you’ve purchased your policy, you are still able to make changes. If you develop a new condition or your existing condition changes, please notify us at the earliest opportunity. For changes to your original medical declaration, just call our Customer Care Team on 01708 339029 and they’ll be happy to make any adjustments. Please note that in some cases an additional premium may be applied to your policy to make these changes. Please check your policy wording as providers may vary.

Our Travel Insurance: A simple 3 step quote process

If you have cystic fibrosis, it’s a good idea to plan your holiday thoroughly before you set off. That’s why we’ve put together these handy tips on travelling with cystic fibrosis.

Discuss your plans with your doctor

• Your doctor can help you with special prescriptions and documentation that you may need to carry the medicine. Make sure you have enough medication to last you your trip plus some extra in case of any delays, loss or damage.

Consider the time

• If you are travelling to a different time zone, you will need to give yourself some time to adjust. You may need to normally take your medications at precise times. This will need to adjust when you are waking up and going to sleep on a different schedule and it may take your body a while to adjust to the new routine.

• If you’re travelling to a different time zone and are unsure of the times you’ll need to take your medication when you arrive, your doctor may be able to help with this.

Medication

• If you require a range of medication then it’s a good idea to carry the prescriptions for these medicines with you. Contact your airline in advance if your medication needs to be stored specifically or if you need nebulisers or oxygen during the flight.

Flying

• High altitudes, air pressure and oxygen concentration can all play a part in how flying could affect your cystic fibrosis. Check with your doctor that you’re fit to fly before you book your holiday.

• It’s also important to remain hydrated during the flight so drink lots of water.

• Being dehydrated can increase the risk of DVT so it’s a good idea to get up walk around when possible during the flight and do some gentle foot and leg stretches while you’re seated.

EHIC

• If you’re travelling within Europe, you’ll be entitled to a European Health Insurance Card. You can get this for free from the NHS and this allows you the same level of medical cover as the residents in the country you’re visiting.

• This isn’t a valid form of medical travel insurance however and wouldn’t cover you if you needed to be bought home in an emergency. You still need comprehensive cystic fibrosis travel insurance too.

Relax and don’t try to do too much!

• Tiredness is a factor that can lead to illness. Recognize your limits, and don’t try to push yourself too hard. It’s a better idea to book a longer holiday than to try and pack too much into the time you have. Enjoy your trip and keep a good balance of rest and play. There’s nothing wrong with taking an afternoon out to relax by the pool with a good book!