You should always get travel insurance if you’re travelling abroad, even if you have a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
Make sure your insurance covers your lung condition and any other conditions you have. You need to tell the insurance company about all the conditions you have and any treatment or tests you’re due to have, or they may not pay out if you make a claim.
Look into insurance well in advance of your trip, and shop around for the best cover.
Consider whether the insurance covers:
- emergency transport, including ambulances and emergency travel home
- all the activities you want to do on your holiday
- reasonable costs for a family member or friend to stay with you, or travel out to accompany you home, if required
- excess on medical treatment if you have an EHIC or GHIC – some policies cover this and some do not.
When you’re travelling, keep your travel insurance documents inhand luggage in case your hold baggage gets lost. It’s a good idea to leave a copy of your policy details with someone back at home, in case they need to contact the insurance company on your behalf.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has guidance for getting travel insurance, including things to think about and policy exclusions to watch out for.
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association has a directory for travel insurance for people with medical conditions.
