Travel insurance with asthma

When you’re travelling with asthma, you want to know you’ve got everything you need. But it can be tricky to track down medicines and equipment abroad. With our Comprehensive and Signature policies, we offer Personal Assistance Services for situations just like this.  

That support includes: 
 

• Help finding local pharmacies that stock your medications 

• Connecting you with English-speaking health professionals  

• Support with confirming prescriptions 

Please note, the cost of replacements is not a covered expense. 

If your health means you need to cancel or cut your trip short, we’ll get you home safely without the extra expense. That includes travel to the airport, any medical assistance or accommodation you need en-route, and cancellation costs up to the agreed amount as per your cover level. 

We’ll help with:  

• Coordinating care with your medical team back home . 

• Help with accommodation if you need to extend your stay. 

• Taking care of your transport arrangements, including travel to your local hospital if needed.  

• Rebooking flights and transfers. 

Hot and cold climates can irritate your lungs and airways, triggering asthma symptoms. It’s worth thinking about the forecast before you book a trip and knowing what can help you stay well while you’re away.  

• If you use a preventer inhaler, take it every day or as prescribed 

• If you use a reliever inhaler, always keep it with you when you’re out and about  

• When planning outdoor activities, check the weather forecast, including asthma triggers such as pollen, air pollution and temperature   

• Store your medication as per instructions to avoid overheating or freezing 

Your sleeping environment can help keep your asthma under control while you’re away. Not everyone has the same triggers, but you might want to consider staying somewhere with: 

• HEPA air filters 

• No smoking or pets 

• Hypoallergenic bedding  

• Minimal room furnishings (to avoid dust mites) 

• Air conditioning and heating units  

You can also look for hotels with allergy-friendly rooms, which usually meet the above criteria and more.  

Always follow your doctor’s advice on managing an asthma attack. It’s important this is up to date when you travel.  

In an emergency, contact the local emergency services first, and then call our 24-hour emergency helpline. Our team will help arrange your care and find the most appropriate place for treatment and follow up care. 

Our helpline is open 24/7, 365 days a year:  
 

• Calling from outside the UK: +44 1403 288 414 

• Calling from USA or Canada: +1 844 780 0639 

• Calling from Mexico: +1 819 780 0639 

• Calling from the UK: 01403 288 414 
   

If you or someone on your policy is admitted to hospital or your outpatient treatment is likely to cost more than £350, contact us as soon as possible. Where you have a valid claim and your medical expenses exceed £350, we will look to settle the bill directly with the medical provider where possible. 

If you have a non-urgent medical concern, such as sickness, headaches, or mild pain, contact our helpline first for advice on where to go for assistance.  

People with asthma are responsible for being up to date with suitable vaccinations, including those for travel. Respiratory viruses including Covid and flu can worsen asthma symptoms or trigger a flare up. 

Before travelling, speak to your doctor about any vaccinations you may need to stay safe abroad.  

Medical travel insurance for asthma covers things you’d expect from a travel policy, plus any events related to your asthma.  
 

But as good as travel insurance is, there are some things that can’t be covered.  

You’re not covered for: 

• Travelling against your doctor’s advice 

• Claims for pre-existing medical conditions you haven’t told us about 

• Routine check-ups, planned treatment or non-emergency care 

• Travel for medical procedures abroad 

• Reimbursement for lost, damaged or stolen medicines

• Incidents related to alcohol or controlled substances 

• Strike action that was common knowledge at the time of booking 

• Choosing private treatment when suitable public facilities are available 

• Choosing not to travel 

Discover more on what travel insurance covers. Always check your policy documents carefully to understand exactly what you’re covered for.  

When comparing travel insurance policies for asthma, you’ll want to look out for what’s covered and what’s not.  

The right travel insurance for asthma should: 
 

• Agree to cover pre-existing medical conditions, including asthma  

• Cover medical expenses, including necessary emergency travel home 

• Have a high medical cover limit 

• Help you to replace lost, stolen or damaged asthma medications 

• Cover you for cancellations or interruptions during your trip 

• Include 24/7 emergency assistance services while abroad 

Learn more about what’s covered under our medical insurance for pre-existing medical conditions or get a quote.