Arranging travel insurance when you have a lung condition
You should always get travel insurance if you’re travelling abroad, even if you have a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
Consider if the insurance covers:
- your lung condition and any other conditions you have
- the full length of your trip
- 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 charges on medical treatment if you have an EHIC or GHIC. Some policies cover this payment, and some do not.
It’s important to tell the insurance company about any treatment or tests you’re due to have. If you don’t tell them, they may not pay you if you make a claim. If you’re on an NHS waiting list for diagnosis or surgery, you should still be able to get cover.
Insurance companies are legally allowed to charge more if they can show there is a greater risk to insure someone. This can make travel insurance quite expensive, so try to look for insurance early and compare different companies to find the best cover.
When you’re travelling, keep your travel insurance documents in your hand 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.
Further support for getting travel insurance
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has guidance for getting travel insurance. This includes things to think about and policy exclusions to watch out for.
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association has a directory of travel insurance for people with medical conditions.
Money Helper is a free, UK government service. They have a directory that can help you find specialist cover for medical care when you’re travelling.
Getting a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
If you’re travelling or going on holiday to an EU country, you can apply for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) . This lets you get healthcare in EU countries, including:
- emergency treatment
- treatment for long-term medical conditions
- routine medical care for pre-existing conditions that need monitoring
- oxygen therapy.
The UK GHIC replaces the old UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). If you have an EHIC you can continue to use it until the expiry date. Once it expires, you’ll need to apply for the GHIC instead.
You’ll still need to get travel insurance even if you have GHIC or EHIC because they do not cover everything.
You can find out more about the GHIC and EHIC, what they cover, and how to apply on the NHS website.
How do you claim a refund for treatment costs?
You may be able to claim a refund if you have paid for state-funded medically necessary treatment while visiting an EU country or certain other European countries.
For more information and to download a refund form, see the NHS Business Services Authority website.
You can use our holiday checklist to make sure you’re fully prepared for your trip.
Get support
Call or email our helpline for support with any aspect of living with a lung condition – whether you need practical advice, emotional support, or answers to health-related questions. You can also find support through our groups.
