Travelling with Asthma

If I have asthma will I still be able to have travel insurance?

Yes, we can usually offer medical travel insurance if you have or have had a history of asthma.

Asthma and respiratory conditions can vary considerably in severity, but all could have an impact if you need to make a claim, so it’s important that you declare your full medical history.

There may be some instances where we can’t provide you cover, but we’re here to explain things to you, should you need us.

What's covered?

MIA is made up of two specialist medical travel insurance products, Clear2Go and Clear4Travel. Each product has its own levels of cover:

• Medical cover up to £5,000,000 per person
• Baggage Cover of up to £1,500 per person
• Cancellation cover of between £1,000 and £2,000

• Medical cover up to £5,000,000 per person
• Baggage Cover of up to £1,500 per person
• Cancellation cover of between £2,000 and £5,000
• Hospitalisation cover and personal accident cover - inclusive of death benefit of up to £30,000

Please see our policy wording for a full list of benefits and exclusions.

Here at MIA, we offer a range of services dependant on your condition.

Our Clear4Travel product has a simple online quote system, meaning you can get covered quickly, however, if your condition is more complex or you have other serious conditions Clear2Go maybe the product for you. We have a friendly and experienced team waiting to talk you through the quote process, to make sure that you find a travel insurance policy that’s right for you.

Travelling with Asthma – Tips

Speak to your GP or Asthma Nurse before booking your trip, to make sure that they’re happy for you to travel. If you’ve recently seen a worsening of your condition, or you’re suffering frequent Asthma attacks, you may need to review your medication or Personal Asthma Plan before you travel.

You’ll need to take a copy of your Personal Asthma Plan, your usual medication in your hand-luggage and, if any of your necessary medication exceeds the current liquid limit of 100ml, a letter from your GP to explain why you need each one.

It may be worth contacting your hotel to ensure that you are staying in a non-smoking room, as smoking regulations are different in other countries. If you’re sensitive to feathers, consider taking your own hypo-allergenic pillows with you – or calling ahead to check that the bedding is suitable for you. Bear in mind that activities such as scuba diving can exacerbate your asthma, so consider getting professional advice before booking any excursions.

If your condition is under control and stable, air travel shouldn’t pose any significant problems, but air quality and lower oxygen levels can have an effect on some people. Again, speak to your Asthma Nurse or GP for advice before you travel if you have any concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, we’ll need to know your full medical history to offer you a quote. If you don’t declare all details, it could make it difficult for you to make a successful claim.

If you declare your full medical history, we should be able to find cover that’s right for you. If there are any exceptions that we can’t insure, we’ll let you know before you accept the travel insurance policy.

If you become unwell or suffer a respiratory infection, and as a result your doctor tells you to cancel your trip, we will offer cover for you, and any other travellers insured on your policy, subject to terms and conditions.

Should you become very unwell while you’re away or your condition worsens, we can arrange, with help from our Emergency Medical Assistance team, for you to be brought home.

No, but we do ask that you discuss your travel arrangements with your Asthma Nurse or GP, and that they make a note on your records that they’re happy for you to travel. If your GP or Asthma Nurse offers any restrictions to your travel, please let us know – it may make your policy invalid if you don’t.